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Sports Development Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Apple

Sports Business Development

Culver City, CA · On-site

$146K - $221K/yr

... development teams and a deep understanding of sports data licensing, sports media, and the ... Strong project management capability with exceptional attention to detail. Energetic and ...

Apple

Sports Business Development

Culver City, CA · On-site

$146K - $221K/yr

... development teams and a deep understanding of sports data licensing, sports media, and the ... Strong project management capability with exceptional attention to detail. Energetic and ...

i9 Sports

Weekend LEAD Soccer Official

Lakewood, CO · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

The ideal candidate is a confident leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, communicates effectively, and is passionate about youth sports development. Leadership & Game Day Management * Lead ...

Fox

Audience Development Manager

Chicago, IL

$100K - $115K/yr

In addition to distributing sports, entertainment and syndicated content, our television stations ... FOX 32 is seeking an Audience Development Manager to spearhead the growth and engagement strategies ...

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Sports Development Manager information

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$33K

$77.4K

$133K

How much do sports development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sports Development Manager, and why are they important?

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 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.

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 are Sports Development Managers?

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.
More about Sports Development Manager jobs
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:
What job categories do people searching Sports Development Manager jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Sports Development Manager jobs are:
Sports Development Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sports Development Manager job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 23% Full Time, 72% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,438 per year, or $37.2 per hour.
Marketing & Business Development Manager - Hartselle Parks & Recreation

Marketing & Business Development Manager - Hartselle Parks & Recreation

The Sports Facilities Companies

Hartselle, AL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Oversees all aspects of the marketing department including strategy development, budget preparation, goal setting, and timeline management.

  • Leads campaign development and execution in collaboration with the sales team to accomplish sales and revenue goals.

  • Develops digital and print content, manages website updates and social media accounts, and writes and distributes press releases.

Job description

MARKETING & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER - Hartselle Parks & Recreation
SPRA SFM, LLC
LOCATION: Hartselle, AL
DEPARTMENT: MARKETING
REPORTS TO: GENERAL MANAGER
STATUS: FULL-TIME (EXEMPT)
ABOUT THE COMPANY:
Hartselle Parks & Recreation is a premier sport, recreation and entertainment destination focused on improving the health and economic vitality of Hartselle, AL. You will be joining a championship level team focused on fun, fulfillment and service built to enrich the community as well as your career and personal growth.
Hartselle Parks & Recreation is a managed facility by Sports Facilities Management, LLC, a Sports Facilities Companies company. SFC is the nation's leading resource for managing and developing sports, recreation, wellness, and events facilities. We provide a highly collaborative and supportive culture that raises our team members to new levels of career growth. Together, we will carve a path in a hyper-growing industry where you will enjoy the journey and learn from the industry's best while having some fun.
SFC has been awarded national recognition as a Top Workplace and is considered a workplace of choice. Our mission-focused company is highly entrepreneurial, team-oriented with a culture centered on collaboration, accountability, excellence, and service. We are growing rapidly and looking for high performers at every level to grow with us.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Marketing & Business Development Manager will lead the day-to-day marketing, communications, community engagement, sponsorship outreach, and business development efforts for Hartselle Parks & Recreation. This role is responsible for increasing community participation, driving awareness of programs and events, strengthening local partnerships, and supporting revenue growth across rentals, sponsorships, tournaments, camps, leagues, retail, and special events.
The ideal candidate is creative, organized, community-oriented, and comfortable balancing both strategy and hands-on execution. This position plays an important role in telling the story of Hartselle Parks & Recreation while creating meaningful experiences for residents, families, visitors, and community partners.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING:
Leadership & Management Skills & Responsibilities
  • Oversees all aspects of the marketing department including, but not limited to, annual strategy development, budget preparation, goal setting and timeline management
  • Leads Hartselle Parks & Recreation campaign development and execution in collaboration with the sales team to accomplish sales and revenue goals
  • Succeeds in capturing and effectively marketing the experiential aspect of tournaments, events, and activities
  • Develops impactful industry relationships with tourism offices, tournament operators, and media contacts to position Hartselle Parks & Recreation as a national sports destination
  • Utilize cross-marketing to motivate coaches and team representatives to purchase/utilize all available amenities
  • Meets financial objectives by forecasting requirements; assisting in preparing an annual budget; scheduling expenditures; analyzing variances; initiating corrective actions
  • Accomplishes objectives by planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating advertising, merchandising, and trade promotion programs; developing sales action plans
  • Improves product marketability and profitability by researching, identifying, and capitalizing on market opportunities; improving product packaging; coordinating new product development
  • All other duties assigned by management

Tactical Skills & Responsibilities
  • Developing digital and print content
  • Manages updates to the venue's website, writes and distributes press releases, and managing social media accounts
  • Prepares and presents regular reporting on marketing and business development strategy and results
  • Conduct interviews with players, coaches, and spectators to promote facility experiences
  • Oversees all aspects of the retail department, preparation, staff training, equipment use and care, quality of product provided to customers and excellent customer service
  • Participates in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations
  • Other duties as assigned by management
  • Collaborates with the in-house marketing agency to organize and execute marketing initiatives
  • Exhibits the values and principles of Company including accountability, collaboration, excellence and service

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Business, Sports Management, Public Relations, or a related field preferred; equivalent professional experience will also be considered
  • 3-5 years of experience in marketing, communications, business development, event promotion, recreation, tourism, hospitality, or a related field
  • Experience managing a marketing and/or business development budget; identifying and creating opportunities or promotions to deliver revenue goals
  • Measures and reports marketing/advertising campaign analytics to ultimately measure ROI, efficiency, and effectiveness of campaign activity
  • Experience managing social media platforms, digital marketing campaigns, email marketing, and community engagement initiatives
  • Manages marketing research to gain consumer insights (locally, regionally, and nationally) to identify key selling points for attracting corporate/organization relationships including sponsorship and financial partnerships, or business development activities
  • Experience developing partnerships, sponsorships, or community relationships with local businesses, schools, organizations, and tourism partners
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, WordPress, and social media management platforms preferred
  • Uses multiple platforms or software for a variety of tasks such as cloud file management or project management
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to create content for a variety of audiences
  • Comfortable capturing photo/video content and promoting programs, events, and community experiences across digital platforms
  • Excellent interpersonal, problem solving, verbal, and communication skills
  • Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and events in a fast-paced environment
  • Must be a team player, deadline-driven, and available to work a flexible work schedule (e.g., nights, weekends, holidays and long hours)
  • Self-starter with strong organizational skills, creativity, attention to detail, and problem-solving ability
  • Ability to work collaboratively with internal teams, community stakeholders, coaches, vendors, and event operators

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds waist high
  • May be required to sit or stand for extended periods of time whether indoors or outdoors, and squat, stoop or bend
  • Will be required to operate a computer
  • Facility has intermittent noise

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