Director of Business Development

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Job description

Director of Business Development

Position Overview:

The Chicago Bulls are seeking a Director of Business Development in Corporate Partnerships to help lead the growth and development of new partnership business for the organization. The Director of Business Development should be a dynamic senior leader with the proven ability to develop and sell impactful corporate partnerships. Partnerships will consist of Bulls, Chicago Bulls Charities, Windy City Bulls and United Center assets including but not limited to signage, promotions, digital advertising, community programming, print advertising, IP rights, and corporate hospitality. A key part of this role also includes directly managing and mentoring up to two Account Executive level sellers.

The individual in this position will be expected to help grow the organization's corporate partnerships revenue by prospecting, building key local relationships, and nurturing existing clients while closing new business. This is an excellent opportunity for an established sales leader capable of balancing his/her own new business while also developing the organization's next sales superstars and helping to create the long term strategy for sales team.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

In this role, you will support the team's business development efforts, with particular emphasis on building new business in assigned categories and managing Account Executive level sellers. Additional responsibilities include:

* Continuously prospect to develop new business through outreach and networking, which includes growing existing relationships and offerings of assigned accounts.
* Develop revenue maximization strategies across owned categories
* Help lead long-term department initiatives and projects
* Grow and mentor direct reports
* Manage the sales process from initial touchpoint through contract execution meeting and exceed individual and team goals.
* Build customer relationships through strategic conversations to understand organizational business objectives and goals; performs a basic client needs analysis with prospective partners and mirrors those objectives with a custom Bulls and/or United Center partnership proposal that builds value for both the partner and our organization.
* Entertain clients and prospects at Bulls home games and additional special events.
* Assist in the execution of various organizational functions.
* Involved in the servicing of Bulls and United Center clients all year long during regular office hours, at home games and at various Bulls functions.
* Develop and maintain positive relationships with senior executives employed by current and future Bulls corporate partners, and also with senior level executives within the organization.

Education / Experience:

We are seeking an individual with an established background and knowledge of strategic account management, sales process and solution selling. In addition, you may be a potential fit for this role if you have a mix of the following:

* Minimum four-year college degree with 5 years minimum of full-time sponsorship sales experience
* Proven prospector with a track record of securing initial meetings and phone calls
* Preferred proficiency in brand marketing and integrated partnerships
* Patience and affinity to mentor and teach
* Desire to work as a collaborative, self-starter
* Strong interpersonal skills and flexibility to work within a rapidly changing environment
* Ability to communicate articulately and confidently both verbally and in writing with individuals at every level of the organization
* Proficient in MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint
* Ability to work nights/weekends/holidays as needed
* Previous sales management experience preferred

Must have received the completed COVID-19 vaccination by date of hire to be considered. Proof of vaccination required. Legally recognized exemptions regarding vaccination status will be considered.

We are an Equal Opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.