Director, Properties Full Time

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, we’ve 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 First’s 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 First’s 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

• Bachelor’s 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 operator’s 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 firm’s 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.