Partnership Development Manager

The Role

We are seeking a forward-thinking, dynamic professional to join our prestigious 281-year-old brand and harness the power of our unparalleled assets to craft impactful marketing partnerships. Sotheby's Brand Partnerships team develops bespoke partnerships with like-minded companies across multiple verticals, leveraging the power of the Sotheby's brand and its global reach across art, culture and luxury.

Our omnichannel partnership model encompasses digital and print media, experiential marketing, and innovative commerce solutions. Our partners are best-in-class global brands spanning luxury goods, technology, financial services, automotive, hospitality, real estate, and travel.

Responsibilities

• Develop new partnership formats and strategies with a strong focus on revenue generation and business development.
• Drive the strategic development of meaningful and immersive brand activations across digital, physical, and content partnerships.
• Support acquisition process, managing outreach, prospecting
• Lead pitches
• Concept, develop, and present elevated partnership proposals with a clear, compelling storyline, backed by thorough research and strategic insights
• Execute partnership deals with end-to-end ownership, acting as the primary account manager and ensuring smooth execution from inception to completion.
• Proactively nurture and support each partner, acting as a key advisor on processes, market opportunities, and strategic collaboration.
• Manage the operational aspects of partner activations, including logistics, regulations, buildout, permitting, and on-site execution.
• Oversee contract management, benefit fulfillment, financial control, invoicing, and reporting processes.
• Monitor partnership performance, analyze key metrics, and provide strategic insights for continuous improvement.
• Compile partnership reports, post-event feedback, and debriefs to measure ROI and optimize future partnerships.
• Oversee collateral management (print, digital, and on-site signage) as related to partners.
• Collaborate with internal teams-including Marketing, Communications, Specialist Departments, Legal, Business Development, and Special Events-to ensure seamless communication and alignment.
• Identify the partnership package being offered and secure approved/ pre-approved rights and benefits with internal local stakeholders.

Ideal Experience & Competencies

• 7+ years of experience in partnership marketing, business development, or account management, with a proven ability to secure and execute high-impact brand collaborations.
• Creative and strategic thinker, able to develop innovative, forward-thinking partnerships that drive brand engagement and revenue.
• Strong sales & negotiation skills, with experience leading pitches and closing high-value deals.
• Project & account management expertise, capable of overseeing complex activations and coordinating cross-functional teams.
• Results-driven mindset, skilled in setting performance metrics, tracking ROI, and optimizing partnerships for long-term success.
• Entrepreneurial spirit, with a proactive, solution-oriented approach to driving growth and identifying new opportunities.
• Detail-oriented & excellence-driven, with a commitment to delivering best-in-class execution.
• Exceptional communicator & relationship builder, with strong presentation and interpersonal skills.
• Self-motivated and highly organized, able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Passion for the art world & luxury industry is a plus.

Pay and benefits

The proposed base salary for this position ranges from $100,000-$130,000. In addition to base salary successful candidates are eligible to receive a discretionary bonus, as well as a competitive benefits package. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, licensure or certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered.

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