Sponsorship Director, Americas

The GIST
The GIST

Posted on Oct 5, 2026
The Sponsorship Director, Americas is a senior commercial leader responsible for driving partnership revenue and expanding SailGP's commercial footprint across North America, Latin America, and Canada. Reporting to the Chief Revenue Officer based in the NYC SailGP office, this role is the primary driver of new business across the Americas, owning the full sales cycle from prospecting through to closing on sponsorship, partnership, and licensing opportunities.Key Responsibilities:Partnership Sales & Revenue GenerationLead the development and execution of a comprehensive sponsorship sales strategy across the Americas region to meet and exceed annual revenue targetsIdentify, prospect, and close sponsorship and partnership sales across a range of categories including tiered deals across the League and EventsBuild and manage a robust pipeline of prospective partners, leveraging CRM tools (Monday.com) to track activity and forecast accuratelyDevelop compelling, tailored sales proposals and presentations that articulate SailGP's unique value proposition to brands and agenciesLeverage SailGP strategic agency relationships to drive sponsorship sales across Events, League and Team partnersStrategic Partnership DevelopmentCultivate senior-level relationships with brand marketers, agency partners, and C-suite decision makers across key verticals including financial services, automotive, technology, luxury, and CPGIdentify and structure innovative partnership frameworks beyond traditional sponsorship, including supplier integration, licensing, content partnerships, hospitality, and experiential activationsCollaborate with the global commercial team and external agencies to ensure regional strategy aligns with overall league objectivesMarket DevelopmentConduct ongoing market analysis to identify emerging opportunities, category whitespace, and competitive dynamics across the AmericasRepresent SailGP at industry events, conferences, and networking forums to build brand awareness and generate leadsWork closely with the events and host city teams to support commercial integration around Americas-based race eventsCross-Functional CollaborationCollaborate closely with peer Sponsorship Directors to drive a unified, consistent, and cohesive sales strategy.Partner with the partnership activation and marketing teams to ensure seamless transition from sale to delivery, maintaining high partner satisfaction and renewal ratesWork with Finance team to develop sound margin outlook for partner dealsCollaborate with the global media and content teams to develop commercially compelling storytelling tools for the sales processProvide regular reporting on pipeline, revenue performance, and market insights to senior leadershipQualifications:10+ years of experience in sports commercial, partnership sales, or business development, with a proven track record of closing complex, high-value dealsMust be available for extensive travel; time in-person with senior leadership at industry events, regional HQ presentations, and SailGP strategic cities (including but not limited to NYC, San Francisco, Miami, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Toronto, etc.)Deep knowledge of the North American sports and sponsorship landscapeExisting relationships with senior brand and agency contacts across the AmericasStrong presentation, negotiation, and communication skillsEntrepreneurial mindset with the ability to operate independently in a fast-paced, global organizationPassion for sailing or premium/international sports a plusBachelor's degree required; MBA or equivalent a plusKey Expectations:Champion an inclusive environment where diversity is valuedAdvocate and promote SailGP Values and contribute to a positive culture - Deliver Quality, Break Boundaries, Make an Impact, Strike a Balance, Stand TogetherOperate with a financially responsible mindset and strive for the commercial sustainability of SailGPConsider how each team action contributes to Better Sport, Better PlanetDevelop creative solutions that allow for quality work to be deliveredDrive collaboration and team work within the department and across the organizationPromote working practices that enable a healthy work life balance within the team and celebrate wellbeingSupport out of the box thinkingSupport teams with developmental goals and growth plansEncourage the delivery of work that will leave an impact on the organizationEngage in high level thinking to drive the team and organization forwardExercise key problem solving skills and serve as advisor to multiple areas of the businessStrategize constructively with key stakeholders and team managersAble to see and work towards the bigger pictureLocation:This is a hybrid role requiring 3 days per week in our New York City office, alongside regional and international travelSailGP is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace committed to building a team culture that celebrates diversity, equity and inclusion.