Auto Racing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

POSITION TITLE:
Sponsorship Sales Executive  

REPORTS TO:
VP, Sponsorship Sales and Partnership 

POSITION LOCATIONS:
Dallas, TX, Indianapolis, IN, or Nashville, TN; Los Angeles, CA; New York, NY

FLSA STATUS:
Exempt

EMPLOYMENT TYPE:
Full-Time

ABOUT US

At Penske Entertainment, we don’t just host world-class events—we create unforgettable moments. Our team fuels four iconic motorsports brands:

• Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) – home of the world’s largest spectator sporting facility and annually hosts the world’s most prestigious auto race: the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge.
• INDYCAR - The Indianapolis-based governing body for North America's premier open-wheel auto racing series, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, and its developmental series, INDY NXT by Firestone.
• IMS Productions - A multifaceted broadcast and multimedia division that helps bring INDYCAR and IMS events to life for global audiences.
• Motorsports Events Management (MEM) – Promotes major events featuring premier motorsports series throughout the United States.

Whether on the track, behind the scenes, or on the screen, our people are at the heart of everything we do. If you’re ready for a career where excitement, purpose, and impact collide—we want to meet you.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

The Sponsorship Sales Executive is responsible for driving new revenue opportunities across the NTT INDYCAR Series and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway through proactive prospecting, relationship development, and strategic sales efforts.

This role focuses on identifying and engaging large-scale corporate partners, developing customized sponsorship opportunities, and closing revenue-generating partnerships that support the continued growth of the series and its events.

The position emphasizes securing strategic partnerships with the potential to evolve into seven-figure sponsorships that create meaningful impact for both partners and the organization.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

High-Volume Prospecting & Pipeline Development

• Conduct daily, high-volume prospecting to identify and engage new corporate partners across multiple industries and categories.
• Research prospective partners to understand their business priorities and align partnership opportunities with corporate marketing objectives and brand strategies.
• Build and maintain a strong pipeline of qualified sponsorship opportunities capable of developing into large-scale partnerships.
• Initiate outreach through calls, emails, meetings, networking, and industry events to consistently generate new business opportunities.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key corporate stakeholders and marketing leaders.

Revenue Generation

• Prepare and present compelling partnership proposals and presentations to corporate decision-makers.
• Negotiate and close sponsorship agreements that drive meaningful revenue growth.
• Consistently meet or exceed individual sales and revenue targets.
• Identify opportunities to grow partnerships and increase long-term value.

Market Intelligence & Collaboration

• Monitor industry trends, competitive sponsorship activity, and emerging partnership opportunities.
• Collaborate with internal teams to develop innovative partnership concepts and inventory.
• Represent the organization professionally in the marketplace and at industry events.
• Other special projects and duties as assigned

WHAT YOU BRING

We’re looking for someone ready to put in great effort every day and committed to growing with us.

Required Experience & Skills:

• 5-7 years of sales experience, ideally in sports, media, sponsorship, or experiential marketing, with an emphasis on new business development and corporate partnership sales.
• Demonstrated success in high-volume prospecting and developing new business opportunities.

• Experience editing and presenting custom partnership proposals or marketing solutions.
• Ability to build relationships with corporate marketing and brand leaders
• Track record of meeting activity and revenue targets in a sales-driven environment.

• Experience working with or selling to consumer brands is a plus.
• The person who is selected for this position should be a proactive, efficient, flexible, resilient, organized, and team player.  Specific skills include:

• Strong analytical skills with an understanding of pricing strategies and market trends.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with experience in developing sales materials.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Excel) and familiarity with CRM software.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks, follow up, and handle multiple responsibilities efficiently and accurately.
• Highly motivated and resourceful self-starter with a positive attitude.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• High integrity and commitment to confidentiality.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with partner organizations, sponsor representatives, event guests, etc.
• Innovative thinkers with perseverance to lead teams to success.
• Familiarity with the racing industry and a passion for motorsports is a plus.
• Ability to uphold and consistently demonstrate company standards.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, Sports Management, Communications, or related field, or equivalent professional experience preferred.

Leadership:

• This role does not have direct supervisory responsibilities.

FLEXIBILITY & TRAVEL

• Standard hours are Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
• Evening hours and weekends required, as needed, to meet business needs.
• This role requires frequent domestic travel to client locations, industry events, and corporate meetings, with the possibility of occasional international trips.
• Flexibility to accommodate varying travel schedules and time zones is essential. The ability to manage travel logistics effectively and remain productive while on the road is crucial.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Must have the stamina to work long hours and must be willing to work an irregular schedule, which may include weekends or evenings.
• Occasional work outdoors requires physical strength and stamina to endure extreme heat, cold, rain, and other conditions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Primarily an indoor office setting with varying noise levels during event times
• Frequent interruptions, some required travel, and work outdoors, etc.

BENEFITS & PERKS

We take care of our team with a competitive benefits package that includes:

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• 401(k) with 100% company match up to 5%
• Paid vacation, personal, and sick days + 12 paid holidays
• Generous paid parental leave and tuition assistance
• On-site fitness center and wellness programs
• Discounts on meals, gear, and more

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Penske Entertainment is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive—regardless of race, gender, orientation, background, or ability.