Business development director - university of alabama

Learfield is seeking a strategic and results-driven sales leader to join our growing sponsorship team. If you have a passion for sports, proven success in team leadership, and a track record of driving revenue through integrated partnerships, this is your opportunity to lead a high-performing sales team in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

In this role, you’ll oversee the sales strategy and performance of the property, managing a team of sellers and driving revenue growth through new business and renewals. You’ll lead the development of integrated sponsorship solutions, foster alignment with university stakeholders, and play a critical role in shaping the property's presence in the local and national marketplace.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Lead a team of sellers responsible for achieving individual and team revenue goals.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with university partners, athletic department staff, clients, and internal stakeholders—serving as a trusted and respected representative of both Learfield and the university.
• Drive new business and strategic renewals by developing creative, integrated sponsorship opportunities across digital, social, in-venue, broadcast, and experiential platforms.
• Set annual revenue targets, track progress, and manage performance across a diverse team.
• Develop and deliver high-quality proposals and presentations to local, regional, and national brands.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with university partners, athletic department staff, and internal stakeholders—serving as a trusted and respected representative of both Learfield and the university.
• Partner with property leadership to create and manage inventory strategy and pricing.
• Recruit, coach, and develop sales talent to elevate performance and support long-term team growth.
• Identify emerging trends in sports marketing and bring forward new ideas to maximize impact.
• Represent the property in high-visibility meetings, hospitality events, and game day activations (including nights and weekends as needed).
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation across the team.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 10+ years of successful sales experience, with at least 3+ years in a leadership capacity.
• Demonstrated success driving revenue growth and managing high-performing sales teams.
• Ability to craft integrated marketing strategies that align with client and university objectives.
• Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills, with experience influencing executive-level decision makers.
• Proven track record of setting and achieving sales targets in a competitive, performance-driven environment.
• Excellent communication, organization, and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM platforms.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed to support athletic events or client activations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university.
• Experience selling comprehensive sports marketing partnerships including major media (signage, radio, social, digital, etc.).
• Familiarity with collegiate athletics and working with university stakeholders.
• Knowledge of digital marketing trends and performance analytics.

Learfield offers a full spectrum of benefits for eligible employees including Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account, Life Insurance and Other Insurance Plans, Flexible Paid Time Off (minimum 10+ days annually), including Parental Leave, 20 Paid Holidays, 401(k) + Match, and Short/Long Term Disability. Leave benefits are consistent with state and local laws, including the Colorado Health Families and Workplaces Act.

Learfield is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race; color; sex; gender identity; sexual orientation; religious practices and observances; national origin; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; status as a protected veteran or spouse/family member of a protected veteran; or disability.