Vice President Sales & Marketing

Job Title: Vice President, Sales & Marketing

Department: Business Development

Reports To: President

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary:  The VP, Sales & Marketing is responsible for creating and executing the Switchbacks' commercial strategy by managing Sales and Marketing personnel and activities, achieving business goals, and maximizing profitable sales and brand expansion in the rapidly growing marketplace of professional soccer.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serve as an embodiment of the Switchbacks culture and values
• Drive top-line sales results in line with budgets and goals, including defining and managing monthly and annual sales objectives for all sales personnel
• Lead the creation and execution of a Marketing strategy that enhances the awareness of all Switchbacks brands while increasing applicable share and revenue data (e.g. entertainment spend, ticket prices, Media outreach, brand awareness, etc.) within all targeted markets 
• Develops and executes tactical sales plan, providing accurate sales quotas for all revenue-generating positions along with account development objectives 
• Creates and gains approval from the President on an annual Marketing strategy focused on generating revenue and brand awareness
• Serves as the main point of contact for key third parties, including the sales & marketing contacts at the USL and any agency relationship
• Manage overall Sales & Marketing expense budget
• Lead and develop direct reports to coach and manage the performance of their direct reports in the Sales & Marketing departments
• Oversees the competency development of the Sales & Marketing organization. Coaches and manages the development on all direct reports
• Oversees the appropriate use, spending, and interactions of any third-party providers or contracted employees providing Sales & Marketing support
• Oversees and approves all recruitment, personal development plans and talent retention activities in Sales & Marketing. 
• Develops a customer relationship strategy to ensure effective relationships with all key customers
• Participate as an active member of the Switchbacks Leadership Team to ensure effective execution of all business strategies and to drive positive changes across the organization
• Partner with internal stakeholders (e.g., Finance & Administration, Operations, Technical Staff, etc.) to develop and execute Switchbacks strategic plans
• Lead special projects for the business
• Create a positive environment of team engagement, change management and motivation.
• Assess local and national market conditions to develop and execute competitive strategies to grow market share in line with the Switchbacks' strategic direction
• Responsible for maintaining an open line of communication to the President and Board
• Capable and skilled at presenting business updates to the Switchbacks Board of Directors. 
• Responsible for ensuring direct reports follow all Switchbacks company policies (including but not limited to workplace discrimination, safety, and environmental practices etc.) and that all resources needed to do so are available and in good condition
• Responsible for ensuring personal and Company compliance with all Federal, State, local, and Company regulations, policies, and procedures
• Performs other duties assigned as needed

Required Education/Training and Experience: 

• Bachelor's degree required
• Advanced degree (e.g., MBA) preferred
• Minimum of 12 years of professional work experience required
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in Sales & Marketing leadership role(s) 
• Minimum of 5 years of sports management experience required, with an emphasis in professional soccer preferred
• Experience managing Sales & Marketing teams, as well as individual contributors (e.g. ticket & sponsorship sales, marketing & PR, apparel, etc.) preferred
• This role is required to live in the Colorado Springs market

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 
This position requires the ability to establish an effective work schedule that accommodates frequent disruptions to routines and flexible work hours to accomplish objectives. Must have and maintain advanced knowledge of professional sports management and the entertainment industry, as well as emerging trends and applicable technologies. Must successfully complete all Switchbacks training programs. Must have a valid driver's license or be able to provide all transportation to perform job duties – in or out of the local market. Must have advanced computer skills, and the ability to manage the business without direct oversight of manager.

VP Sales & Marketing Competencies and Functional Skills:

• Performance Focused
  • Has a proven track record of continuous success in meeting and exceeding business objectives. Achieves successful results through strong business communication skills (verbal, written, presentation, interpersonal) and executive presence.
• Business Planning
  • Demonstrates strategic thinking to create the plans needed for success, as well as the strong analytical skills to measure performance on the way. Has financial and business acumen.
• Business Partnering
  • Has a proven track record of developing teams, developing people, developing leaders, and building collaborative relationships within the organization and with external customers. Demonstrates strong negotiation skills and the ability to strategically target, build, maintain, and improve customer relationships. 
• Organizational Development
  • Possesses forward and systems thinking. Always has an eye on the future while adhering to all current guidelines.  
• Change and Culture Creation
  • Creates and leads positive change and an environment of team engagement and motivation across the entire organization
• Recruiting & Selecting
  • Demonstrates a track record in recruiting, retaining, and developing key talent. 
• Business Excellence
  • Implements and maintains a standardized approach to sales training, sales methodology, results tracking, CRM, etc., while seeking out new best practices for business planning and market development strategies
• Drives Innovation
  • Develops appropriate commercial strategies that maximize business outcomes. Seeks new approaches to meet the needs of an evolving market and industry

Additional Position Requirements

• Must be willing and able to travel overnight nationally (and potentially internationally) as needed. Must have a valid driver's license.  Ability to lift 60 lbs.
• This role directly oversees 4 – 5 direct reports and a total staff of up to 20. The role may also directly oversee various contractors and consultants as needed.