Corporate Partnerships & Sponsorship Sales Intern
Salem City FC
1 hour ago
Internship
On-site
Winston Salem, North Carolina, United States
Paid or Stipend, College Credit
Corporate Partnerships & Sponsorship Sales Intern
Organization: Salem City FC
Location: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Position Type: Part-Time Internship
Compensation: Commission-Based | 5% of Eligible Sponsorship Sales
College Credit: Available, subject to university approval
Schedule: Flexible, with occasional evenings and weekends
Location: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Position Type: Part-Time Internship
Compensation: Commission-Based | 5% of Eligible Sponsorship Sales
College Credit: Available, subject to university approval
Schedule: Flexible, with occasional evenings and weekends
About Salem City FC
Salem City FC is an ambitious and growing soccer organization based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, competing in USL League Two and committed to building a strong connection between professional-level soccer, player development, and our local community.
Driven by community, connected by the game, Salem City FC is focused on creating meaningful opportunities for players, supporters, and local businesses while establishing a sustainable and successful soccer organization.
As we continue to grow our commercial operations and expand our presence throughout the Piedmont Triad, we are seeking a motivated and entrepreneurial Corporate Partnerships & Sponsorship Sales Intern to support our sponsorship acquisition and business development efforts.
Position Overview
This internship offers a unique opportunity for an ambitious individual to gain hands-on experience in sports sponsorship, corporate partnerships, sales, and commercial development within a competitive soccer organization.
Working directly with Salem City FC's leadership team, the successful candidate will be responsible for identifying potential sponsors, developing relationships with local businesses, and securing commercial partnerships that contribute to the club's continued growth.
The position provides genuine responsibility and the opportunity to generate measurable results, with a commission-based compensation structure that rewards successful sponsorship sales.
This role is particularly well suited to students pursuing careers in sports management, business administration, marketing, sales, or commercial operations who are eager to gain practical experience in the professional sports industry.
Key Responsibilities
Sponsorship Sales & Business Development
- Identify and research prospective corporate sponsors and local business partners throughout Winston-Salem and the wider Piedmont Triad.
- Proactively engage potential partners through email, telephone outreach, networking, and in-person meetings.
- Present and sell Salem City FC's range of sponsorship and advertising opportunities, including:
- Stadium and field advertising boards
- First-team jersey and training apparel sponsorships
- Individual player sponsorship packages
- Matchday and event sponsorships
- Digital advertising and social media partnerships
- Youth development and community program sponsorships
- Stadium and field advertising boards
- Develop and maintain a structured pipeline of prospective sponsors and commercial opportunities.
- Assist in preparing sponsorship proposals and presentations tailored to individual businesses and organizations.
- Support sponsorship negotiations and work alongside club leadership to finalize commercial agreements.
- Maintain accurate records of sponsorship outreach, meetings, proposals, and completed agreements.
Partnership Development & Relationship Management
- Establish and maintain professional relationships with local businesses, community organizations, and corporate partners.
- Represent Salem City FC professionally at business meetings, networking events, and club activities.
- Identify creative partnership opportunities that provide meaningful value to sponsors while supporting the club's commercial objectives.
- Collaborate with club leadership to identify new sponsorship opportunities and commercial initiatives.
- Assist with sponsor activation and partnership fulfillment where required.
- Support the retention and renewal of existing sponsorship relationships.
Compensation & Commission Structure
This position offers a 5% commission on the total value of eligible sponsorship agreements personally secured by the intern during their internship.
Commission opportunities include:
New Sponsorship Agreements: Commission earned on agreements secured with businesses or organizations entering into a sponsorship relationship with Salem City FC for the first time.
Returning Sponsorship Agreements: Commission earned on renewed or additional sponsorship agreements secured with existing or previous Salem City FC partners.
Commission applies across eligible commercial sponsorship opportunities, including field advertising, jersey sponsorships, individual player sponsorships, digital advertising, and other approved partnership packages.
Commission Examples
Sponsorship AgreementCommission Earned
$1,000 | $50
$2,500 | $125
$5,000 | $250
$10,000 | $500
$20,000 | $1,000
$1,000 | $50
$2,500 | $125
$5,000 | $250
$10,000 | $500
$20,000 | $1,000
There is no predetermined cap on eligible commission earnings.
Commission Eligibility: Commission applies only to eligible sponsorship agreements actively secured during the internship period. Future renewals or extensions completed after the internship will not generate additional commissions unless otherwise required by applicable law or a written agreement. Commissions earned during the internship remain payable according to the agreed payment terms and applicable law.
Compensation and payment arrangements will be outlined in a written internship agreement and administered in accordance with applicable employment laws.
College Credit & Professional Development
Salem City FC welcomes students seeking academic internship credit and is willing to work with colleges and universities to support applicable academic requirements.
In addition to commission-based earning opportunities, the internship provides valuable professional development benefits, including:
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Professional Sports Experience: Gain hands-on experience in the commercial operations of a competitive soccer organization.
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Direct Leadership Exposure: Work closely with club leadership and gain insight into sponsorship strategy, business development, and commercial decision-making.
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Sales & Negotiation Skills: Develop practical experience in prospecting, pitching, negotiating, and securing commercial agreements.
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Professional Networking: Build relationships with business owners, corporate representatives, and community leaders throughout the Piedmont Triad.
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Portfolio Development: Build a record of measurable commercial achievements that can strengthen future employment applications.
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Mentorship: Receive guidance and support from club leadership throughout the internship.
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Career Development: Gain exposure to potential future opportunities within the club's expanding business and commercial operations.
Qualifications & Desired Attributes
Preferred Qualifications
- Currently enrolled in a college or university program, preferably studying Sports Management, Business, Marketing, Communications, or a related discipline.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Confidence approaching businesses and initiating professional conversations.
- A proactive, self-motivated, and results-oriented approach to work.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating with club leadership.
- Interest in soccer, professional sports, sponsorship, or business development.
- Previous experience in sales, customer service, marketing, or business development is beneficial but not required.
- Reliable transportation for attending local business meetings and networking opportunities is preferred.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is confident, personable, ambitious, and eager to develop a career in sports business or commercial sales.
We are particularly interested in individuals who demonstrate initiative, enjoy building relationships, and are comfortable working toward measurable objectives.
Previous experience in sports sponsorship sales is not required. We value enthusiasm, professionalism, and a willingness to learn.
Schedule & Working Arrangements
This is a flexible, part-time internship designed to accommodate academic commitments.
Interns will have the opportunity to manage their outreach schedules and sponsorship development activities in coordination with club leadership.
Some attendance at club events, business meetings, and networking opportunities may be required, including occasional evenings and weekends.
The position will involve a combination of independent outreach, remote administrative work, and in-person business development throughout the Piedmont Triad.
Why Join Salem City FC?
At Salem City FC, we believe meaningful professional experience comes from genuine responsibility and the opportunity to make an impact.
This internship is not simply an opportunity to observe the business side of sports. It is an opportunity to actively contribute to the commercial development of a growing soccer organization.
You will have the chance to build real business relationships, develop valuable commercial skills, and see the direct impact of your efforts on the club and its community.
For individuals aspiring to careers in professional sports, sponsorship, sales, or business development, this position provides an excellent foundation for future success.
As Salem City FC continues to grow, successful interns may also be considered for future opportunities within the club's commercial operations.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received.
Salem City FC is an equal opportunity organization and welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds.
Salem City FC | Driven by community, connected by the game.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.