Sports Business Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Exciting opportunity to join our high-energy Valley Forge Sports team driven to be the best!

This is an amazing chance to be part of a dynamic team that is constantly raising the bar within the sports tourism industry!

As the Director of Sports , you will work with our local hospitality community, current and prospective clients who are interested in hosting sports tournaments & special events in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

Our Vibe & Values: We use creative, progressive sales strategies and cutting-edge sales tools to secure premium business, giving us a distinct competitive advantage in the Greater Philadelphia.

• Collaborative: We thrive in a fun, fast-paced work environment where everyone is empowered to push boundaries, share bold ideas, and celebrate big wins.

• Driven to be #1: We set the standard in sports, constantly raising the bar to deliver unparalleled experiences.

• Tech-Driven Edge : We equip our team with industry-leading sales software and booking tools, streamlining operations so we can focus on closing deals and building relationships.

The principal focus of this position is to grow sports business (both new and existing) by leading the Valley Forge Sports team in promoting the Valley Forge-Montgomery County Region as a sports destination.

The Director of Sports is expected to secure sports tournaments that result in:

• Overnight hotel stays from tournaments and special sporting programs.
• Rental of commercial sports facilities and exposition venues
• Patronage of restaurants, attractions, and services businesses
• Events producing significant attendance along with positive economic impact.

Develop sports new business opportunities, maintain annual programs, respond to sales inquiries, initiate prospects and qualified leads, solicit potential clients, entertain clients, conduct site visits. Implement strategic sales plans to meet or exceed goals and grow room night productivity annually.

Collaborate with various partners, i.e., Philadelphia Sports Congress, PA Sports, Montgomery County Hoteliers, Sports Advisory Board, and key local Colleges and Sports Facility leaders, to establish and maintain strong working relationships for potential new business growth with partnership opportunities.

Lead and manage Valley Forge Sports Sales Efforts and the Valley Forge Sports Team to represent Valley Forge-Montgomery County area as a premiere sports destination. This position directs and supervises Sports Tourism Sales on a day-to-day basis. Support the team along with having an active sales role. Identify sales opportunities and develop short and long-term strategies to attract overnight business as related to sports tourism sales along with creating significant economic impact.

Responsible for developing and implementing sales policies and programs to foster and promote sports tourism business producing room night business along with positive economic impact for Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Manage the Event Funding & Grant Program and local College & Sports Facility Partnerships by recording proper documentation and payment processing to ensure efficiency.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

include the following. Other duties or special projects may be assigned at the discretion of the VFTCB to adapt to the needs of the organization/clients/partners/members.

Selling & Business Development Responsibilities

• Grow sports business (both new and existing) by leading the sports team
• Grow our premier existing events to further increase room nights; and manage unique needs of VIP Clients

• Lead the tradeshow Sponsorship Effort to make sure we have great client interactions at each show.
• Manage the Sports team at tradeshows and professional organization meetings
• Participate in sales efforts at tradeshows and professional organization meetings

• Lead strategic Sports Partnerships such as PA Sports, Collegiate Sponsorships, VF Sports Advisory Board

Lead, Mentor and Manage the Sports Sales Effort

• Supervise and mentor the sports team to obtain the targeted lead & room night team goals
• Encourage and ensure that the Sports Team adheres to the VFTCB’s policies and core ideology.
• Establish annual budget, specific sales incentive goals and tracks performance toward those goals.
• Achieving a team goal while keeping in line with budgetary guidelines
• Contribute towards the develop, monitor, and maintain Sports budget including Event Funding Program
• Implement sales strategies to keep the Sports department ahead of industry standards.
• Prepare and present quarterly and annual reports, as needed.

• Participate and present in Hotel GM-Director of Sales meetings with hotel partners, as needed
• Maintain Relationships with Hotels, Facilities and local Parks & Rec

Develop and manage marketing and promotion of sports & events, including:

• Contribute to the success of the sports strategic plan and adheres to the VFTCB’s core ideology.
• Develops and implements Annual Sports & Events Strategic Plan, in line with industry trends.
• Coordinate the help of the marketing department for various sales initiatives & promotional materials.
• Contribute to development of Media/Advertising/PR program.
• Participating in Facility development process and potential studies

COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS:

• 8-10 years of experience in the sports tourism industry with three years of management experience.
• Seasoned sales experience, particularly in sports management and the tourism/hospitality industry, is required.
• Prior supervisory/management experience is required.
• Time management, organizational, analytical, and strategic thinking skills are necessary.
• Advance knowledge of MS Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, Access, CRM & Power Point) is required.
• Must be able to meet the typical physical and emotional demands of a standard office environment.
• Bachelor’s degree; Four-year degree from an academic institution in marketing, business, hotel, or tourism.

• Excellent selling skills and prospecting skills along with an understanding of sales; able to close the business.
• Strong customer development and relationship management skills.
• Excellent presentation, communication, management, and sales skills; creative and detail-oriented
• Strong problem-solving, organization, analytical and negotiation skills
• Ability to influence others, effective decision-making skills, creative and detail oriented.
• Position requires occasional weekends, evening and overnight travel, Flexible Schedule/travel is required.
• Able and willing to travel; both regional driving (valid PA driver’s license) and air travel required.
• Strong internal (members/ hotel partners/venues) and external relationship skills (clients & third-party planners)