CINCINNATI OPEN
Founded in 1899, the Cincinnati Open is an ATP Masters 1000 and a WTA 1000 tournament that is proudly supported by cornerstone partners Western & Southern Financial Group, Credit One Bank, Procter & Gamble, Great American Insurance Company, Fifth Third and Kroger. In 2025, the Cincinnati Open most recently welcomed more than 285,000 fans from all 50 states and 65 countries and has been viewed in 187 global markets. With a focus on community, the tournament annually contributes to local charities supporting youth, families, education, health and wellness initiatives.
THE ROLE
The Director of Partnerships and Premium Service is responsible for the strategy, execution, servicing, and revenue growth of all Cincinnati Open partnership and premium service programs. This role oversees partnership agreements, premium hospitality service offerings, and related activation and client service efforts. Reporting to the Chief Revenue Officer, the Director serves as the primary liaison between partners (and their agencies) and premium clients, internal Cincinnati Open departments, and event staff, and may directly manage select accounts as needed.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Manage the Partnership and Premium Service Activation teams
- Oversight of existing corporate partnership relationships and revenue
- Build, set, and implement the Partnership and Premium Service Activation teamâs strategy aiming to deliver and showcase unmatched ROI for Cincinnati Openâs partners
- Responsible for resource allocation, personnel management, and departmental reporting and administration
- Refine and re-establish the Partnership & Premium Service Activation team policies, processes, best practices, partner communications, and approach with Cincinnati Open stakeholders to put the tournament in a position for long-term success with partners
- Manage a fast-growing Partnership & Premium Service Activation team based in Mason, Ohio with team development and growth opportunities always top of mind
- Provide ongoing leadership, coaching and development to Partnership Activation team for the highest level of performance and culture
- Collaborate with Cincinnati Open colleagues and partners secured by the Partnership Development team & Premium Sales team to fully understand each partner & clientâs objectives and priorities, unlocking additional value for partners and the property on an annual basis
- Work closely with the Premium Sales team to service high-end premium clients
- Proactively coordinate and manage broader Partnership Activation team to be in position to manage all aspects of partnership implementation and fulfillment; partnership assets may include, but are not limited to, IP rights, tournament and in-market activation, media (television, radio, digital, social, and print), hospitality, and special events
- Assist with the development of marketing proposals and presentations for both new business and renewals to ensure all aspects can be delivered and meet ROI criteria for partners & premium sales clients.
- If necessary, act as a primary liaison for some of Cincinnati Openâs highest level partners, bringing integrated partnership agreements to life
- Collaborate and participate in ongoing client engagement and opportunity identification via regular in-person meetings, conference calls, and written correspondence
- Drive incremental revenue through strategic upsell of existing partnerships
- Ensure in an optimal fashion that Cincinnati Open is maintaining detailed planning records and managing budgets related to the execution of partnership agreements
- Prepare and communicate timelines, artwork, creative specifications, and implementation deadlines
- Lead process and framework to help implement consistent documentation, year-long ROI tracking and customized year-end partnership summaries for current partners
- Help lead and manage Cincinnati Open partner experiences before, during and post-tournament
- Be a team player and contribute to the general success of the Cincinnati Open, including positively and professionally representing the property at all times
- Travel as required for tournament events and client meetings
QUALIFICATIONS
The candidate must be able to perform each essential duty above at the highest levels to succeed in this position. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skill, or ability required.
- Bachelorâs degree or equivalent
- Minimum of seven to ten years industry experience and five years of high-level partnership activation experience at the director level or above with previous people management experience
- Expert time management skills and the ability to work to tight deadlines on numerous concurrent projects
- Excellent spelling, grammar, proofreading skills, and a strong ability to communicate both orally and in writing
- Proficient in all Microsoft Office platforms and G Suite Products, KORE Software, Photoshop and third-party research tools
- Expertise across a variety of digital and social media channels
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to establish solid relationships, effectively manage expectations, and provide information with courtesy and tact while safeguarding confidential information
- Ability to establish priorities and courses of action for multiple tasks and projects with minimal supervision and a demonstrated attention to detail
- Ability to prepare, understand and monitor activation budgets
- Understanding of legal processes and ability to comprehend complex partnership agreements
- Flexibility and the ability to quickly adapt to changes while maintaining high levels of productivity
- Able to work flexible and irregular hours (including evenings, weekends, and special events)
- High emotional intelligence, intellectual curiosity and desire to grow professionally
- Self-motivated with entrepreneurial spirit
- Possess an optimistic team attitude and competitive desire to be the best
- Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment
COMPENSATION
Competitive salary range and a generous benefits package that includes bonus eligibility plus medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, paid vacation, and a 401k plan.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Location: On Site Cincinnati, OH
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
NOTE:
The essential responsibilities of this position are described below the above headings. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. Also, this document in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position.
âLEGENDS GLOBAL
Legends Global is the premier partner to the world's greatest live events, venues, and brands. We deliver a fully integrated solution of premium services that keeps our partners front and center through our white-label approach. Our network of 450 venues worldwide, hosting 20,000 events and entertaining 165 million guests each year, is powered by our depth of expertise and level of execution across every component feasibility & consulting, ownerâs representation, sales, partnerships, hospitality, merchandise, venue management, and content & booking of world-class live events and venues.
The Legends Global culture is one of respect, ambitious thinking, collaboration, and bold action. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone can be authentic, make an impact, and grow their career. Winning is an everyday thing at Legends Global. We have the best team members who understand every win is earned when we come together as one unified team. Sounds like a winning formula for you. Join us!
Legends Global is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, and encourages Women, Minorities, Individuals with Disabilities, and protected Veterans to apply. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.