Director, Properties

Reports To: VP Properties
Location: A1 Office Laguna Hills CA
Direct Reports: N/A

About Athletes First
Athletes First is a full-service athlete management firm that has been representing elite NFL players since its inception in 2001. Based in Southern California with satellite offices in New York City NY Gainesville FL and Atlanta GA. Athletes First is a staple in the sports representation business. Over the years weve created a culture built around the two key components of our industry: exude extreme power while remaining intimately personal. Our mission is simple: Do the right things with the right people for the right reasons.

Role Overview
The Director Properties leads the strategy sponsorship sales and execution of the events Athletes First produces throughout the year - including tentpole moments around the NFL calendar (Combine Draft Super Bowl Pro Bowl) client and partner hospitality foundation and charity events and other firm-wide activations. Reporting to the VP Properties the Director owns the full event lifecycle: concept development sponsor outreach and deal-making logistics and on-site production vendor management budget ownership and post-event reporting.

Key Responsibilities & Duties

• Own the planning and execution of Athletes Firsts event portfolio including NFL Combine Draft Super Bowl week corporate events Pro Bowl client hospitality foundation/charity events and other firm activations.
• Develop the annual events calendar strategic plan and budget in partnership with the VP Properties and firm leadership.
• Source pitch negotiate and close event sponsorships across categories (apparel CPG beverage auto finance tech hospitality etc.); manage sponsor pipelines proposals and contracts.
• Build and maintain relationships with brand partners agencies and vendors; serve as the day-to-day point of contact for sponsors before during and after each event.
• Lead end-to-end event production: venue sourcing and contracting run-of-show vendor management (catering AV production security transportation talent) permitting insurance and on-site logistics.
• Develop and own event budgets; track spend manage reconciliation and deliver against revenue and margin targets for each property.
• Ensure flawless execution of sponsor deliverables - signage branding activations hospitality content rights and post-event reporting.
• Coordinate cross-functionally with agents marketing communications content and operations teams to align events with client priorities and firm-wide goals.
• Manage event timelines project plans and critical paths; anticipate risks and proactively problem-solve under tight deadlines.
• Lead on-site event execution including staffing plans vendor walk-throughs sponsor activation talent management and real-time troubleshooting.
• Deliver post-event recaps sponsor reporting ROI analysis and recommendations for future events.
• Identify new event concepts and revenue opportunities that strengthen Athletes Firsts brand and create value for clients and partners.
• Represent Athletes First at industry events league functions and partner meetings; travel as required around the NFL calendar.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree required; concentration in Sport Management Event Management Marketing Hospitality or related field preferred.
• 7 years of experience in event production sponsorship sales sports marketing or experiential agency property league team or brand-side experience all considered.
• Demonstrated track record of selling and servicing event sponsorships ideally in sports or entertainment with experience closing five- to seven-figure deals.
• Proven ability to manage large-scale events end-to-end from concept through on-site execution and post-event reporting.
• Strong network of brand marketers sponsorship agencies venues and event vendors.
• Deep understanding of the NFL calendar key industry moments and the broader sports and entertainment events landscape.
• Exceptional project management skills; able to manage multiple complex events and competing deadlines simultaneously without losing detail or composure.
• Experience building and managing event budgets P&Ls and sponsor reporting.
• Strong negotiation written and verbal communication skills; polished presence with senior brand and league contacts.
• Cool-headed under pressure with a true operators mindset willing to roll up sleeves on logistics last-minute changes and long days on-site.
• Proficiency with project management CRM and event tools (Asana/Monday Salesforce/HubSpot Cvent or similar) and Microsoft Office / Google Workspace.
• Discretion and professionalism handling confidential client partner and financial information.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively and work non-traditional hours including evenings and weekends around the NFL calendar and key event windows.
• Passion for sports and live events with a commitment to the firms mission of doing the right things with the right people for the right reasons.

What We Offer

• Medical Dental Vision & Life Insurance
• 401k Retirement Plan
• Cell Phone Reimbursement
• Flexible PTO
• Exposure to the highest levels of professional sports and a front-row seat working alongside elite NFL athletes coaches and front office executives

Athletes First is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin disability or status as a protected veteran.