Corporate Sports Marketing Salaries
Unlike jobs at properties and agencies, there is no element of commission or bonus directly tied to sponsorship deals. Corporations are on the buying side of the equation, so there is no incentive to spend more money. Further, definitively quantifying a company’s improved sales or visibility as a result of a specific sponsorship is nearly impossible. Any bonuses given to sponsorship professionals are based on overall company performance. For example, if Nike exceeds annual sales expectations, a predetermined bonus is given to employees based on their level of seniority.
Salaries also tend to be higher at corporations than at agencies or properties. This is a factor of a higher level of professionalism generally perceived at these organizations. People working in sponsorship capacities tend to be better educated with more work experience than their counterparts on the other side of the table. Industry leaders like Nike, Visa, and PepsiCo have the luxury of selecting the best of the best when building their marketing departments.