Have we met before?
Let's pretend we haven't - it's more fun that way. 

I saw you are looking for a Director of Account Services, Sports and Entertainment. What a coincidence - I'm looking to return to what makes me happy - redefining corporate sponsorship. We did it once before; why not try it with me on your team this time? It would also be fun to surprise and delight our customers along the way. 

I want to make amazing things every day, changing hearts and minds along the way. Since you're already here, please see how I think I match up against your position's requirements. Below, I have included some highlights from lives past and aligned them to your positions's requirements. I hope we can chat about my ability to transform sponsorships, and how I can help make Melt even better.
Responsibilities include:
Lead Account Services Team for FORTUNE 100 Clients for NCAA Final Four and ESPN Game Day marketing initiatives
  • At First Data, I built and launched a corporate sponsorship program from the ground up. I conducted competitive analysis/benchmarking and created a three-tiered sponsorship program investing in customers based on relationship value. I then won approval of the CMO, President, and CEO, and was awarded a $2M program budget to execute. 
Create, manage and sell-in integrated marketing strategies across advertising, event marketing, digital/social and retail promotions
  • I'd like to say there are still companies that don't execute a cross-channel approach to their marketing efforts, but I'd be lying. It is sad to see brands excel in one area and fail in another. Customers no longer sit in front of their TV/magazine/radio/etc., waiting for a brand to tell them the value of their product. Marketing has moved to a two-way street; it's is all about engagement now. Continue reading this page, but promise me you'll click on CV at the bottom to see some of the ways I've engaged my audiences. Also, you can click here (just finish reading this page first).
Manage marketing relationships with major sports, entertainment and media properties
  • I believe that relationships are at the core of any transaction. My personality uniquely positions me as a strong relationship-builder. I cultivated relationships with properties like the PGA TOUR Championship, The Southeastern Conference, and the College World Series of Omaha. Though they didn't make the cut in our sponsorship program at First Data, I also built relationships with the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Spirit, The Pepsi Center in Denver, and several teams and venues across the country for one-off events as part of our regional executions. 
Develop related project deliverables, contracts, budgets, status reports, project timelines and staffing plans
  • Ask anyone who has worked with me, and s/he will tell you I can deliver. On time. On budget. And I often surpass expectations. While delivering against expectations is not the norm in some environments, I believe it is table stakes in agency work. Any agency worth their salt can deliver what they promise. An agency that can surprise and delight their clients is an agency where I belong. I don't like to under promise and over deliver - I like to promise, push myself and my team, and then deliver a meaningful and memorable experience. I know, I know - that means we set the bar higher next time - good. What a bore it must be to keep doing the same thing over and over. 
Write presentations and communication materials detailing client promotions, events and brand plans
  • For seven months in my life I hosted a live, 90-minute talk show five days a week. Guests included Andy Bell, Margaret Cho, Leslie Jordan, George Takei, and more. I think I can make a good presentation. Also, my co-workers call me the PowerPoint ninja. I have the presentations to back that up.
Coordinate with Director of Events on event development, requirements, budget and success metrics
  • See above - I deliver on time and on budget. Also, I play nice with others. By the way, I executed some pretty awesome events at First Data. Look here if you don't believe me. 
Manage and execute consumer retail sweepstakes including building out promotional messaging, prizing strategies and related marketing materials in conjunction with prizing and fulfillment agencies
  • I haven't done a consumer retail sweepstakes. BUT, I do have some transferable skills. I directed planning and implementation of an employee recognition program honoring 170+ employees across 36 countries fulfilling prize packages with executive communications, digital/real-world recognition, and a monetary reward distribution. I also revamped First Data's President’s Club global sales recognition program—leading cross-functional teams in establishing program criteria, a transparent qualification process, monthly reporting, and staff communications processes. 
Analyze marketplace research and consumer trends for incorporation into RFPs
  • I read a lot. Not just the books, but lots and lots of blogs. Depending on the client this role will service, I may already be deeply entrenched in the client's industry. The reason I read a lot is simple - Johannes Gutenberg. Think about all the people who didn't see movable type printing coming! How could they ever evolve and adapt to a changing marketplace, if they didn't stay abreast of what was happening now? I like to spend my mornings, lunch and evenings learning about what is next so I am the go-to guy when it comes to technology. I don't  to purport to be able to see around corners; I just listen to those who have a periscope, and see where they are going. 
Brief Creative Team on design and concepts for all integrated marketing programs and manage client feedback and approval process
  • I think I addressed my perspective on relationships at the top of this document. That opinion applies to internal clients as much as it does to external clients. When you build a relationship, some of the bricks include trust, honesty, communication, and the ability know there is a problem. I think a client relationship is like a prom date - if you are going to be late you need to give her as much notice as possible, and the excuse better be damn good. 
Manage all related vendor relationships
  • Ask any of my former vendors, and they will tell you they are more than just a supplier - they are a partner. In fact, at First Data, we referred to our primary partner as a friendor because I love a good portmanteau and it was a good way to describe our relationship. Everyone in the relationship benefits from forthrightness and collaboration. 
Work across MELT teams to ensure brand consistency for clients and meet project objectives
  • Some people collect autographs, others collect action figures (DON'T call them dolls). I collect brand guidelines. While I know it is nerdy, a brand book tells a person quite a bit about where an organization is and where they are going. At MS&L I was the go-to guy when it came to understanding, interpreting, and executing against our clients' brand guidelines. I haven't memorized the entire Pantone color book, but I'm getting there. My favorite page is the what not to do page - I love all the crazy ideas the designer came up with just to put a big red X over. 
Manage relationships with talent, such as coaches, athletes and other celebrities
  • Again, I reference number one at the top. I'll add this - I've worked with top executives from Fortune 250 companies as well as celebrity talent for concerts and intimate gatherings. Every person I interact with has value, some of them just need to feel it more than others. Discretion and attention to detail are key when working with celebrities and talent - all while remembering: they are people, too.

