Senior Partnerships Manager- Frieze

About MARI Group

MARI is a global events and experiences company powering world-defining live experiences. Our portfolio of premium live properties spans sports, art, and entertainment — including the Madrid and Miami Open tennis tournaments, Frieze (a leading voice in contemporary art), and Barrett-Jackson (the premium U.S. collector car auction company). MARI also includes TodayTix Group, the global e-commerce leader for cultural experiences, connecting millions of customers with the best in live entertainment.
MARI is reshaping the live events landscape — building a growing portfolio of category-defining events and brands that set the standard for what's next, across sports, entertainment, art, and lifestyle.
At MARI, you'll work alongside people who are passionate, curious, and driven — people who believe that live experiences have the power to shape culture, and who care about the work, the mission, and each other. We welcome outstanding applicants of all backgrounds and encourage everyone to apply.

About the Role

Frieze is the leading global organization for art and culture, producing internationally acclaimed fairs in London, New York, Los Angeles, Seoul and Abu Dhabi, alongside Frieze Masters, The Armory Show and EXPO Chicago, as well as a year-round programme of editorial, events and partnerships.
This is a full time role and qualified candidates must be based in New York.

The salary range for this role is: $100,000- $120,000. Salary is determined by market data, experience, location, and internal banding. Ranges will be discussed transparently during the interview process.

What Success Looks Like:

• Sustained sponsorship revenue growth: Consistently achieve revenue growth across Frieze's U.S. fairs by securing new sponsors and expanding existing partnerships.
• Successful new business development: Build a strong pipeline of qualified prospects, develop compelling proposals, and convert new opportunities into long-term partnerships.
• Strong partner retention: Drive renewals across key sponsor accounts by building trusted relationships, understanding client objectives, and delivering measurable value.
• Exceptional partnership delivery: Ensure contractual benefits and sponsored activations are delivered to a high standard, collaborating effectively with internal teams to execute campaigns and experiences.
• Effective account and pipeline management: Maintain accurate sponsorship tracking and reporting, identify market opportunities, and use competitor insights to inform business development strategies.

What You'll Own:

• Lead sponsorship sales and business development across Frieze New York, Frieze Los Angeles, and The Armory Show and EXPO Chicago.
• Identify, prospect, pitch, negotiate, and secure new sponsorship opportunities, developing compelling proposals that align partner objectives with Frieze's brands and audiences.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with new and existing sponsors, serving as the primary point of contact for a portfolio of key accounts.
• Lead renewal discussions with key sponsors, identifying opportunities to grow accounts, strengthen partnerships, and drive recurring revenue.
• Manage sponsorship agreements and negotiations from initial drafting through final signature, working with relevant stakeholders to ensure commercial terms are agreed and documented.
• Oversee the delivery of contractual sponsorship benefits, ensuring a seamless experience for partners across physical activations, sponsored spaces, advertising campaigns, and other deliverables.
• Partner cross-functionally with production, marketing, finance, VIP, and creative teams to plan and execute sponsorship activations, campaigns, and partner experiences.
• Conduct market research and monitor the competitive landscape to identify emerging trends, prospective sponsors, and new revenue opportunities.
• Represent Frieze and its U.S. fairs at sponsor meetings, industry events, and other relevant engagements across the U.S.
• Maintain accurate internal sponsorship tracking documents and reporting for The Armory Show and EXPO Chicago.
• Provide guidance and day-to-day support to the Partnerships Assistant, helping maintain strong account administration and operational execution.

What You Bring:

• Demonstrated experience in sponsorship sales, partnerships, advertising sales, or a similar commercial, client-facing role.
• A proven track record of generating new business, negotiating commercial agreements, and growing revenue through strategic partnerships.
• Experience developing and selling significant advertising campaigns, sponsorship packages, or integrated brand partnerships.
• An established network of senior decision-makers, ideally across sectors such as technology, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, watches and jewelry, beauty, and media agencies.
• Experience managing complex projects and delivering ambitious partnerships across live events, physical activations, and digital channels.
• Exceptional relationship-building, presentation, negotiation, and communication skills, with the ability to engage confidently with senior stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills, with excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• A proactive, solutions-oriented approach and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, particularly during high-pressure event periods.
• Experience working with luxury brands or major sponsors is a plus.
• An interest in contemporary art, culture, and the live events industry is desirable.
• Marketing and social media experience is an advantage.

Benefits
Here are some of the Benefits and Perks offered at MARI Group:

• Hybrid work environment (blend of in-office and at-home days)
• Healthcare, vision, and dental plans with contributions from the company
• Life and disability insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• 401(k) Matching
• Flexible Paid Time Off
• Enhanced gyms, wellness and financial wellbeing apps access via Wellhub
• Employee Assistance Program
• Pre-Tax FSA, Dependent Care FSA, and Commuter Benefits
• Perks and discounts via MARI’s employment partner, Trinet

MARI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity and inclusion. We welcome candidates of all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital or veteran status, pregnancy, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants and employees based on religious practices, mental health, or physical needs.