Background: 

Chicago Fire Football Club is a Major League Soccer team that was founded in 1997 and is Chicago’s “portal” to the global sport of soccer. Under new ownership, the Club recently returned to Chicago’s iconic Soldier Field, opened a new 50,000-square foot office in the heart of the city, opening a $100 million new state-of-the-art Endeavor Health Performance Cetner in January 2025, and potential soccer specific stadium on the horizon. With tremendous growth and expansion, the Club is laying the foundation for an audacious and ambitious vision that will transform the brand and the company in the coming years  

Founded on the 126th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire on October 8, 1997, the Chicago Fire Football Club won the MLS Cup in its inaugural campaign in 1998 and was crowned champion of U.S. Soccer's national tournament, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, in 1998, 2000, 2003 and 2006. 

The Chicago Fire's goal on the field is to play hard and win. Its goal off the field is to contribute to the quality of life in Chicago and its surrounding communities. Through the Chicago Fire Foundation, the Fire can give back to the community by developing programs that reach out to Chicagoland's community. Since 1998, the Chicago Fire Foundation, the charitable arm of the Chicago Fire Major League Soccer Team, has made significant contributions to enhance the lives of disadvantaged youth throughout Chicagoland, providing more than $1.8 million back into the community. 

Chicago was included on the Best Big City in the U.S. for a historic seventh consecutive year according to the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards in 2023. Whether it be the welcoming and inclusive spirit, award-winning food scene, stunning green spaces, iconic attractions, or vibrant neighborhoods, there is something new to discover around every corner. Chicago’s always-evolving culinary landscape is one of the most awarded in the country. With accolades from Bon Appétit and the New York Times, one can find themselves immersed in a wide range of dining experiences including the famous Chicago deep dish pizza, global cuisines, and Michelin star restaurants. The streets of Chicago are lined with a combination of historic and modern architecture which can be easily admired by foot or river boat tour. Chicago is the birthplace of the skyscraper, one of the nation’s most unique national monuments. Along with the famous skyline, one will find green space around every corner, from charming neighborhood parks to sandy beaches. In the heart of the city, Millennium Park and Grant Park are home to lush gardens, cultural institutions, iconic public art, and popular events. Between the rich tapestry of diverse neighborhoods, the welcoming Midwest spirit, or the acclaimed dining scene, Chicago makes everyone feel like they belong.  

Any interested candidates should contact TurnkeyZRG directly.

Contacting Chicago Fire will only delay consideration of your qualifications. 

Position Summary:  

Chicago Fire FC is seeking a VP of Partnership Sales to join the team and play a key role in the growth of the Club’s corporate partnership revenue generation. This individual will be responsible for training, managing and developing the sales and staff, while supporting the SVP of Partnership in the build out of the department’s commercial strategy. The VP of Partnership Sales will also be tasked with identifying, prospecting, proposing, and acquiring new partnerships, inclusive of identifying brand partners for marquee entitlement assets.  

Duties and Responsibilities:  

• Provide clear direction and leadership to the Corporate Partnership Sales team 

• Coach and mentor individual team members  

• Provide coaching and mentorship to individual team members, fostering their professional growth and identify and address skills gaps 

• Oversee the recruitment process for sales staff, guiding them through onboarding and ensuring they have the resources and support needed to succeed in their roles 

• Drive sales support and accountability to optimize the overall performance of the Partnership Sales team  

• Serve as a principle contributor to sourcing and selling marquee entitlement assets 

• Collaborate with colleagues across the Club to develop dynamic and innovative marketing platforms geared toward securing new corporate partnerships. 

• Identify emerging sponsorship categories with a focus on identifying forward-thinking companies who will push the envelope on creative activations and programming. 

• Develop a strong understanding of industry trends and competitive landscapes to enable effective positioning of partnership opportunities. 

• Interpret data for sales presentations; leverage this information for partner proposals and pitches. 

• Assist with the development of storytelling materials and client presentations. 

• Negotiate high-value contracts to meet and exceed annual revenue goals 

• Build a strategic plan around engaging corporate communities in Chicago 

• Build and expand the network in the market with both brands and agencies 

• Develop and present strategic plans to drive revenue growth to the department head and Chicago Fire’s senior leadership team 

• Coordinate any sponsor-related projects as assigned by the head of department  

• Other duties as assigned 

Required Skills & Qualifications:  

• Bachelor’s degree preferred 

• Minimum of eight (8) years of sports sponsorship development experience 

• Prior or current People Management experience preferred 

• Strong work ethic with a track record of delivering results in high-pressure situations. 

• Must have a collaborative, team-oriented management style that engages leadership. 

• Proven experience in building successful commercial relations with corporate partners to secure new business and sell multi-year, million-dollar partnerships  

• Strong and continuous awareness of market and industry trends 

• Experience collaborating with colleagues to develop innovative marketing platforms for potential corporate partners  

• Proven financial acumen and experience with diversified revenue sources, and success in maintaining fiscal stability. 

• High integrity and values are compatible with the Club’s vision for the future. 

• Ability to perform and provide clear decision-making leadership while juggling multiple responsibilities. 

• Strong presentation skills, excellent interpersonal and communication skills  

• Ability to work flexible hours, including but not limited to evenings, weekends, and holidays  

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively to problem-solve, prioritize, and meet deadlines 

• Ability to give candid feedback with good intentions to help get the best out of colleagues 

• Detail-oriented and able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment 

Chicago Fire Commitment: 

• Chicago Fire FC is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion. Our diversity initiatives start with the recruitment and selection process; therefore, we’d like to welcome all diverse candidates to apply to opportunities within our Club.  

• CFFC is committed to providing equal employment opportunity and maintaining a workplace for employees and applicants for employment that is free from discrimination.   The Company does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, age, veteran or military status, disability, sexual orientation, sexual orientation or expression, marital status or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.