Business Development Manager, Sports Commission

Business Development Manager, Sports Commission

Location: FL, US

Job Description:

Schedule: Remote work is available per the County's Telework Policy, with up to two remote days per week. Occasional evening, weekend, and travel requirements may apply.

This dynamic sales and marketing role plays a key part in showcasing Pinellas County and its world-class sports venues, helping to elevate sports tourism and attract high-profile events. The position reports to the Director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) Sports Commission Department or designee.

The position supports the development, design, and execution of strategic marketing initiatives to position Pinellas County as a premier destination for sporting events. Key responsibilities include generating new business leads and building strong relationships with event organizers and National Governing Bodies (NGBs) to attract and secure sporting events.

This role requires a proactive, relationship-driven professional who is comfortable with travel and is willing to work evenings and weekends as needed to achieve organizational goals.

What Would You Do?

• Assist in developing and assembling Sports Commission strategic business plans.

• Research and pursue new events to Pinellas County that correlate with Sports Commission strategic plans; assist with bid assembly and presentations.

• Assist in developing, preparing, and coordinating marketing plans, promotional packets, sponsorships, and/or other promotional events.

• Prepare clear and concise reports for various business development uses and functions.

• Assist with developing a monthly report on department activities for the Tourist Development Council, if assigned.

• Establish good working relationships with municipal parks and recreation facility staff and local industry stakeholders.

• Assist on events with local, regional, or national implications where directed.

• Assist with coordination of external communications to clients and site inspections for visiting event owners and organizers.

• Coordinate organizational response to a variety of requests and inquiries.

• Manage all Customer Relationship Management (CRM) functions for assigned markets, including but not limited to; creation and maintenance of accounts, contacts, events, reports, and ordering/tracking of marketing materials.

• Distribute RFP's and sales leads to appropriate local industry representatives.

• Manage internal processes for business development; prepare and process communications, invoices, and reporting.

• Staff industry tradeshows, conferences, meetings, and other related events to sell Pinellas County as a sports destination.

• The work is light work which requires exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects.

• Other duties as assigned.

What Do You Need to Have?

Experience:

• Four (4) years technical and specialized tourism and hospitality industry experience implementing sales and marketing plans and programs within the tourism and travel industry; or

Education:

• Associate's degree in marketing, hospitality, journalism, public relations, advertising, business administration, or related field and 2 years' experience as described above; or;

• Bachelor's degree in a related field as indicated above; or

• An equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.

Additional Requirements:

• Florida Driver's License or Florida Commercial Driver's License and endorsement, if any.

• Assignment to work a variety of schedules, including compulsory work periods during special, emergency, and/or disaster situations, with the understanding that the position may require travel and non-traditional work hours.

• Other highly desirable knowledge, skills, abilities, and credentials relevant to the position.

Highly Desirable:

• Four (4) years related experience work in the sports tourism market.

• Familiarization with local hospitality partners, service vendors, and Pinellas County/Tampa Bay area attractions.

• Ability to interact and communicate effectively and fluently in English and Spanish, in written and oral forms.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Intermediate to advanced level proficiency using Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)

• Ability to interact and communicate effectively and fluently in English and a second language (preferably Spanish), in written and oral form.

• Knowledge and experience in the sports tourism industry including regional, state, and national sports commissions, colleges and universities, parks and recreation departments, individuals in the sports business and/or other sports entities.

• Must be available to work a variety of schedules including evenings, weekends, and overnight travel.

• Strong communication skills. Must be able to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.

• Familiarity with basic social media concepts, strategies, and executions.

• Experience with using CRM database management systems, specifically Simpleview.

• Experience with managing sales leads and reporting.

• Strong organizational skills: ability to multi-task and prioritize deadlines.

• Experience with public speaking, presentations, trade shows, conferences, meetings, and other related interactions with diverse groups of people (large groups, small groups, varied educational backgrounds, etc.).

• Experience working within a high volume, deadline-based sales organization. Must be able to work under pressure and within defined deadlines.

• Ability to make decisions with a strong business acumen.

• Knowledge of government process and responsibilities: reporting, conduct, transparency, and representation.