Related Skills:
(Did you guys write this list so I can cross off each with ease? Done and done. Consider each checked off.)
  • Strategic thinking
  • Consumer marketing and communications
  • Relationship management skills
  • Excellent problem solving skills
  • Strong analytical skills
  • Strives in a fast-paced environment
  • Detail oriented
  • Self- motivated and energetic 

Background/Experience:
(Check out my CV if you want to know more about how I knock each of these out of the park)
10+ years of brand strategy, advertising, events or promotions experience for consumer facing sports properties and/or Fortune 500 companies
  • I've spent my career working in or for Fortune 500 companies in brand strategy, events or promotions. I created a client-facing sports hospitality program at first data. And what are clients, really? Consumers with a different hat.
Knowledge and experience with consumer products and sports/entertainment industries required
  • At MS&L I spent my time learning and becoming invested in numerous consumer brands. Then I helped sell, maintain and grow business with them. 
Event/Experiential activation experience required
  • I'm just going to link you here. 
Knowledge of digital and social media promotions
  • In addition to being a total geek and an early adopter, I'm fluent in Internet. See this stuff. Also, my social links are at the top and bottom of this page. I am not only active, but I think I understand and utilize social media differently than my mom. 
Passion for college sports, a plus

Requirements:
Must be based out of Atlanta 
No relocation provided 
  • See above. 
Travel 30-40% 
  • I lived in London for 10 months - travel isn't a problem for me. 
May include long hours and weekends around key program launches 
  • This one deserves a bit more than the others: In my decade of work in the professional arena, I have struggled to find a coworker who works harder than I do. It isn't about recognition or some invisible tally board - it is about delivering excellence and feeling that I've left it all on the field at the end of the day. That is why I do what I do.

I'm also clever, curious, contrary, passionate, hard-working, and a blast at karaoke - in case any of that matters.
I sure hope that didn't scare you. Though - if it did - I don't think we would be a good fit (and that's OK). If you think i can help you make amazing things, hit me up at [email protected], and let's talk. I look forward to an engaging conversation. 
Email Joe