Business Development Manager, Chicago Sports Commission (CSC)
Title: Business Development Manager, Chicago Sports Commission (CSC)
Department: Sports Commission
Salary Range: $50,000 to $60,000
Reports To: Executive Director, Chicago Sports Commission
Chicago Sports Commission (CSC) Description
The CSC will serve as a clearinghouse and resource for all sporting event organizers interested in Chicago. Additionally, the CSC will proactively identify, seek and attract new sporting opportunities that will generate a positive economic impact for the Chicago area business community. The formation of this commission will allow the City of Chicago to realize the untapped potential of sports promotion within the city and compete regionally and nationally for amateur and professional athletic competitions. The proposed CSC will take a leadership role in growing and developing the regions sports industry.
Position Summary
The Business Development Manager will focus on developing and executing a business development and marketing plan in order to secure new event opportunities for the Chicago area. This person will work closely with the Executive Director and in conjunction with the Sports Commission Board of Directors to support the mission of the CSC; to create economic development for Chicago through professional and amateur sporting events.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Proactively identify new sporting opportunities both nationally and internationally to generate economic impact for the Chicago area business community.
• Develop a comprehensive database of prospects (event organizers, National Governing Bodies, NCAA, international federations, etc.)
• Assist in the effort to maintain close working relationships with local, regional, national and international sports organizations.
• Serve as a liaison with Chicago’s professional sports franchises, key colleges and universities in the region as well as stadiums, fields, arenas and venues to assist in their efforts to promote sports tourism.
• Assist with fundraising efforts and sell sponsorships to attract sporting events that will generate revenue.
• Facilitate the bid process for sporting events from inception through booking, event management and engagement of key partners.
• Help create, manage and execute events that enhance the profile and brand recognition of the CSC
• Assist with marketing and promotional efforts for key sporting events, focusing on regional and national attendance and hotel room night generation.
• Manage budgets and identify new sources of revenue for the sports commission.
• Manage volunteers and committee members at various events.
• Other responsibilities as assigned by the Executive Director.
Requirements
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Sports Marketing or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience in a CVB Sports Commission or the sports marketing/event industry.
• Possess key contacts and established relationships within the sports community.
• Experience managing sporting events.
• Budget oversight experience.
• Track record in fundraising and soliciting sponsorships.
• Experience working with a board.
• Experience identifying and developing new opportunities.
• Strong knowledge of the sports market travel industry and the City of Chicago.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven presentation/sales skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
Interested applicants should send their resumes to: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Testimonials
“Navigate has been a tremendous resource in providing industry intelligence that arms our sponsorship, sales, and business development teams with information to better serve current partners and target prospective clients.”— Alicia Rankin - Head of Research and Fan Insights, National Football League
“Navigate is a valued partner of AAA in reaching our goals and objectives from our sponsorship efforts. We are looking forward to building a more comprehensive research platform to help evaluate our efforts.”— Matthew Haas - Director of Partnership Marketing, AAA Mid-Atlantic
“By providing us with complete assessments of our sponsorship investments, we were able to prioritize our portfolio spending and improve our negotiating leverage."— Phil Penuela - Market Research Manager, U.S. Cellular
"Navigate was a great resource in developing Mexican National Soccer Team's US Tour in-stadium fan survey. They understood the needs of our research and proactively provided guidelines and suggestions to enhance our research plan."— Charlie Shin - Marketing Manager, Major League Soccer & Soccer United Marketing (MLS/SUM)