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Sports Business Development Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

M. A. Mortenson Company

Business Development Manager

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$102K - $154K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

SUMMARY Mortenson is currently seeking a Business Development Manager I that will be responsible ... like sports, renewable energy, data centers, healthcare, and more. We are builders at heart ...

Mortenson

Business Development Manager

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$102K - $154K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Manage positioning activities of the business development team, including strategic planning ... like sports, renewable energy, data centers, healthcare, and more. We are builders at heart ...

Mortenson

Business Development Manager

Tempe, AZ

$102K - $154K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

SUMMARY Mortenson is currently seeking a Business Development Manager I that will be responsible ... like sports, renewable energy, data centers, healthcare, and more. We are builders at heart ...

Sportfive

Vice President, US Gaming & Creators

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site +1

$180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Driving new business development across all facets of gaming and creators Essential Job ... sports marketing, or related media/entertainment sectors * Proven track record of driving revenue ...

Sportfive

Vice President, US Gaming & Creators

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Driving new business development across all facets of gaming and creators Essential Job ... sports marketing, or related media/entertainment sectors * Proven track record of driving revenue ...

i9 Sports

Sport Coordinator Soccer

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

... largest youth sports league franchise business in the United States with over 1 million ... Empower volunteer coaches to lead practice sessions focusing on fundamentals, skill development ...

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All JobsSports Business Development JobsSports Business Development Jobs in Arizona

Sports Business Development information

See Arizona salary details

$34K

$79.8K

$138.8K

How much do sports business development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for sports business development in Arizona is $79,772.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,800.00 and $93,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a sports business development?

A Sports Business Development job focuses on identifying growth opportunities, forming strategic partnerships, and increasing revenue within the sports industry. Professionals in this role work with teams, leagues, sponsors, and media companies to develop new business opportunities, negotiate deals, and enhance brand value. Responsibilities may include sales, marketing, sponsorship acquisition, and relationship management. Success in this role requires strong networking, analytical skills, and an in-depth understanding of the sports market.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in sports business development?

To excel in Sports Business Development, you need a solid grasp of sales, marketing, and the sports industry, often backed by a degree in business, sports management, or a related field. Familiarity with CRM systems, data analytics tools, and event management software is highly valuable in this position. Strong relationship-building, negotiation, and communication skills help professionals stand out. These abilities are crucial for driving revenue, expanding strategic partnerships, and navigating the competitive landscape of the sports industry.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in sports business development?

Sports Business Development professionals often face the challenge of building and maintaining strong partnerships in a fast-paced, highly competitive industry. They may need to adapt quickly to changes in market trends, shifting fan engagement behaviors, or evolving sponsor needs. Additionally, aligning the interests of multiple stakeholders, such as sponsors, teams, and venues, requires careful negotiation and strategic thinking. These challenges make the role dynamic and rewarding for those who enjoy problem-solving and creating innovative growth opportunities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Sports Business Development jobs in Arizona?

The most popular types of Sports Business Development jobs in Arizona are:

What are popular job titles related to Sports Business Development jobs in Arizona?

For Sports Business Development jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Sports Business Development jobs in Arizona look for?

The top searched job categories for Sports Business Development jobs in Arizona are:

Sports Business Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sports Business Development job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,772 per year, or $38.4 per hour.

Sr. Director, Business Development

Arizona Athletic Grounds

Mesa, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Senior Director, Business Development

Arizona Athletic Grounds — Mesa, AZ

Arizona Athletic Grounds (AAG) is one of the premier youth and amateur sports destinations in the United States, drawing nearly three million visitors annually through year-round tournaments, leagues, community events, and national competitions. Located in Mesa, Arizona, AAG is redefining the youth sports experience through world-class facilities, innovative programming, premium hospitality, and strategic corporate partnerships.

As one of the nation's fastest-growing sports campuses, AAG offers brands a unique marketing platform - naming rights, sponsorships, digital and broadcast media, hospitality, experiential activations, consumer promotions, community engagement, and fully integrated partnerships designed to deliver measurable ROI.

POSITION SUMMARY

Arizona Athletic Grounds is seeking an accomplished Senior Director, Business Development to join its executive Business Development team. Reporting directly to the VP of Business Development, this senior-level role drives corporate partnership revenue through strategic sponsorship sales, naming rights, premium hospitality, experiential marketing, and customized integrated partnerships.

This position suits an experienced sales executive with an established reputation across Arizona's business and marketing community — someone with a proven history of building executive-level relationships, developing customized partnership solutions, negotiating complex sponsorship agreements, and consistently exceeding aggressive revenue goals.

