Business Development Director- Emerald Acres Sports Connection

The Sports Facilities Companies•Mattoon, IL

12d

About The Position

The Business Development Director will promote the venue as a regional destination for sporting events, tournaments, conferences, tradeshows, and other high-impact special events. This role drives revenue through event bookings, sponsorship sales, and strategic partnerships while collaborating closely with internal teams, events rights-holders, and community partners. Success will be measured by key performance indicators established by the General Manager, including event volume, sponsorship development, new business generation, and overall sales performance.

Requirements

Prior experience conducting marketing research to identify consumer insights and partnership opportunities
A bachelor's degree in business administration, sports management/recreation, marketing, or advertising OR minimum of 5+ years of experience in similar position
Proven experience in youth sports, trade shows, consumer shows and convention sales
Proven experience in contract negotiations, event creation and planning
Must have excellent interpersonal, problem solving, and negotiating skills
Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills
Must have excellent computer skills, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
Must be able to work flexible schedules including weekends, nights, and holidays
Prior responsibility in P&L management and budget oversight
Must be able to lift 40 pounds waist high
Will be required to sit for extended periods of time operating a computer
Will be required to conduct venue tours to prospective clients

Nice To Haves

Strategic, relationship-driven communicator
Experience in sports tourism, events rights-holder relations, and destination marketing
Strong relationship sales background
CRM proficiency, including maintaining a sales pipeline, logging outreach activity, and generating performance reports
Data-driven decision-making
Ability to collaborate cross-departmentally
High level of professionalism and accountability

Responsibilities

Develop and secure sporting events, tournaments, conferences, tradeshows, and high-impact special events
Provide oversight and coordination of tournament and event agreements to ensure accurate terms, pricing, deliverables, and alignment with facility capabilities
Lead sponsorship sales efforts to meet revenue targets
Supervise and guide marketing staff in the execution of the facility's marketing plan
Maintain oversight of the facility's master event and tournament calendar to support strategic planning
Prepare and present reporting on event strategy, sales pace, and performance metrics
Analyze market trends, customer data, and event performance to identify new business opportunities
Forecast sales volume and revenue expectations to support facility financial planning
Build and maintain strong relationships with key partners, events rights-holders, CVBs, hotels, and community organizations
Manage communications with all event stakeholders to ensure alignment and success
Participate in strategic and departmental planning meetings
Serve as Manager-on-Duty (MOD) for select events as scheduled
Other duties as assigned by management