Lead development and execution of sponsorship and brand partnerships strategy for PlayOn's National Ad Sales, focusing on MaxPreps branding, revenue growth, and team management.
PlayOn is looking for a highly creative, growth-minded VP of Client Strategy to lead development and execution of the sponsorship and brand partnership strategy for the company’s National Ad Sales division. With a focus on reinvigorating and re-introducing the MaxPreps brand to market, this candidate will play a crucial role in architecting our brand story and associated marketing materials, building sponsorship opportunities, executing research initiatives, creating client execution workflows, and more. Reporting to the SVP, National Ad Sales, the ideal candidate will be a strong storyteller with deep brand partnerships experience and can operate cross-functionally to help the team drive revenue against MaxPreps and the broader PlayOn portfolio of brands including GoFan and NFHS Network.
The Outcomes You’ll Deliver
- Partnership Strategy– Spearhead development of MaxPreps’ GTM strategy informed by research, analytics, and creative storytelling
- Sponsorship Development –Productize existing and net-new editorial content and franchises into compelling sponsorships for brand partners
- Research & Innovation –Derive impactful audience data and insights to be used for brand pitches and marketplace engagement
- Sales Collaboration & Client Execution– Collaborate with Sales to influence revenue pipeline and activate with clients during key pre-and post-sale workflows
- Talent Development –Build and retain a diverse, empowered team of integrated sales marketers, researchers, and designers with a strong culture of ownership, innovation, and continuous learning
In this Role, You can Expect To
- Provide exceptional team and thought leadership surrounding GTM development for MaxPreps and the broader PlayOn portfolio
- Partner cross-functionally to develop proactive and reactive sponsorship opportunities and tentpole calendars that leverage multichannel content / editorial
- Spearhead creative development, ideation, and construction of media kit and marketing materials / templates
- Partner with the people team and senior leadership to recruit, manage, and empower team of sales marketers, research associates, and designers tasked with supporting and influencing in-market pitches and storytelling
- Build effective pre- and post-sale workflows that champion quickness, efficiency, and exceptional client service
- Undergo ongoing analyses tied to brand ethos and marketplace story
- Inform and influence decisions pertaining to production, deal margin, marketing initiatives / events, and more.
To Thrive in this Role, You Have
- Bachelor's Degree and 7+ years sales marketing and/or client strategy experience
- Demonstrated track record of building creative, visual sales materials and informed brand stories
- Creative “big picture” mindset and problem-solving attitude that can help influence GTM strategies
- Experience managing teams and/or projects with strong performance and results with a passion to lead team members
- Ability to thrive in multiple environments and effectively work with others to achieve broader business outcomes
- Organized, strategic thinker who’s able to take concepts to reality
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Interest in and enthusiasm for high school and broader sports marketplace
- Proficient in PowerPoint, Keynote, and other design / presentation tools
- Understanding of the digital landscape including Display, Video, Audio, Social, Branded Content, Events, Data/Targeting, Ad Measurement, and more
How You Play
- Ownership over Participation- You take responsibility for achieving holistic outcomes, prioritize key objectives, and adapt quickly when situations require a different approach. You follow through even against the toughest challenges.
- Team over Stars- You are a bridge builder, establishing processes and relationships with teams outside your own. You work to rally around common goals, find win-win solutions, compromise when necessary, and help others succeed.
- Growth over Comfort- You are driven by a desire to grow and actively seek opportunities to expand your comfort zone, skills, and confidence. You embrace new challenges with curiosity, accepting discomfort and failure as opportunities to learn.
- Fairness over Popularity- You approach decisions with a scientist’s mindset, challenging your assumptions and remaining objective. You consider long-term impact rather than relying on short-term gains, proactively seek others’ perspectives, and manage emotions in decision-making.
Company Overview
PlayOn is a dynamic growth-stage company dedicated to championing the spirit of play in the high school space. Backed by KKR, our family of brands—including GoFan, NFHS Network, and MaxPreps—empowers schools with innovative solutions and exceptional service. Our fan engagement platform is the only one that offers event ticketing, streaming, fundraising, concessions, merchandise sales, and website management in one place. We save administrators time so they can focus on what truly matters: supporting the students, staff, and fans who bring their programs to life.
Trusted by thousands of schools across the country, we're here to help create more instant replays, hold-your-breath moments, last-minute comebacks, and games you want to watch over and over again.
When being there means everything, we make sure you never miss a moment.
Why you’ll love working at PlayOn
Product, potential, and people. We’re a leader in the high school event space, constantly evolving our product to meet the needs of administrators. We focus on solving real challenges, learning quickly, and creating impactful solutions.
This is a growth-stage company, meaning your contributions have real impact. You’ll have opportunities to grow your skills, tackle meaningful problems, and make a difference in the lives of schools and the students and fans they serve.
Our culture is built on accountability, collaboration, growth, and fairness. We don’t just show up—we show up for each other. Everyone wears the same jersey, and we play hard, make the extra pass, and cheer one another on. Losses teach us, challenges motivate us, and persistence drives us forward. We value integrity over shortcuts, choosing to do what’s right even when it’s hard. Together, we strive to be better every day—because we know that’s how we win as a team.
The Benefits We Offer
Multiple medical insurance plans to choose from
Dental, vision life and disability insurance
Employee Emergency Fund
Company equity (stock options)
Open PTO policy
401K plan with company match
Hybrid/flexible work environment
Note: Must be a full-time employee to participate in the company’s employee health benefit plan. Part-time employees and interns are not eligible to participate.
Top Skills
Digital Media
Keynote
PowerPoint
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