Sponsorship Specialist

Responsible for identifying and attaining new sponsors for Fairplex’s self-produced events through the sale of integrated sponsorship packages for the L.A. County Fair and other programs as determined. Assists Associate Director of Sales & Marketing in the research and execution of sales programs for Fairplex and the L.A. County Fair. In addition, performs a broad range of sales-related duties for the Sales teams.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Promotes and markets Fairplex to a variety of potential sponsors for the L.A. County Fair on a year round basis.
• Sells integrated sponsorship packages for the L.A. County Fair and other self-produced events such as: Cheers, Kaboom, Oktoberfest, En Memoria and other possible future events
• Supports with the presentation sponsorship packages on a regional and national level
• Enters and maintains sponsorship sales leads in the sales contact database; provides research assistance identifying trends and seeking out appropriate corporate contacts.
• Contacts and screens sales prospects through dedicated and focused telemarketing and site visits of Fairplex;
• Conducts dedicated daily cold calls based upon assignment of specific sponsorship categories and provides weekly sales reports.
• Oversees all activation and operational aspects of Fairplex sponsorship programs by executing the contractual marketing deliverables.
• Attends fairs, festivals, consumer, trade and other industry events to solicit new sponsors.
• Represents and promotes Fairplex within various networking groups and key industries.
• Seeks out potential mobiles as a sponsor during the L.A. County Fair.
• Reviews all sponsorship contracts and ensures that contractual obligations to all sponsors are met prior to and during the sponsored event.
• Provides input and assists in the creation and execution of sales and marketing presentations for Sponsorship Sales.
• Works with Associate Director of Sales & Marketing on the design, execution and completion of the Sponsorship fulfillment reports; finalized within 30 days after the completion of each sponsored event.
• Collaborates with other departments (Marketing, Events, etc.) to develop integrated sponsorship packages.
• Prepares communication tools for sponsorship to include reports, project timelines, proposals, presentations and the partner’s manual.
• Ensures that all sponsor related elements on Fairplex’s websites are up-to-date and contain appropriate communication and forms for sponsors.
• Acts as key contact for sponsor activation during Fairplex events, including coordination for set-up and tear-down.
• Attend all sponsorship related internal planning meetings.
• Assists Associate Director of Sales & Marketing on assigned projects for Fairplex and the L.A. County Fair.
• Other sales duties as assigned.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
Four-year degree at an accredited college or university and a minimum 3 to 5 years of proven sales experience in the sponsorship industry is preferred. Excellent oral and written communication skills are a must. Must be an intelligent negotiator with a strong closing ability. Computer skills are required and experience with sales related software packages preferred. Must have the ability to analyze current market trends, research appropriate business opportunities and follow through on leads. Must possess the ability to adjust sales efforts as the market demands. The ability to work in a team environment focusing on the overall success of the sales department. Being a strategic thinker, self-motivated and task oriented is essential. Must be detail and deadline oriented and be able to work efficiently in a fast paced environment. Must possess exceptional customer relations skills and telephone etiquette. Requires the ability to work weekends, some evenings and Fair days.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF JOB
1. Requires a valid California driver’s license, reliable private transportation and the ability to drive a golf cart.
2. Ability to move around the grounds and lift a minimum of 15 lbs.
3. Computer operation, typing and calculator skills.
4. Available for weekend and evening work.
5. Analysis and report writing skills.