Working in sponsorship requires great negotiating skills, as well as being able to develop contacts in the media and general industry. It is a unique profession with high rewards for those who can deliver a good package which benefits both the sponsor and the client
Earnings are usually based around a basic salary and a commission, which is calculated as a percentage of a deal. Salaries can run to high figures if the person is working for a multinational sponsoring a cash rich organisation.
The area where sponsorship is most prevalent is in sport, but there are sponsorship deals across a whole raft of entertainment industries, broadcasting and the arts. Marketing agencies are the usual employers of an industry expert, but that person may well have to bring potential deals to the agency when applying for the job.
The agency will assess the person and the likely business opportunities for them, so having a track record and experience in previous deals is important. The minimum qualifications for this role are a degree in marketing or business studies, as well as some experience of negotiating sponsor packages.