Sports Commission Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Responsible for the overall operations of sports recruitment under the umbrella of a Visit Knoxville Sports Commission. The VK Sports Commission will be the representative organization of the local/regional sports community and will occupy a place of leadership and action in community/governmental affairs and in the economic development of future sports opportunities. Provide leadership and coordination of the sports commission team and functions. Develop and implement sales strategies, as well as monitor and analyze activity against goals.

• Be the leader that develops and nurtures a good team in sports sales and work with the VK Marketing team to maximize the sports message
• Direct and coordinate company sales functions as it relates to this market segment
• Develop and coordinate all sports sales selling cycles and methodologies
• Research and develop strategies and plans which identify marketing opportunities, direct marketing, and new project development as it relates to sports sales and revenue growth
• Help develop and manage a sports sales budget, and oversee the development and management of internal operating budgets
• Build and maintain diplomatic, cooperative, productive relationships with hotels, Convention Center/all venues and other appropriate external stakeholders and team members in conjunction with the Sr. Director of Sales
• Support the President, as needed, in the management and administration of the Sports Authority on behalf of the City of Knoxville and Knox County
• Help establish and implement short- and long-range goals, objectives, policies, and operating procedures as it relates to sports sales and strategy
• Maintain a constant stream of proposals issued to the hotels and venues, as well as booking a sufficient amount of business for potential Visit Knoxville revenue growth
• Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual reports on definite bookings, leads, proposals issued, event production, and lost business.
• Attend committee and board meetings to present status updates
• Assure the maintenance of all sales files in a current condition (traces and reports) to identify and solicit all potential business to maximize the sports sales effort
• Supervise the efforts of the Sports Sales Director to ensure compliance with company policies
• Coordinate training opportunities for Sports Commission staff and ensure only productive trade show attendance
• Achieve any and all annual goals set. This can be achieved through a constant stream of leads to all the Knoxville/Knox County hotel industry and exercise the appropriate follow-up on booking efforts
• Develop policies and make recommendations to the President that enhance the economic competitiveness of the region through sports
• Ensure that the organization remains current/knowledgeable of changing needs and opportunities
• Serve as liaison between VK and the City/County Parks and Recreation, hoteliers, venues, etc. with regard to regional sporting events and initiatives
• Represent and market the Commission & region at annual sports marketing conferences such as TEAMS, NASC Symposium, US Sports Congress etc.
• Develop a Sports Commission Committee of key stakeholders to enhance recruitment
• Oversee the management of all VK owned sports assets (sport court, net/goal systems, etc.) and VK warehouse partnership
• Lead the planning and oversee the execution and management of sporting events owned, hosted, sponsored, or supported by Visit Knoxville, including event logistics, staffing, production, marketing, and coordination with external partners and vendors as applicable.
• Other duties as assigned

The position will be responsible for hiring, training, and supervising all Sports Commission Staff including Sports Sales Director, Sports Sales Manager and Director of Event Services and Housing.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management or Business Management and related field work of 8+ years. Completion of the Certified Sports Event Executive (CSEE) preferred but not required.