Partnerships Manager

Waggle is seeking a Partnerships Manager to build and manage relationships across athlete, corporate and community partners. This is a foundational strategic and executionary role, responsible for both maintaining existing partnerships and identifying new opportunities that drive brand growth.You’ll lead day-to-day communication, coordination and strategy to bring partnerships to life—working closely with key roles across the organization to create impact for Waggle and its partners. This role is highly relationship-driven, best suited for someone who genuinely enjoys connecting with people, building trust and creating long-term partnerships.The ideal candidate will be proactive, organized and eager to step into a new role at a fast-growing brand. They will have a service-first mindset, with a passion for making others feel valued, heard and excited to work with Waggle.This role reports to the VP of Brand.Daily Partnership ManagementManage day-to-day communication with athlete, corporate and community partnersEnsure a consistent and positive experience for all partners, building genuine relationships and affinity for the brandCoordinate all partnership deliverables, working cross-functionally with marketing, creative, merchandising and salesServe as a trusted and responsive point of contact, maintaining relationships through thoughtful communication and follow-throughOwnership of all merchandise components, including in-kind, charitable, trade, wholesale and custom collaboration productEnsure all deliverables align with internal and partner brand standardsStrategy & Opportunity DevelopmentIdentify and evaluate new partnership opportunities using deep understanding of brand identity and goalsConduct ongoing research and outreach to maintain list of potential partnersBuild authentic relationships that create long-term opportunities for the brandProvide regular updates to executive leadership on opportunities and recommendations, pulling in key roles as needed for relationship building, deliverables and contract negotiationDefine partnership deliverables and track performanceBudget & OperationsManage partnerships budget and track spendMaintain organization across contracts, timelines and deliverablesOwn coordination and execution of all product deliverables for partners, placing and tracking wholesale, in-kind and trade ordersIdentify opportunities to implement and improve processesAdditional ContextFirst dedicated partnerships hire with opportunity to build processes from ground upNo direct reports at this timeThis role does not manage social creator / influencer partnershipsQualifications4-6+ years experience in partnerships, sports or apparel industry is preferredExperience managing relationships with athletes, organizations or charitiesStrong organizational, communication and problem-solving skillsEnthusiasm for building authentic relationships across a wide variety of partnersAbility to manage multiple projects and timelines simultaneouslyComfortable presenting ideas to leadershipExperience with events, activations or content production is a plusWhy Join WaggleOpportunity to build and shape partnerships at a growing brandDirect exposure to brand leadership and decision-makingWork across a variety of sports, community and lifestyle partnershipsBe part of a fast-growing team rooted in creativity, individuality and communityBenefitsHybrid (3 days in-office required)Simple IRA and/or Roth with company matchHealth Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA)Employer-Sponsored Life/AD&D InsurancePaid Time OffApparel & Gifting Allowance