Director, Sports Business Development

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Director, Sports Business Development

Springfield, VA

Full-Time

About us:

The St. James is the premier sports, wellness and active entertainment destination brand in the country, with a mission to maximize human potential by designing, developing and operating sports, wellness and entertainment destinations that engage, inspire and empower people to pursue their passions and be their best at play, at work and in life. Our 450,000-square-foot flagship complex in Springfield, VA, offers a unique combination of world-class sports venues, elite training spaces, recovery amenities, and athletic and wellness programs. We also operate Performance Club locations in Springfield, VA, and Bethesda, MD, providing signature group classes, customized performance training, recovery, and high-performance programming in convenient club settings. From comprehensive training to family-friendly fun, lifestyle events, and sporting experiences, The St. James is your destination to discover your best self.

Our People & Culture:

At The St. James, we are in the business of human development. Our success in delivering exceptional guest experiences that engage, inspire, and delight depends on our ability to recruit, retain, and cultivate team members who embody the true spirit of hospitality. We seek individuals who are committed to personal and organizational excellence, who are proactive and action-oriented, and who thrive in a collaborative team environment. If you have a passion for service and a dedication to continuous growth, we want you to be part of our team.

Job Description:

The Sports Business Development professional is responsible for identifying and cultivating new business opportunities within the sports industry. This role involves building strategic partnerships, generating revenue through sponsorships and partnerships, and driving the growth of the organization through innovative business strategies.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning:

• Develop, implement and execute business development strategies to secure club / school partnerships, sponsorship partners or large-scale event partners aligned with organizational goals.
• Conduct market research to identify trends, competitor activities, and growth opportunities.

Partnership Development:

• Identify, approach, and secure partnerships with brands, sponsors, and other stakeholders in the sports ecosystem.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers and stakeholders.

Revenue Generation:

• Create and manage sponsorship packages, including advertising, endorsements, and event collaborations.
• Drive club / school partnerships to offer exclusive discounts to dedicated audiences focused on multi-purchase sales.
• Work alongside TSJ Registrar to identify off-peak windows inside the Complex to sell open availability.

Event and Project Management:

• Schedule, plan and conduct meetings with Sports Directors as appropriate.
• Collaborate with internal teams to organize sports events, campaigns, and activations.
• Ensure successful delivery of sponsored projects and campaigns.

Negotiation and Contracts:

• Negotiate and finalize agreements with sponsors, media partners, and vendors.
• Ensure compliance with legal and contractual obligations.

Performance Analysis:

• Track and analyze the performance of business development initiatives.
• Prepare regular reports on revenue, engagement, and partnership outcomes.

Innovation and Trend Integration:

• Stay updated on emerging sports industry trends, technologies, and innovations.
• Leverage digital platforms, social media, and analytics to enhance business opportunities.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Sports Management, or a related field
• Proven experience in business development, sales, or sponsorships, preferably in the sports industry.
• Strong understanding of the sports market, including consumer behavior and industry dynamics.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and people skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in using CRM software, data analytics tools, and presentation platforms.

Preferred Traits:

• Passion for sports and a deep understanding of its cultural impact.
• Creative thinker with a track record of driving innovative business solutions.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively across teams.

Benefits:

• Full health benefits package
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with company match: 100% up to 3%, and 50% on the next 4% and 5%
• FSA (Flexible Spending Account) & HSA (Health Savings Account) options
• Short-term & Long-term Disability coverage
• Group and Supplemental Life Insurance and AD&D (Accidental Death & Dismemberment)
• Complimentary Club Membership + Discounted rates for Spouse & Children
• 20%-40% discounts on services at The St. James (including Vim & Victor, Courted Recovery, Camp Experiences, Strivers, and Sports Programming)
• Discounted tickets to professional sporting events

Get to know us better:

www.thestjames.com

https://www.thestjames.com/stj-sports

www.thestjames.com/careers

Instagram:

@thestjames

@thestj_sports

@thestjamesperfomanceclub

@thestj_academy

This job description is intended to describe the general requirements for the position. It is not a complete statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Other duties not listed here may be assigned as necessary to ensure the proper operations of the department.

The St. James is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome qualified applicants from a variety of backgrounds inclusive of their race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, expression or orientation, genetic information, national origin, age, disability, or status as a disabled or Vietnam-era veteran.