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Sports Development Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Spokane Sports

Sports Development Manager

Spokane, WA · On-site

$26 - $31/hr

Sports Development Manager Reports to: Vice President Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt Location: Spokane, WA Overview Spokane Sports strengthens our community through the power of sports. As a 501(c)(3) ...

Spokane Sports

Sports Development Manager

Spokane, WA

$26 - $31/hr

Sports Development Manager Reports to: Vice President Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt Location: Spokane, WA Overview Spokane Sports strengthens our community through the power of sports. As a 501(c)(3) ...

Spokane Sports

Sports Development Manager

Spokane, WA · On-site

$26 - $31/hr

Sports Development Manager Reports to: Vice President Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt Location: Spokane, WA Overview Spokane Sports strengthens our community through the power of sports. As a 501(c)(3) ...

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How much do sports development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for sports development manager in the United States is $77,438.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,500.00 and $90,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a sports development manager?

Sports Development Managers are professionals who work to increase participation in sports and physical activities within communities, organizations, or educational institutions. They develop, implement, and manage programs aimed at promoting sports, improving access to facilities, and supporting athletes at all levels. Their responsibilities often include working with local authorities, sports clubs, and governing bodies to secure funding, organize events, and create pathways for talent development. These managers play a crucial role in fostering community engagement, healthy lifestyles, and sporting excellence.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sports development manager?

To thrive as a Sports Development Manager, a strong background in sports management, program planning, and a relevant degree such as sports science or sports management is essential. Familiarity with sports development frameworks, funding applications, and event management software is typically required. Excellent leadership, communication, and partnership-building skills help drive community engagement and successful collaboration with stakeholders. These competencies are crucial for growing sports participation, maximizing resources, and achieving organizational goals.

What are some common challenges faced by sports development managers when implementing new community programs?

Sports Development Managers often encounter challenges such as limited budgets, varying levels of community engagement, and logistical issues when launching new programs. Building partnerships with local organizations and adapting to the diverse needs of participants can require creative problem-solving and strong communication skills. Additionally, measuring program impact and securing ongoing funding are frequent hurdles. Collaborating closely with coaches, volunteers, and local authorities is essential to overcome these obstacles and ensure successful program delivery.

What is the difference between Sports Development Manager vs Sports Coach?

AspectSports Development ManagerSports Coach
Primary FocusDeveloping sports programs, strategic planning, community engagementTraining athletes, skill development, on-field coaching
Required CredentialsRelevant degree, certifications in sports management or developmentCoaching certifications, sports-specific licenses
Work EnvironmentOffices, community centers, sports organizationsSports fields, gyms, training facilities
Employer & Industry UsageSports clubs, local councils, national sports bodiesSchools, sports clubs, private teams

The Sports Development Manager focuses on creating and managing sports programs and initiatives, often working behind the scenes to promote sports at community or organizational levels. In contrast, a Sports Coach works directly with athletes to improve their skills and performance. Both roles require relevant certifications and are integral to the sports industry, but they serve different functions within the sports ecosystem.

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What cities are hiring for Sports Development Manager jobs?

Cities with the most Sports Development Manager job openings:

What states have the most Sports Development Manager jobs?

States with the most job openings for Sports Development Manager jobs include:

Sports Development Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sports Development Manager job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,438 per year, or $37.2 per hour.

Sports Development Manager

Spokane, WA • On-site

Spokane Sports
Spectator Sports • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Spokane Sportsexternal

$26 - $31/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Title: Sports Development Manager
Reports to: Vice President
Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Location: Spokane, WA
Overview
Spokane Sports strengthens our community through the power of sports. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we create, bid on, and host impactful sports events that drive economic growth, inspire connection, and enhance Spokane's national reputation as a sports destination. Guided by our core values of people-first, innovation, authenticity, integrity, and community impact, we pursue events that benefit both our community and our partners.
The Sports Development Manager drives the day-to-day execution of Spokane Sports' event sales efforts. This role builds and manages a strong pipeline, develops proposals, and secures high-caliber regional, national and international events. The position ensures that events awarded to Spokane Sports transition seamlessly to the event management team and that Spokane's reputation with key rights holders is strengthened.
The ideal candidate is a self-motivated, results-driven professional with proven experience in sports tourism or event sales. They thrive in a competitive environment, are skilled at relationship-building, and are focused on meeting and exceeding goals.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Event Sales & Pipeline Management
  • Execute an event sales plan aligned with organizational priorities-with a key emphasis on hotel room night impact.
  • Identify new business opportunities at the regional, national, and international levels.
  • Build, manage, and report on a robust pipeline of prospective events and rights holders.
  • Respond to RFPs, prepare compelling proposals, deliver persuasive presentations to decision-makers, and close business on behalf of Spokane Sports.

Stakeholder & Rights Holder Relations
  • Strengthen Spokane Sports' reputation as a trusted host by cultivating relationships with rights holders, governing bodies, and event producers.
  • Represent Spokane Sports at tradeshows, conferences, and industry meetings.
  • Ensure Spokane's competitive advantages are clearly communicated to potential partners.

Sales to Execution Transition
  • Collaborate closely with the event management team to ensure a seamless hand-off from sales to event delivery.
  • Provide accurate and timely information about event requirements, partner expectations, and contract terms.
  • Maintain appropriate rights-holder relationships following the handoff, support post-event follow-up, and identify opportunities for retention and repeat business.

Accountability & Reporting
  • Follow established sales, bid, and reporting processes to ensure consistency throughout the sales lifecycle.
  • Maintain accurate CRM records to support forecasting, transparency, and collaboration across the organization.
  • Track and report progress against goals, including proposals submitted, bids won, site visits hosted, and impact delivered.
  • Evaluate performance and adjust strategies to successfully achieve targets.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Proven success in sports tourism, event sales, business development, or related field.
  • Strong sales mindset with ability to set and exceed goals.
  • Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to influence decisions.
  • Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple opportunities simultaneously.
  • Skilled in developing relationships with rights holders, governing bodies, event producers, venue partners and community stakeholders.
  • Self-motivated with ability to work independently and deliver results.
  • Commitment to upholding Spokane Sports' mission, values, and reputation.

Education & Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, sports management, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in sales, business development, or event bidding.
  • Familiarity with the sports tourism and events industry strongly preferred.
  • Experience with CRM platforms and pipeline management preferred.

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements
  • Standard office environment with travel required for tradeshows, conferences, and meetings.
  • Some evening and weekend work required.
  • Must be able to sit, stand, and operate a computer for extended periods.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. and participate in event setup as needed.

Compensation & Benefits
Spokane Sports pays a gross hourly wage for this position with a range of $26.00 - $31.00/hour based on qualifications, skills, experience, and company values and culture alignment. Hiring at the maximum of the range is not typical to allow for future and continued compensation growth.
Additionally, we offer the following key benefits for this full-time role:
  • 10% bonus target (prorated for the remainder of 2026).
  • Employer-paid Medical, Vision and Dental Plans.
  • Health Saving Accounts and Dependent Care Saving Account options.
  • Simple IRA with company match.
  • Generous PTO policy with up to 4 weeks of time off, plus Holidays, Winter Break, and Flexy Fridays in the Summer months.
  • $475 monthly stipend to cover wellness, mileage, and cell phone.
  • Professional development opportunities.
  • Option to work remotely up to two days a week.
  • Team-building activities and social events to foster a positive work culture.

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