Director of Business Development

The Director of Business Development drives revenue growth by leading the partnership department's new business acquisition efforts and overseeing the renewal and expansion of existing corporate partnerships. This role identifies, pursues, and secures corporate partnership opportunities across all Aequus Sports, LLC assets—including traditional signage, livestream, radio, print, and internet—in close collaboration with the marketing and ticketing departments. This position owns the complete sales lifecycle: from prospecting and pitching to negotiating and activating contractual agreements with corporate partners. Beyond deal-making, the Director cultivates lasting, high-trust relationships with sponsors to ensure retention, seamless activation, and exceptional customer service in every interaction representing Aequus Sports. Key or Essential FunctionsTo perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the duties listed below. The essential functions of the position include, but are not limited to, the following:Meet and/or exceed assigned sales goals by developing and selling creative sponsorship packages. Directly close key accounts and responsible for selling and closing new business for consistent revenue generation. Research and build relationships with local and regional companies/brands to highlight the advantages of investing in Professional Men’s and Women’s soccer. Utilizes creativity, innovation, and research to identify corporate partnerships for Aequus Sports. Design, implement, and oversee the entirety of the sales process for the department: prospecting, building/presenting sales presentations and end-of-year recaps, creating proposals, creating/negotiating contracts, upselling/renewing current partners, and all other steps throughout the sales process. Manage an existing book of business and be responsible for the upselling and renewing of current partners. Build and maintain lasting relationships with our corporate partners and the organization’s stadium partners/vendors. Cultivates meaningful ongoing relationships with corporate sponsors and commits to a deep understanding of the needs and preferences of each sponsor. Entertain clients and work various game day events (including regular nights and weekends). Understand the sports sponsorship landscape including traditional, non-traditional, and digital marketing assets, and stay up to date on changes and advancements within the industry. Engage regularly with the fulfillment manager and collaborate internally with other departments as needed such as ticketing and marketing. QualificationsBachelor’s degree in business, communications, marketing, sports management, or related field. Minimum of 3-5 years of corporate sales experience or other related industry. experience should include:Strategic prospecting and pipeline management. Experience developing, writing, and presenting high-value, six-figure plus sales proposals. Demonstrated ability to design and execute effective sales campaigns while guiding a team to replicate success. Advanced public speaking and presentation skills, including experience presenting to C-suite executives and community stakeholders. Direct experience selling sports team or stadium-related sponsorships at the professional or Division I collegiate level required. Ability to pass a comprehensive background check, including a motor vehicle report. Possess and maintain a current and valid driver’s license and maintain legally required insurance. Proven ability to build respectful working relationships and effectively communicate with employees, management, vendors, contractors, and community partners. Ability to work collaboratively with a cross-functional team. High degree of personal initiative. Proven track record of personal and team achievements. Demonstrates superior customer service skills by ensuring each interaction leaves the individual feeling heard, appreciated, understood, and valued. QualificationsPrior experience selling multi-faceted advertising and sponsorship platforms to local, regional, and national companies. Experience should include selling building signage and team assets, which include the following: signage, promotions, experiential marketing opportunities, radio, web, and print. Compensation and BenefitsCompensation Range: $75,000 - 95,000 base plus commissionVacation and sick leaveMedical, Dental, Vision, Life, and ADD benefitsComplimentary tickets and Parking PassSpokane Club MembershipMerchandise Discount