Director, Client Strategy

PlayOn is looking for a highly creative, growth-minded Director of Client Strategy to lead development and execution of sponsorship and brand partnership strategy for the company’s National Ad Sales division. With a focus on strengthening the MaxPreps brand in market, this player-coach will shape our brand story and marketing materials, build sponsorship opportunities, guide research and insights, and optimize client execution workflows. The Director will manage a team of strategists, setting priorities, developing talent, and ensuring strong strategic output. Reporting to the SVP, National Ad Sales, the ideal candidate will be a strong storyteller with deep brand partnerships experience who can operate cross-functionally to help drive revenue across MaxPreps and the broader PlayOn portfolio including GoFan and NFHS Network.

Responsibilities

Partnership Strategy – Lead development and evolution of MaxPreps’ GTM strategy informed by research, analytics, marketplace insights, and creative storytelling; Sponsorship Development – Oversee productization of existing and net-new editorial content and franchises into compelling sponsorships for brand partners; Research & Innovation – Guide the research and insights agenda with the Director, Research & Analytics, translating audience data into differentiated pitches and marketplace storytelling; Sales Collaboration & Client Execution – Collaborate with Sales leadership to influence pipeline, prioritize strategic opportunities, and ensure exceptional pre- and post-sale execution; Team Leadership & Development – Manage, coach, and develop three Client Strategists and the Director, Research & Analytics, fostering ownership, innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning; Provide strategic and team leadership for GTM development across MaxPreps and the broader PlayOn portfolio, while remaining hands-on with priority opportunities and client narratives; Partner cross-functionally to develop proactive and reactive sponsorship opportunities and tentpole calendars that leverage multichannel content / editorial; Oversee creative development and ongoing management of media kits, marketing materials, templates, and pitch decks, ensuring quality and consistency across team output; Set priorities, allocate resources, and coach the Client Strategy and Research & Analytics team to deliver high-quality work that supports in-market pitches and storytelling; Build and optimize pre- and post-sale workflows that champion speed, efficiency, clear ownership, and exceptional client service; Lead ongoing analyses tied to brand ethos, marketplace story, audience insights, and supporting marketing materials with the Director, Research & Analytics; Inform and influence decisions pertaining to production, deal margin, marketing initiatives / events, resource allocation, and more

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree and 7+ years sales marketing, integrated marketing, and/or client strategy experience; Demonstrated track record of building creative sales materials, compelling brand stories, and strategic partnership recommendations; Creative big-picture mindset paired with a hands-on, solutions-oriented approach that can shape GTM strategy and move work from concept to execution; Demonstrated people-management experience with a track record of coaching high-performing teams, setting priorities, and developing talent; Ability to thrive in a fast-moving, cross-functional environment and align stakeholders around broader business and revenue outcomes; Organized, strategic thinker who can balance multiple priorities and take concepts through execution for brand partners; Strong written and verbal communication skills; Interest in and enthusiasm for high school and broader sports marketplace; Proficient in Figma Slides, Pitch.com, PowerPoint, Keynote, and other design / presentation tools (e.g. Canva); Understanding of the digital landscape including Display, Video, Audio, Social, Branded Content, Events, Data/Targeting, Ad Measurement, and more

Benefits

Bonus potential; 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