Director, Partnerships & Sales 2025

• Develop and implement sales strategies that grow revenue across sponsorships, consumer and trade events, venue rentals, and grant-supported initiatives
• Develop and manage the annual budget for the Partnerships & Sales portfolio, ensuring targets, resource allocation, and financial performance align with revenue goals and strategic priorities
• Track and analyze KPIs, forecasts, and pipeline performance to support data-driven decision making and sales optimization
• Collaborate with Finance to ensure pricing models, reconciliations, and reporting systems reflect business priorities and profitability goals
• Translate organizational growth objectives into tactical action plans across sales and partnership channels

• Oversee REAL’s sponsorship strategy, including prospecting, negotiation, and relationship management
• Enable and support the Manager of Sponsorships to deliver on portfolio growth through innovation, clear targets, and partner stewardship
• Build and maintain senior-level relationships with key sponsors and community partners, stepping in on high-value or complex opportunities as needed
• Identify and commercialize new partnership assets and revenue-generating opportunities across REAL’s venues and events
• Ensure sponsorships are integrated into marketing, events, and guest experience strategies to deliver mutual value

• Lead a dynamic team responsible for selling and servicing third-party events such as expos, tradeshows, banquets, meetings, and rentals
• Set clear sales goals and pipeline expectations, ensuring regular progress updates and performance reviews
• Provide guidance on event pricing, client service models, and booking strategies that optimize venue use and client satisfaction
• Support the team in securing new business, maintaining strong industry relationships, and collaborating cross-functionally on event delivery
• Drive strategies to increase campus utilization, repeat bookings, and client retention

• Guide the identification and pursuit of grants, bids, and funding opportunities that align with REAL’s business and community objectives
• Ensure high-quality written submissions are prepared in alignment with program criteria and strategic goals
• Partner with internal teams to gather data, outcomes, and reporting materials for funded projects

• Build and maintain productive relationships with local and regional business, tourism, and economic development partners to support shared goals and expand REAL’s reach and impact
• Represent REAL at external events, trade shows, and partner meetings to elevate the organization’s visibility and business network
• Ensure alignment between REAL’s partnership activities and the broader economic development goals of the region

• Demonstrates a strong commercial mindset with a proven ability to drive revenue through sales strategy, prospecting, and relationship building
• Identifies and acts on growth opportunities to maximize value across sponsorships, partnerships, and event sales

• Leads high-performing teams with clear targets, consistent performance monitoring, and a results-driven culture
• Translates strategic direction into practical execution plans and holds self and others accountable to outcomes

• Builds trust and rapport with internal and external stakeholders, including clients, partners, and collaborators
• Navigates complex relationships with diplomacy, professionalism, and long-term vision

• Develops and manages program-level budgets, interprets financial reports, and applies insights to improve profitability and performance
• Balances revenue growth with cost control and operational efficiency

• Communicates clearly and persuasively in written and verbal forms, including pitches, proposals, and partner-facing materials
• Influences across teams and functions to drive alignment and support for key initiatives

• Encourages creative thinking to unlock new opportunities, enhance sponsorship offerings, and increase event sales
• Applies a solutions-oriented mindset to challenges and identifies practical, forward-looking improvements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, communications, commerce, event management, or related field is required
• A minimum of 7–10 years of progressive experience in business development, sales, sponsorship, or event-related industries
• At least 3 years in a leadership or management role with demonstrated success overseeing teams and delivering on revenue targets
• Proven ability to develop and manage budgets, analyze financial performance, and drive accountability for revenue outcomes
• Experience within event venues, tourism, sports, entertainment, or nonprofit sectors is strongly preferred
• Experience with grant writing, bid coordination, or public funding applications is considered an asset

• B2B and B2C sales and sponsorship strategies, client development, CRM systems, and strategic account management
• Corporate sponsorships, partnership strategy, and brand activation
• Event and venue booking cycles, pricing models, and utilization strategies
• Proposal development, grant programs, and public funding processes
• Building and managing high-performing, multidisciplinary teams
• Communication - verbal, written, presentation, and negotiation
• Strategic planning, revenue forecasting, and pipeline management
• Relationship development and stakeholder engagement
• Time management and balancing competing business priorities
• Lead by example and foster a performance-driven team culture
• Translate strategic revenue targets into clear actions and measurable outcomes
• Build and maintain relationships with public, private, and community stakeholders
• Translate strategic goals into measurable actions and operational plans
• Represent REAL with credibility and professionalism across business sectors
• Adapt quickly in a dynamic, fast-paced, event-driven environment

• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as required for events or partner engagements
• A valid Class 5 driver’s license and access to a vehicle may be required for off-site meetings or client visits
• Ability to obtain and maintain a satisfactory criminal record check

• Make a difference in your own community.
• Be a part of an industry responsible to create fun and memorable moments for our guests.
• A wide range of employment opportunities to fit your own lifestyle – whether that’s committing to us in a full-time capacity or more of a casual role that is event specific and tailored around your own availability.
• We offer competitive wages and industry standard benefits.
• Matching Group RRSP plan.

REAL District