The successful candidate will bring an existing network of corporate decision-makers while identifying new opportunities that strengthen AAG's position as one of the country's premier sports and entertainment destinations — with significant autonomy, executive visibility, and the opportunity to help shape the commercial future of one of the nation's fastest-growing sports properties.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

We're looking for a proven hunter — energized by opening new doors, creating strategic opportunities, and closing significant partnerships. Professional sports experience is valuable, but candidates from media, entertainment, hospitality, advertising, and event marketing are equally encouraged to apply.

Success in this role is measured by new revenue generated, long-term strategic partnerships developed, and contribution to AAG's growth as one of the nation's premier sports and entertainment destinations.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Business Development

  • Prospect, cultivate, negotiate, and close new corporate partnerships across all AAG assets — naming rights, sponsorships, hospitality, digital media, experiential marketing, and special events.
  • Develop customized sponsorship proposals and integrated marketing solutions aligned with each prospect's objectives.
  • Identify new revenue opportunities and innovative sponsorship concepts that maximize value for AAG and its partners.
  • Build and maintain an active sales pipeline, tracking activity and opportunities in SponsorCX.
  • Consistently achieve or exceed monthly and annual revenue goals.
  • Develop multi-year partnerships that generate long-term recurring revenue.
  • Represent AAG at networking events, industry conferences, community functions, and executive meetings throughout Arizona.

Executive Relationship Management

  • Build and maintain executive-level relationships with CEOs, CMOs, business owners, and senior decision-makers throughout Arizona and nationally.
  • Lead executive-level presentations, proposal meetings, and contract negotiations.
  • Serve as a trusted advisor, understanding each partner's business objectives and developing customized solutions that deliver measurable ROI.
  • Identify renewal, upsell, and cross-sell opportunities within existing partnerships.
  • Collaborate with partners to maximize activation and long-term relationship growth.

Leadership & Strategy

  • Partner with the VP of Business Development to execute annual sales strategy and long-term revenue initiatives.
  • Help identify new sponsorship inventory, naming rights opportunities, premium hospitality offerings, and campus marketing assets.
  • Mentor and support Business Development team members as needed.
  • Provide competitive analysis, market intelligence, and industry insight to strengthen AAG's commercial strategy.
  • Collaborate with executive leadership on strategic growth initiatives and long-term partnership planning.

Collaboration & Partnership Execution

  • Work closely with Marketing, Events, Operations, Hospitality, Community Relations, and Finance to ensure successful execution of partnership programs.
  • Help develop activation plans that support partners' business objectives.
  • Support partnership recap presentations, ROI reports, and renewal strategies.
  • Maintain accurate pipeline, forecasting, and client records in SponsorCX.
  • Participate in major campus events, tournaments, hospitality functions, and partner activations.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

  • 10–15 years of progressive experience in business development, sponsorship sales, corporate partnerships, sports marketing, media sales, or executive-level B2B sales.
  • Demonstrated success negotiating and closing high-value sponsorships, naming rights, integrated marketing partnerships, or comparable revenue-generating agreements.
  • Existing relationships with Arizona-based corporations, marketing executives, agencies, and business leaders strongly preferred.
  • Proven history of consistently exceeding aggressive revenue goals.
  • Experience managing complex sales cycles involving multiple stakeholders and executive-level decision-makers.
  • Strong understanding of sponsorship strategy, partnership marketing, experiential marketing, hospitality, and brand integration.
  • Exceptional presentation, communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
  • Ability to identify opportunities, develop creative solutions, and close strategic partnerships with minimal supervision.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook); experience with SponsorCX or similar CRM platforms preferred.
  • Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
  • Self-starter with executive presence, strong business acumen, and an entrepreneurial mindset.
  • Candidates with business development experience from professional sports organizations, collegiate athletics, media companies, entertainment venues, advertising agencies, hospitality organizations, or other relationship-driven industries are strongly encouraged to apply.
  • Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays consistent with AAG's event schedule.

EDUCATION

  • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Sports Management, Communications, or a related field preferred; equivalent executive sales or business development experience will be strongly considered.
  • Valid driver's license required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Able to tolerate moderate to loud noise levels and busy event environments.
  • May work in varying temperature conditions, both indoors and outdoors.
  • Extended walking and standing during property tours, events, meetings, and partner activations.
  • Ability to occasionally lift up to 25–35 pounds.
  • Ability to travel throughout Arizona for meetings, networking events, and partner presentations.
  • Ability to work varied shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.


AZ Athletic Associates, LLC., and Arizona Athletic Grounds are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.