Sports Development Manager

Responsible for implementing sales and marketing strategies to identify, solicit, secure, and retain sports events for Experience Columbia SC Sports. This role will also work closely with event rights holders, local funding jurisdictions, and business community members to strategically plan and provide service support to make sport tournaments and competitions successful and increase economic impact for the Columbia region.

II.  Essential Functions/Responsibilities:

·       Develops and fosters relationships with sports event organizers and planners to create new business and sustain existing business in the region.

·       Generate new and repeat sales leads and bookings from assigned market segments.  

·       Conduct and executes site visits, creates attractive bid documents or written or personal presentations in order to secure definite sports bookings.

·       Works with rights holder or planner on event logistics as needed and ensures the agreement of proposal is met.

·       Maintains relationships with hotels, facilities, venues, and local hospitality partners in order to serve as liaison for client and assist in event development and execution.  

·       Extensive knowledge of the destination, attractions, service providers, dining options, venues, and facilities in order to assist client in decision making processes.

·       Ability to represent Experience Columbia SC Sports at booked events in the region

·       Works with Marketing Department on event services and promotion as well as creating attractive and consistent sales collateral for ECSC Sports. 

·       Maintains accurate and up to date files on all contracted and prospective groups that have already or may in the future utilize sports council facilities.

·       Travel to assigned meetings, trade shows, sales missions, and networking events to develop business opportunities by enhancing relationships with sport clients.

·       Attends local networking events, chamber events, and other local meetings to solicit support and knowledge of Experience Columbia SC Sports.  

·       Meets or exceeds monthly, quarterly, and annual goals.

·       Provides sales information to Executive Director of Sports division upon request.

·       Other duties as assigned.

III.        Skills:

·       Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem solving.

·       Interpersonal Skills – Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others’ ideas and tries new things.

·       Visionary Leadership – Displays passion and optimism; Inspires respect and trust; mobilizes others to fulfill the vision; Provides vision and inspiration to peers and subordinates.

·       Change Management – Develops workable implementation plans; Communicates changes effectively; Builds commitment and overcomes resistance; Prepares and supports those affected by change; Monitors transition and evaluates results.

·       Delegation – Delegates work assignments; Matches the responsibility to the person; Gives authority to work independently; Sets expectations and monitors delegated activities; Provides recognition for results.

·       Ethics- Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.

·       Judgment – Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.

·       Leadership – Exhibits confidence in self and others; Inspires and motivates others to perform well; Effectively influences actions and opinions of others; Accepts feedback from others; Gives appropriate recognition to others.

IV. Education and Qualification Required:

·       3-5 years sales experience in progressively responsible sports and/or event sales position, preferably in the hospitality industry.  

·       Bachelor’s degree required.

·       Demonstrated written and oral sales presentation skills.

·       Working knowledge of sporting industry computer systems and related software applications strongly preferred.

·       Ability to travel and availability to work evenings and weekends is required.

·       Established contacts and demonstrated past success preferred.

·       Self-directed and self-motivated team player with a positive outlook.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent.  It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent.  Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required and the responsibilities of the position may change.