Reporting to the Chief Marketing Officer, this individual will drive relationships with key partners across the digital, tech, and sports ecosystem. More specifically, this individual would lead relationships across media distribution platforms, strategic marketing channels, the broader NESN sports ecosystem, and other potential tech partners. Working with cross-functional teams, the ideal candidate is passionate about tech, sports, and media. As a strategic partnerships leader, the individual would bring a methodical approach to which partners we work/integrate with, our coverage model, and how we make the most of our relationships across the tech, media, and sports landscape, grow our digital and direct-to-consumer offerings.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Own and develop relationships with platform & tech partners, securing marketing commitments, early access to pilot programs, and other strategic growth opportunities
• Negotiating app carriage deals with CTV partners (Roku, Amazon, etc.)
• Build retail relationships with through CTV partners (VIZIO/Walmart, etc.)
• Securing device giveaway programs that overlap with NESN 360 Rewards or other marketing initiatives
• Manage and grow our existing relationships with social (YouTube, FB, Snap, TikTok, etc.) and tech platforms (iOS, tvOS, Android, Roku, FIRETV, VIZIO, LG/webOS, Samsung/Tizen, TCL, HISENSE/VIDAA, Philips/Titan, and more)
• Leveraging these social and tech relationships to drive NESN 360 subscriptions
• Work with product and tech teams to prioritize platform-specific feature roll-outs, creating the business case and working with partners to maximize impact
• Aligning new partner integrations with NESN 360 acquisition and retention goals
• Identify and develop plans for new business opportunities and tech integrations
• Ensuring FAST resources are right-sized and strategically aligned with NESN 360 goals
• Scope go-to-market strategies and support pilot efforts for new business initiatives
• Build data-driven, scenario-based models to evaluate business impact of strategic and business development initiatives (e.g., platform expansions, partnerships, co-marketing, etc.)
• Work closely with cross-functional teams (including product, engineering, creative services, marketing, and ad sales) to provide structure, formalize processes, ensure strategic alignment, and build institutional knowledge through clear documentation, repeatable workflows, and consistent communication.
• Collaborate with affiliate relations team on points of alignment between linear and digital partnerships, ensuring consistency in carriage terms and revenue models
• Lead user acquisition deal negotiations and general business development
• Driving subscription bundles and promotions through partner channels
• Work with leads to source new distribution opportunities for audiences and platforms
• Create and present pitch decks and other materials as part of the partnership process
• Evaluate and optimize economic terms for product integration/marketing/co-marketing deals
• Be a thought-leader in how to creatively structure and improve partnership agreements
• Collaborate with digital ops teams to ensure the successful launch of new partners
• Identify opportunities to grow the business outside of traditional relationships
• Perform ad-hoc analysis around specific initiatives/opportunities
• Develop business plans and drive growth around new business and partnership opportunities
• Coordinate with the content team to ensure proper promotion among partners of our content roadmap
• Work with the Chief Marketing Officer to assess strategic opportunities, long term business planning, etc.
• Represent NESN at conferences and industry events

We believe in the potential within every individual. If you’re passionate about this role, we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all of the requirements that are listed within this job description.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and MBA required
• 6+ years experience in consumer tech and media organizations and/or in strategy, business development, or partnerships
• 2+ years experience in a highly analytical role, including in streaming, digital media, subscription-based tech, or strategy/business development
• Knowledge of online video and experience in entertainment and new media
• Experience developing strategic partnerships in the digital, media, sports, and/or tech industry
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and creatively while applying sound business judgment and quantitative analytics
• Strong working knowledge of contracts and legal frameworks
• Experience leading partner negotiations
• Exceptional communication skills with a desire to exercise transparency and give/receive feedback
• A thought-leader in the SVOD space with the ability to contribute outside of core responsibilities
• Excellent communication, storytelling, and presentation skills with the ability to build materials and present findings effectively at the executive management level
• Experience managing multiple projects and executing across a quickly evolving product
• Superior strategic problem solving and analytical skills including talent for developing hypotheses, drawing key insights and developing clear recommendations
• Enthusiasm and curiosity for solving problems and answering challenging questions, while maintaining superior attention to detail and accuracy
• Passionate and knowledgeable about the tech, media and entertainment businesses, with relationships across the industry
• Comfort balancing between attention to detail and swift execution
• Experience ideating and leading strategic cross-functional projects
• Able to network and develop deep relationships inside and outside the organization

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience and track record in media, sports, entertainment, fan engagement, and/or advertising technology.
• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Business, or a related field.

We believe that when team members feel supported, they are more engaged, productive, and innovative. If you're looking for a workplace that celebrates people and their personal and professional growth, you've come to the right place.

Some of the benefits we provide include:

• Medical and Dental plans which are currently funded by NESN at approximately 85%
• Pre-Tax HSA, FSA and Dependent Care Account
• 401(k) plan with employer match of 100% up to the first 6% of compensation, 3% contribution through Safe Harbor and discretionary profit sharing of up to 6%.
• Life Insurance, AD&D, Short and Long-Term Disability which are currently 100% funded by NESN
• Paid parental leave
• Time Off Benefits - Eligible NESN Employees accrue Paid Time Off equaling 160 hours or 20 days for the full year
• Team Store Discounts - Employees will receive a discount of 50% at the Red Sox Team Store and 25% off at the Bruins Pro Shop with a valid NESN Employee ID
• Paid Volunteerism - NESN provides eligible employees with up to 24 hours (3 days) of paid time to participate in NESN Connects events.
• Tuition Reimbursement - NESN provides a generous Tuition Reimbursement Program to assist employees who aspire to further their education to learn & grow within their careers.
• MBTA Reimbursement - Eligible employees may be reimbursed up to $100 per month for the use of Mass Transit if it is their primary mode of transportation to & from work
• Travel Assistance & ID Theft Protection
• Estate Guidance - The Hartford helps employees protect their family’s future by creating a customized and legally binding will online using a simple but comprehensive online questionnaire.
• Additional Perks & Employee Discounts - As a NESN employee, you are eligible for other discounts & perks such as pet insurance, tickets, travel, dry cleaning, mobile phones, and much more!

Who We Are

NESN (New England Sports Network) is owned by Fenway Sports Group, which also owns the Boston Red Sox and Pittsburgh Penguins among other holdings, and Delaware North, owners of the Boston Bruins. NESN is delivered throughout the six-state New England region and nationally as NESN National. The definitive source for New England sports programming, NESN consistently has been one of the top-rated regional sports networks in the country, with a reputation for innovative and award-winning production of sports events and specials.

As of Fall 2023, NESN manages SportsNet Pittsburgh, a newly branded regional sports network that televises Pittsburgh Penguins and Pirates games, as well as local college sports, original content and more in PA, WV, and portions of MD, OH and NY.

Our professional environment is passionate, adaptable, creative, and filled with aspiring individuals who are driven to grow with our company. Our core values are at the heart of who we are. We have a spontaneous and vibrant culture, and we truly believe in team spirit and collaboration.

NESN is proud to be a diverse and inclusive employer. We are committed to Equal Employment Opportunities for all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, genetic information, military service, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. Minorities, Women, Individuals with Disabilities, and Veterans are especially encouraged to apply.