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Breanna, Specialist, Member and Donor Relations - Corporate Partnerships at Pro Football Retired Players: Advize Career Interview
This interview with a Specialist in Member and Donor Relations and Corporate Partnerships reveals a dynamic career path built on extensive volunteer work, including roles with the Jason Duffner Charitable Foundation and the Surf Rider Foundation.
The interviewee's current role involves securing corporate partnerships for Pro Football Retired Players Association, a "million dollar project," and implementing marketing strategies for VP Pro Beach Volleyball.
A typical day includes managing member requests, researching potential corporate partners, and planning brand activations.
Success in this field requires creativity, research skills, strong communication, and a positive attitude—attributes honed through experience and a proactive approach to networking.
The interviewee emphasizes the significance of building relationships, leveraging volunteer experience, and seeking opportunities that align with personal passions.
The emphasis on networking, mentorship within supportive organizations, and continuous learning provides valuable insights for aspiring professionals, particularly women of color, navigating the competitive sports industry.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Breanna Barksdale
Specialist, Member and Donor Relations - Corporate Partnerships
Pro Football Retired Players
Auburn University (2017)
UCLA FEMBA
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Marketing
Sports
Sales and Client Management
Worked 20+ Hours in School, Student Athlete
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Career Path of a Corporate Partnerships Member and Donor Relations Specialist at Pro Football Retired Players
Breanna's career path began with extensive volunteer work during Auburn University, including roles with the Jason Duffner Charitable Foundation, the Surf Rider Foundation of San Diego, and Monarchs, a San Diego school supporting underserved children. This volunteer experience, alongside their collegiate athletics, clearly laid a strong foundation for their current role in member and donor relations at Pro Football Retired Players.
Main Responsibilities Of A Corporate Partnerships Specialist At Pro Football Retired Players
Breanna's role at Pro Football Retired Players Association centers on identifying corporate partners "that align with the FFR PA's mission and have a high potential to generate nonprofit revenue," focusing particularly on a "million dollar project within corporate giving." Additionally, their work at VP Pro Beach Volleyball involves implementing a targeted marketing strategy to broaden the customer base and promote women's pro beach volleyball.
A Day In The Life Of A Partnerships Intern At Pro Football Retired Players Association
A day for this specialist involves juggling "different member requests from retired players," cultivating corporate partnerships by researching organizations for "mutually beneficial relationships," and managing merchandise collaborations, such as the Cotton Links partnership for Pro Beach Volleyball. The role also includes planning brand activations, exemplified by identifying suitable partners for events like the Atlanta open.
Most Important Skills for a Corporate Partnerships Specialist at Pro Football Retired Players
Breanna, a Specialist in Member and Donor Relations, highlighted the importance of "creativity, research, sales and business development," and "being personable" in her role at the Pro Football Retired Players Association. The demanding nature of Breanna's prior role at AVP Pro Beach Volleyball emphasized adaptability, a positive attitude, and the willingness to "work long hours."
Favorite Parts of Being a Corporate Partnerships Specialist at Pro Football Retired Players
Breanna enjoys the networking opportunities and relationship building inherent in the Specialist, Member and Donor Relations role at Pro Football Retired Players Association, stating that "it's great to have a great event, but also like the people around you is what makes it most enjoyable." The connection to volleyball through Pro Beach Volleyball provides additional career fulfillment.
Biggest Challenges Faced By A Corporate Partnerships Specialist at Pro Football Retired Players
Breanna's biggest challenge at Pro Football Retired Players Association involves securing "donation dollars" from corporate partners nearing the end of their fiscal year, requiring creative partnership strategies and new relationship building. This challenge, coupled with the need to increase audience engagement and demonstrate "how amazing the sport of pro beach volleyball is" in Breanna's other role, highlights the constant need for innovative fundraising and marketing approaches in the sports industry.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Sports Industry As A Corporate Partnerships Specialist
Breanna enjoys the supportive nature of the sports industry, citing "mutually beneficial relationships" and a willingness to help among colleagues. This supportive network has been particularly valuable as the professional pivots back into the sports sector.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Sports Industry According To A Corporate Partnerships Specialist At Pro Football Retired Players
Breanna highlighted a "great attitude," willingness to "put in the work," and creativity as key traits for success in member and donor relations, emphasizing adaptability and strong communication skills to navigate diverse personalities within the corporate partnerships realm of professional sports. The ability to demonstrate initiative and "go the extra mile" is also crucial, showcasing a proactive approach to the job.
What a Partnerships Specialist at Pro Football Retired Players wishes they had known before entering the Sports industry
Breanna, a Specialist in Member and Donor Relations, emphasizes the critical importance of networking and building relationships, stating that "relationships are super important," a lesson learned across roles at Pro Football Retired Players Association and Pro Beach Volleyball. The experience also highlighted the unexpected career opportunities that align with personal passions, as Breanna discovered a fulfilling role that leveraged their volleyball background.
Entry-level Positions for Aspiring Sports Partnerships Specialists
Breanna highlights the importance of volunteer experience, citing "volunteer experiences" with organizations like the US Open, as crucial for entry-level sports careers. The interviewee also emphasizes exploring "coordinator roles, specialist roles" and "sports adjacent roles" in fields like tech or finance to gain experience and build networks within the competitive sports industry.
Career Lesson From A Corporate Partnerships Specialist At Pro Football Retired Players
Breanna's most significant career lesson centers on the power of networking, emphasizing the importance of "letting people know what you're interested in" and being "specific" about career goals. This proactive approach, leveraging connections to stay "top of mind" for relevant opportunities, has proven invaluable in advancing their career.
College Experiences That Helped A Member And Donor Relations Corporate Partnerships Specialist At Pro Football Retired Players Succeed
Breanna's undergraduate success stemmed from extensive community volunteering, actively seeking opportunities, and utilizing career services, highlighting the importance of "leveraging the people around you". Further, master's-level networking and a commitment to continuous learning, "putting yourself in opportunities where you can continue to learn and grow," proved crucial for career advancement.
How Identity Has Influenced a Member and Donor Relations Corporate Partnerships Specialist at Pro Football Retired Players' Career
Breanna's career navigation as a woman of color in the sports industry has been aided by leveraging organizations that support women of color in professional spaces, allowing her to network and find companies with aligning "values and morals." This approach, combined with self-awareness and authenticity, has helped her identify suitable opportunities and build meaningful relationships.
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