Director of Brand Partnerships
CATEGORY: Administrative
AKA NYC
New York, NY
US
Job Details
DESCRIPTION
Head of Brand Partnerships
AKA NYC is a New York City based, award-winning, fully integrated advertising agency with unparalleled expertise across the arts & entertainment, leisure, travel, retail, and tourism sectors. We are content-forward and data-fueled with a proven record of delivering cross-platform campaigns that get results.
We are proud to partner with some of the most iconic names in entertainment, culture, and live experiences. Our client roster includes Broadway’s biggest shows, world-renowned institutions like The Metropolitan Museum of Art, vibrant attractions such as The New York Botanical Garden, and dynamic sports organizations like the Harlem Globetrotters. From the magic of live theatre to the energy of stadiums and the wonder of cultural landmarks, we craft campaigns that connect audiences with real experiences – providing real stories, real emotions and real connections.
AKA is looking for a Head of Strategic Brand Partnerships who will be responsible for conceiving, securing, and delivering world-class brand partnerships and sponsorships that amplify our portfolio of clients. This role demands a visionary dealmaker — someone who thrives on ideation, negotiation, and crafting mutually beneficial partnerships that drive both cultural relevance and commercial success.
They will identify, negotiate, and execute innovative, high-impact collaborations between global brands and live entertainment properties, with a particular focus on theatrical productions. This individual will bring a powerful mix of strategic thinking, creative ideation, and commercial savvy to deliver breakthrough programs that elevate both the agency and its clients.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
Strategic Partnership Development
- Identify and develop partnership opportunities that align brands with our clients’ audiences, IP, and creative narratives.
- Lead ideation and strategy for large-scale sponsorships and co-branded initiatives that drive visibility, engagement, and revenue.
- Build and manage a robust pipeline of partnership prospects through proactive networking, outreach, and industry relationships.
- Craft compelling pitches, partnership decks, and proposals that articulate value, innovation, and measurable impact.
- Negotiate and close high-value deals with brand partners, ensuring alignment with client goals and agency standards.
Creative & Strategic Ideation
- Collaborate with internal creative and strategy teams to develop standout concepts that fuse brand storytelling with live entertainment.
- Introduce new ways to bring partnerships to life through digital, experiential, and content-driven activations.
- Stay ahead of emerging trends in brand collaboration, audience engagement, and entertainment marketing.
Execution & Delivery
- Oversee the execution of partnership programs, ensuring seamless integration, delivery, and measurable success.
- Manage partner relationships through every stage of activation, ensuring both client and partner satisfaction.
- Track performance metrics and provide post-campaign analysis and insights to refine future partnerships.
Agency Growth & Thought Leadership
- Position the agency as a leader in brand partnerships for entertainment and cultural experiences.
- Develop frameworks and best practices to “productize” partnership offerings and generate new revenue streams.
- Represent the agency at industry events, conferences, and panels, driving visibility and thought leadership.
- Contribute to new business efforts by crafting partnership-driven strategies and proposals.
WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR
- A strategic and creative partnerships expert with 15+ years of experience developing brand collaborations, sponsorships, and activations for entertainment or cultural clients.
- A proven dealmaker with a strong network of brand contacts and a track record of securing major sponsorships.
- A creative thinker who can turn ideas into actionable, results-driven partnerships.
- An articulate storyteller who can translate strategy into compelling brand narratives.
- Passionate about entertainment, theater, and live experiences.+
- Aligned with AKA’s core values of Imagination, Inclusivity, Collaboration, Passion, Integrity, and Results.
WHAT WE OFFER:
The salary range for this position in New York, NY is $100,000 to $125,000 per year, with commission split on cash sponsorships secured.
The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and years of experience. A discretionary bonus may be provided as part of the total compensation package.
AKA also offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and balance, including:
- Comprehensive healthcare & dental – 100% employer-paid for employees
- Generous PTO policy, plus ½-day Summer Fridays to make the most of sunny days
- Hybrid work model – a balance of in-office collaboration (minimum three days per week) and flexibility
- Continuous growth & learning – annual Training & Development fund to sharpen your skills
- Financial wellness perks – student loan repayment or tuition assistance based on tenure
- Paid parental leave – up to 12 weeks to support growing families
- Sabbatical opportunities – recharge and return inspired with paid time off for long-term employees
- A pet-friendly office – because great ideas come with great company
A Note on Diversity and Inclusion
At AKA we believe our team is at its best when we reflect the diversity of our community. We strive to hire and cultivate the best talent so when recruiting we work to actively reach and engage a wide community of people. We’re passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We believe a diverse team makes us smarter, more creative and helps us better understand the needs of the audiences we target with our campaigns.
AKA is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, national origin, gender, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital or parental status, disability, veteran status, or other class protected by applicable law.
Sound like a good fit? We’d love to hear from you! Please apply through our website. No phone calls or walk-ins, please.
SALARY
$100,000.00 – $125,000.00 per year