Senior Business Development Manager

We’re seeking a strategic, results-oriented sales professional to join our growing sponsorship team. If you have a passion for sports and a track record of cultivating meaningful partnerships, this is your opportunity to lead high-value accounts and help drive revenue growth in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

In this role, you will manage a diverse portfolio of sponsors, oversee complex campaigns, and play a key role in both renewal strategy and new business development. You'll lead sales efforts from pitch to close, collaborate with internal and university stakeholders, and help shape our presence in the marketplace. This position is ideal for a seasoned closer who thrives on both autonomy and impact.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Meet and/or exceed assigned revenue goals through new business development and strategic renewals.

• Own the full sales cycle, including prospecting, relationship development, proposal creation, presentations, contract negotiation, closing, and post-sale execution.

• Regularly meet with prospective and existing clients at their places of business, athletic events, or other off-site locations to cultivate relationships, present sponsorship opportunities, and secure new and expanded partnerships.

• Manage a defined book of business, including high-value accounts and key partnership renewals.

• Develop integrated sponsorship proposals across digital, social, broadcast, in-venue, and experiential platforms that align with client objectives and university assets.

• Lead strategic renewal planning and identify opportunities to grow existing partnerships in collaboration with sales leadership.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with university partners, athletic department staff, corporate partners, and internal stakeholders, serving as a trusted representative of both LEARFIELD and the university.

• Partner with internal teams to ensure seamless campaign execution and fulfillment, maintaining alignment with client expectations and contractual commitments.

• Serve as a mentor and resource to junior sellers while supporting local leadership in advancing overall team performance.

• Represent the property at client meetings, hospitality events, industry functions, and athletic events, including evenings and weekends as needed.

• Stay informed on industry trends, sponsorship best practices, brand activations, digital marketing strategies, and emerging platforms to identify new revenue opportunities.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Typically 6+ years of successful outside, consultative, or business-to-business sales experience with demonstrated responsibility for developing new business and managing client relationships.

• Demonstrated success managing a book of business and exceeding revenue goals

• Strong ability to build marketing strategies tailored to client needs

• Advanced negotiating skills and ability to influence senior-level decision makers

• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills

• Comfort navigating CRM systems and working within a performance-driven sales environment

• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed for game days and events

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience selling integrated sports marketing partnerships including major media (signage, radio, social, digital, etc.)

• Knowledge of digital marketing platforms, content sponsorship, and campaign analytics

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university

The approximate national base pay range for this position is$105,000to$168,000. Please note that this is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Individuals may also be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus and/or sales compensation based on individual and company performance. Placement on the range may vary based on factors including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, and geographic location. The pay rate willcomply withall minimum federal, state, and local wage/salary requirements.  

Learfield offers a full spectrum of benefits for eligible employees including Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account, Life Insurance and Other Insurance Plans, Flexible Paid Time Off (minimum 10+ days annually), including Parental Leave, 20 Paid Holidays, 401(k) + Match, and Short/Long Term Disability. Leave benefits are consistent with state and local laws, including the Colorado Health Families and Workplaces Act.

Learfield is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race; color; sex; gender identity; sexual orientation; religious practices and observances; national origin; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; status as a protected veteran or spouse/family member of a protected veteran; or disability.