Lauren Mitchell
Senior Commercial Partnership Manager, Auckland FC
Bachelor of Communication Studies in Public Relations with a minor in Advertising
What she enjoys most about working at Auckland FC is being part of something that’s bigger than just sport, says Lauren Mitchell who is the club’s senior partnership manager.
“It’s about community, passion and purpose. Every day brings something new, and I love the fast-paced, collaborative nature of the role. There’s a real sense of pride in building partnerships that not only support the club but also create meaningful impact for fans, businesses and the wider football community. Working with passionate colleagues and ambitious partners, and being so close to the energy of the game makes it incredibly rewarding. It’s a unique environment where creativity, strategy and relationships all come together – and that’s what makes it so fulfilling.
“My role involves leading the strategy, delivery and growth of the club’s commercial partnerships. This includes managing key sponsor relationships, ensuring all contractual obligations and activations are fulfilled, and delivering strong ROI for partners through branding, digital integration, match-day experiences and community engagement. I’m proud of playing a key role in delivering a record-breaking debut season for Auckland FC and building a strong foundation of loyal, engaged and passionate partners, utilising my skills across different industries, from PR and marketing to events and partnerships.”
Memories of AUT
A decade into her successful career, Lauren still has fond memories of her time at AUT, where she completed a Bachelor of Communication Studies in Public Relations.
“I was fortunate to be awarded a Significant Student Scholarship, which made the decision to study at AUT an easy one. It was an incredible opportunity; not only financially, but in terms of the doors it opened for my future. Beyond the scholarship itself, choosing AUT felt right because of its reputation for being innovative, industry-connected and student focused. I knew I’d be in an environment that valued practical learning, supported its students and offered real opportunities to grow – both academically and personally.”
Being able to apply what she was learning in the classroom through hands-on experiences was one of the main highlights of her time at AUT.
“Whether it was through industry projects, internships or collaborative group work, I was constantly challenged to think critically, communicate clearly and adapt to real-world scenarios. This practical approach not only deepened my understanding of the content but also gave me a huge confidence boost in professional environments.”
Advice for other students
Lauren, who graduated from AUT in 2014, has some great advice for other students.
“Always say yes to opportunities that present themselves as you never know what the future holds. Putting yourself out there and pushing the comfort zone helps unlock doors and opportunities.”
It's all about relationships, she adds.
“Building strong relationships with colleagues, clients and partners is so important in helping progress your career; no matter what the experience or industry is. The relationships you build are the foundation for growth, and you never know what opportunities might present themselves later down the track. Hey, it’s how I got my job here at Auckland FC, as I was an intern at Colenso with the then head of finance and he was the head of commercial here at Auckland FC.”
