JOOLA is seeking a dynamic and experienced Partnerships Coordinator to lead and manage our relationships with pickleball facilities, players and special events. This role will be pivotal in facilitating and coordinating successful partnerships, enhancing JOOLA’s presence in the pickleball community, and driving mutual success. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in sports partnerships, with a passion for pickleball and a proven ability to build and maintain relationships.
JOOLA was first established in 1952 and built a global reputation as a pioneer in table tennis. In 2022, JOOLA expanded into the rapidly growing pickleball scene and quickly attracted the biggest names in the sport. As an official table tennis sponsor for three Summer Olympic Games and the official sponsor of pickleball's top athletes and the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA), the team at JOOLA combines its storied expertise with fresh perspectives to bring innovation to both sports. JOOLA creates a variety of equipment, apparel, and accessories for both table tennis and pickleball players, professional and recreational. With offices in US, Germany, Brazil, and China, JOOLA has a global presence and wide distributor network.
Location: Rockville, MD (In-office)
Key Responsibilities:
- Partnership Management:
- Identify, develop, and maintain JOOLA’s relationships with pickleball facilities and organizations including clubs, recreational centers,sports complexes, collegiate and youth organizations, amateur and professional leagues tournaments and other pickleball-related partners
- Collaborate with pickleball players and coaches to develop and foster JOOLA’s brand in the community.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for pickleball facility managers and players regarding partnerships, agreements, promotional activities and product orders.
- Event Coordination:
- Coordinate JOOLA-sponsored events, tournaments, and clinics at partner facilities.
- Assist in organizing player activations and appearances to promote JOOLA's presence in pickleball communities.
- Contract Negotiation:
- Negotiate partnership agreements, ensuring mutual value for JOOLA and facility/individual partners.
- Monitor and ensure compliance with partnership terms and conditions.
- Brand Development:
- Support marketing efforts by collaborating with facilities and players on promotional campaigns and branding opportunities.
- Ensure that all partnerships align with JOOLA’s brand values and objectives.
- Reporting & Analysis:
- Track and report on the performance of partnerships, including engagement metrics and financial outcomes.
- Provide insights and recommendations to improve partnership strategies based on data analysis.
Qualifications:
Experience:
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in partnership coordination, business development, or a similar role, preferably within the sports industry.
- Experience working with sports facilities, athletes, or sports-related organizations is highly desirable.
Skills & Competencies:
- Strong relationship-building skills with a proven ability to manage multiple stakeholders.
- Excellent negotiation and contract management skills.
- Ability to organize and manage events, ensuring smooth execution.
- Familiarity with pickleball or other racquet sports is a plus.
- Strong communication, organizational, and project management skills.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating with internal and external teams.