Next Level Sports & Entertainment

1 job near Columbus, OH

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Job Description

The Sales & Sponsorship Manager will serve as a key revenue driver across NLSE, the NCL, and NLSE's suite of broadcast technology products. This role carries a dual mandate: driving sponsorship and advertising revenue across our sports and entertainment properties, while simultaneously building a B2B client base for our Cue, Vital, Verge, and Master Control solutions. This position requires a strategic thinker and relationship builder who can operate across two distinct but complementary sales tracks — consumer-facing sports sponsorship and B2B broadcast technology sales — while delivering best-in-class results across all revenue streams.

Responsibilities

  • Sponsorship & Advertising Sales
    • Develop and implement a robust sponsorship and ad sales strategy aligned with the growth goals of NLSE and the NCL.
    • Identify and target brands and agencies interested in reaching passionate sports fans across linear, digital, and social platforms
    • Build and manage a pipeline of advertising and sponsorship opportunities including media placements, branded content integrations, live event sponsorships, and promotional partnerships
    • Develop creative, tailored sponsorship packages that leverage NLSE's programming, live events, affiliate channels, and digital assets
    • Lead high-level presentations, pitches, and negotiations to secure long-term advertising deals, sponsorships, and brand integrations
    • Manage the full sales cycle from prospecting to close, meeting and exceeding annual revenue targets
    • Act as the primary point of contact for sponsor accounts, ensuring fulfillment of all contractual obligations and maximizing partner satisfaction
    • Manage relationships at the C-suite and senior marketing level
  • B2B Technology Sales — Cue, Vital, Verge & Master Control
    • Prospect, pitch, and close B2B sales of NLSE's full broadcast technology product suite to media companies, broadcasters, streaming platforms, sports networks, and content distributors
    • Develop a deep understanding of each product's capabilities and value proposition:
      • Cue: Position and sell as a self-serve ad platform solution to media buyers, broadcasters, and digital publishers seeking streamlined ad management
      • Vital: Target content owners, broadcasters, and streaming services requiring live language translation and captioning to expand audience reach and meet accessibility standards
      • Verge: Sell to sports networks, news organizations, and content platforms looking for fast, efficient clipping and highlight distribution capabilities
      • Master Control Operations: Engage broadcast operators, regional networks, and streaming services in need of end-to-end playout, delivery, scheduling, and trafficking solutions.
  • Build and maintain a robust B2B pipeline, managing the full sales cycle from initial outreach and product demonstration through contract negotiation and close
  • Identify and attend industry conferences, trade shows, and broadcast technology events to generate leads and build brand awareness for NLSE's technology products
  • Collaborate with internal operations and technology teams to ensure smooth client onboarding and ongoing satisfaction
  • Provide market feedback on product positioning, pricing, and competitive landscape to inform product development and go-to-market strategy
  • Develop case studies, sales collateral, and pitch materials that effectively communicate the ROI of each broadcast technology solution
  • Strategy & Market Development
    • Conduct market analysis to identify new revenue opportunities across both the sports sponsorship and broadcast technology landscapes
    • Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, content, and operations teams to develop compelling sponsorship and product sales assets
    • Identify cross-sell and upsell opportunities between NLSE's media properties and its technology product suite
  • Reporting & Performance
    • Utilize CRM tools and analytics platforms to track pipeline, forecast revenue, and report on performance across all product lines
    • Present sales results, sponsorship recaps, and B2B technology sales updates to senior leadership
    • Continuously refine sales approaches based on data, client feedback, and market conditions

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Sports Management, or a related field
  • 5+ years of progressive sales experience, with demonstrated success in both B2B technology or SaaS sales and sports/media sponsorship sales preferred
  • Proven track record of meeting or exceeding revenue targets across multiple product lines
  • Experience selling advertising, sponsorships, or integrated marketing solutions to brands and agencies
  • Comfort selling technology solutions to media, broadcast, or streaming clients
  • Strong understanding of sports media, live events, and digital content ecosystems
  • Exceptional communication, negotiation, and presentation skills
  • Proficiency with CRM systems and sales analytics tools
  • Willingness to travel occasionally and work weekends as needed

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience selling broadcast technology, ad-tech, or SaaS products to media companies or content distributors
  • Familiarity with master control operations, captioning/accessibility solutions, ad serving platforms, or content clipping tools
  • Experience working with minority-owned or mission-driven media platforms
  • Familiarity with collegiate sports, lacrosse, or niche sports sponsorship sales
  • Existing network of contacts across sports media, broadcast operations, or entertainment marketing
  • MBA or advanced degree in a related field