Associate Director, Content +

ROLE SPECIFICATION

Job Title:AssociateDirector, Sports

Reporting to:Director, Sports

Location:New York

About WPP

WPP isthecreative transformation company. We use the power of creativity to build better futures for our people,planet,clientsand communities. For more information, visit wpp.com.

WPP Media is WPP's global media collective. In a world where media is everywhere and in everything, we bring the best platform, people, and partners together to create limitless opportunities for growth. For more information, visit wppmedia.com.

At WPP Media, we believe in the power of our culture and our people.It'swhat elevates us to deliver exceptional experiences for both our clients and each other. In this role it will be critical to embrace WPP & WPP Media's shared core values:

• BeExtraordinarybyLeading CollectivelytoInspiretransformationalCreativity.

• Create anOpenenvironmentbyBalancing People and Client ExperiencesbyCultivating Trust.

• LeadOptimisticallybyChampioning Growth and DevelopmenttoMobilize the Enterprise.

AboutWavemaker: A Leading WPP Media Brand

Wavemaker positively provokes growth for clients by reshaping consumer decision-making and experiences through media, content, and technology. Our name is both our mission and our method. We do our best work for brave brands and people who relish being challenged to go further and faster, together.

About The Role

Are you a dynamic and experienced leader with a passion for sports and entertainment partnerships, eager to drive strategic initiatives for a key client?WPP Media's Sports & Entertainmentpractice is seeking an exceptional Associate Director tooverseecritical brand partnershipinitiativesfora fast-paced brand.

This pivotal role demands a proven leader who can inspireateam, while also serving as theprimary lead for all soccer partnerships across league, teams, talent and governing bodiesand other strategic sport partnerships. You will be instrumental in shaping the vision and execution ofabrand'spresence in thedynamic sports and entertainment landscape, translating complex challenges into actionable strategies, maximizing brand impact, and delivering measurable results. We are looking for a hands-on strategic operator who fosters excellence and drives innovative solutions acrossawide-rangingpartnershipportfolio.

Key Responsibilities

Diverse Partnership PortfolioOversight

• Lead the strategic planning, negotiation, and activation of an extensive portfolio of sports and entertainment partnerships for the client's soccer portfolioand other strategic partnerships.

• Manage all aspects of the partnership lifecycle, including opportunity identification, agreementstructuring, and execution of deliverables.

• Ensure seamless integration across media, experiential, content, and talent channels to develop holistic and impactful campaigns.

• Continuouslyoptimizepartnership value,monitorperformance, and implement strategies to maximize ROI and achieve measurable results aligned with clientobjectives.

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Build andmaintainstrong senior client relationships as a trusted advisor and strategic partner.

• Collaborate seamlessly with internal teams (media, content, analytics) and external partners (leagues, teams, properties, talent agencies) to deliver integrated solutions.

• Presentproactivestrategic recommendations and performance insights clearly and persuasively to drive client growth.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of sports and entertainment marketing professionals.

• Foster a culture of proactive thinking, continuous improvement, and excellence by driving professional development,identifyinggrowth opportunities, setting clearobjectives, conducting regular reviews, and ensuring the team is equipped with up-to-date industry knowledge and strategic capabilities.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive experience in sports and entertainment marketing, witha significant portionin an agency setting or managing a diverse brand partnership portfolio.

• Demonstratedexpertisein overseeing and executing premiumSoccer partnershipsand other sportsfor major brands, ensuring exceptional, high-touch experiences for diverse stakeholders.

• Proventrack recordof leading, developing, and inspiring high-performing teams.

• Deepexpertiseacross a broad spectrum of sports and entertainment properties, with a demonstrated ability to navigate complex ecosystems and contractual agreements.

• Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate complex challenges into actionable, innovative solutions.

• Strong understanding of the full marketing funnel and how sports and entertainment partnerships drive brandobjectives, from awareness to conversion.

• Demonstrated ability to develop, negotiate, and execute comprehensive, integrated marketing programs that deliver measurable results.

• Superior communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, capable of influencing senior stakeholders and fostering strong client relationships.

• A proactive, entrepreneurial mindset with a relentless drive for innovation and excellence.

Attributes

• Visionary:Possessesa forward-thinking perspective,anticipatingtrends and shaping future strategies.

• Inspirational Leader:Motivates and empowers teams to achieve their full potential and deliver exceptional work.

• Strategic Thinker:Connects the dots between clientobjectives, market trends, and innovative partnership solutions.

• Passionate:Brings a genuine thrill and excitement to the role and the world of sports and entertainment.

• Agile:Is ableto benimble in thought and action and overcome obstacles to achievegreat things.

• Collaborative:Works well withothers, andcan align behind a shared purpose.

• Entrepreneurial:Is open to newideas, andwill challenge old ones.

• Diverse:Is proud of the difference they can bring.

Life at WPP Media & Benefits

Our passion for shaping the next era of media includes investing in our employees to help them do their best work, and we're just as committed to employee growth as we are to responsible media investment. WPP Media employees can tap into the global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, grow their networks, and learn at the cutting edge of marketing and advertising. We have a variety of employee resource groups and host frequent in-office events showcasing team wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events. Our benefits include competitive medical, group retirement plans, vision, and dental insurance, significant paid time off, preferential partner discounts, and employee mental health awareness days.

WPP Media is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.

We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we've adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

WPP Media is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to, among others, individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans. If you need an accommodation because of a disability to search and apply for a career opportunity with WPP Media, please send an e-mail to GroupM Leave Administration at Leave.Administration@groupm.com or call (212) 297-8507 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

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