Business Development Executive - Sports

The International Arena League (Football) is seeking a highly motivated Business Development Executive to drive revenue growth, establish strategic partnerships, and expand the organization's presence within the football and sports marketplace. The ideal candidate will have a passion for sports, strong sales and relationship-building skills, and the ability to identify new business opportunities that support the company's growth objectives. Key Responsibilities Identify and develop new business opportunities within the sports and football sectors. Build relationships with clubs, academies, schools, corporate sponsors, and community organizations. Generate revenue through sponsorships, partnerships, player programs, camps, and events. Manage the full sales cycle, from prospecting and lead generation to contract negotiation and closing. Develop and execute business development strategies aligned with company goals. Attend networking events, football tournaments, industry conferences, and community outreach programs. Maintain a robust CRM pipeline and provide regular sales forecasts and activity reports. Collaborate with marketing teams to create campaigns that drive brand awareness and lead generation. Analyze market trends, competitor activity, and emerging opportunities within the sports industry. Support special projects and strategic initiatives that contribute to organizational growth. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Business, Sports Management, Marketing, or related field preferred. 2-5+ years of experience in business development, sales, sponsorship sales, or sports marketing. Strong understanding of the football industry and sports business landscape. Proven track record of meeting or exceeding sales and revenue targets. Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills. Ability to build and maintain long-term client relationships. Self-starter with strong organizational and time-management abilities. Proficiency with CRM systems and Microsoft Office/Google Workspace. Preferred Qualifications Experience working with sports academies, clubs, leagues, or sports organizations. Existing network within football, youth sports, sponsorship, or sports marketing sectors. Experience selling sponsorships, events, memberships, or sports-related programs. Compensation & Benefits Competitive base salary plus commission and performance incentives. Professional development and career growth opportunities. Opportunity to work within a dynamic and growing football organization. Travel opportunities associated with events, tournaments, and partnership development. Skills Business Development Sponsorship Sales Relationship Management Lead Generation Strategic Partnerships Negotiation Sports Marketing CRM Management Revenue Growth Networking