WNBA Merchandising Partnerships

Manager, WNBA Merchandising PartnershipsThe WNBA is the hottest sports league on the planet. It has evolved to be the epitome of sports performance, cultural influence, and depth of purpose. Featuring 16 teams (soon to be 18), the W is a unique sports property that combines competition and entertainment with a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and social responsibility. Through its world-class athletes, in-game fan experience, TV and digital broadcasts, digital and social content, and community outreach programs, the league celebrates and elevates the game of basketball and the culture surrounding it. WNBA Merchandising is in constant evolution and rapid growth mode as the league, its teams, players, partners, and fans demand more from the function.The Merchandising Partnerships team focuses on the WNBA's global relationships across the consumer products landscape. This includes partnerships in sporting goods, apparel, video games, collectibles, digital products, hard goods, and other product categories. Key partners include Nike, 2K, Fanatics, Panini, Playa Society, and many others. The Merchandising Partnerships team is also responsible for the league's commerce efforts (e-commerce and brick & mortar).Essential Functions and Job/Position SummaryThe Manager, WNBA Merchandising Partnerships, will support the WNBA across all merchandise categories, focusing on WNBA-led partnerships and supporting the league's overarching operations and strategy. The role will be responsible for day-to-day management of licensees and projects with the goal to help drive revenue through the sales of licensed WNBA products. This role will have the opportunity to interact with internal and external stakeholders. A successful candidate will possess a process-oriented mindset with strong project management skills and a keen eye for detail.Major ResponsibilitiesSupport the WNBA Merchandising Partnerships team with the day-to-day management of the business and partnership account management.Oversight and execution of day-to-day licensing operations (product and marketing collateral approvals, deal memo/contract development and tracking, vendor compliance)Manage inputting of contractual and financial information into internal systems, including Deal Management System (DMS), Flowhaven, the Third Party Manufacturer process (TPM), and other systems necessary to manage our business.Maintain financial budget and projection documents while also assisting with royalty and payment tracking for partnersWork cross-functionally with other departments such as finance, hospitality, player marketing, marketing & legalResponsible for all internal comms and trackers (e.g., weekly report, gathering info for internal meetings, etc.)Development of industry dashboards and analytics standards for all merchandise categories, and serve as women's sports merchandise expertRequired Education/Professional Experience5 years working in licensing and sponsorship businesses; prior industry experience in women's sports or fashion industry preferredBachelor's degreeRequired Skills/Knowledge AttributesHigh competency level with Word, Excel, PowerPointSharp eye for detail and high level of organizationMotivated go-getter with demonstrated ability to self-startStrong time-management and multi-tasking skillsAbility to seamlessly manage multiple workstreams at onceExcellent interpersonal and communication skillsGeneral knowledge of consumer products and/or partnerships industry plus a passion for women's sportsStaunch work ethic and team playerSalary Range: $110,000-$125,000