Learfield

Business Development Director - University of Alabama

Learfield • $110K — $130K *
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401In-Person
Education, Government & Non-Profit
8 - 10 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 10+ years of successful sales experience, including 3+ years in a leadership role.
  • Proven ability to drive revenue growth and manage high-performing sales teams.
  • Expertise in crafting integrated marketing strategies that align with client and university goals.
  • Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills for influencing executive-level decision makers.
  • Demonstrated success in setting and achieving sales targets in competitive environments.
  • Excellent communication, organization, and presentation skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM platforms.

Responsibilities

  • Lead a team of sellers to achieve revenue goals.
  • Build and maintain relationships with university partners and internal stakeholders.
  • Drive new business and renewals through creative sponsorship opportunities.
  • Set annual revenue targets and track team performance.
  • Develop high-quality proposals and presentations for brands.
  • Partner with leadership to manage inventory strategy and pricing.
  • Recruit, coach, and develop sales talent for long-term growth.
  • Identify emerging trends in sports marketing to maximize impact.
  • Represent the property at high-visibility meetings and events.
  • Foster a culture of accountability and collaboration within the team.

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.
  • Health Savings Account and Life Insurance options.
  • Flexible Paid Time Off (minimum 10+ days annually) including Parental Leave.
  • 20 Paid Holidays and a 401(k) with Match.
  • Short/Long Term Disability benefits.
Full Job Description
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.

About Learfield

An industry leader for more than four decades, Learfield has a deep presence in the college athletics landscape nationwide. It manages the multimedia and sponsorship rights for nearly 130 collegiate institutions, conferences and arenas, and supports athletic departments at all competitive levels as title sponsor of the prestigious Learfield Directors’ Cup. Learfield also provides its collegiate partners access to professional concessions and ticket sales; branding, licensing and trademark consulting; digital and social platform expertise; campuswide business and sponsorship development; and venue and technology systems through its affiliated companies.

Learfield Careers

Joining Learfield presents an unparalleled opportunity to become part of a team that prides itself on innovation, leadership, and a dynamic company culture. Learfield is a leader in collegiate sports marketing, offering professionals a unique chance to be at the forefront of sports and entertainment industries.

Explore Job Opportunities

Learfield is actively seeking talented individuals who are eager to foster their skills and grow their careers in a vibrant, supportive environment. The company offers a variety of job opportunities that cater to a range of professional interests and expertise.

Professional Growth and Development

At Learfield, career growth is a cornerstone of the employment experience. With comprehensive diversity training programs and leadership development opportunities, employees are equipped to advance their careers and expand their professional capabilities. Learfield is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every team member can thrive.

Internship Programs

Learfield’s internship programs provide invaluable industry experience, networking opportunities, and a chance to work on real projects that impact the company and its clients. Internships are designed to develop the foundational skills needed to succeed in a fast-paced, ever-evolving industry.

Benefits and Company Culture

Learfield places a high priority on the well-being and satisfaction of its team members, offering competitive benefits and a culture that promotes work-life balance. The company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in its workplace initiatives and the supportive network it creates.

Hiring Process

The hiring process at Learfield is designed to be transparent and engaging, starting from the initial application to the final interview. Candidates are encouraged to showcase their skills and experiences through their resume and during interviews, where they meet with current team members and learn more about the position and the company’s values.

Join the Team

Learfield is looking for passionate, curious, and innovative individuals to join its team. Explore open positions that match your skills and interests on the Learfield Careers page. Discover how your expertise can contribute to the company’s ongoing success and leadership in the collegiate sports marketing industry.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest news, career tips, and industry insights through Learfield’s Careers Blog. Personalize your experience by subscribing to job alert emails tailored to your career preferences and be the first to know about new opportunities and company developments.

Networking and Innovation

At Learfield, networking and innovation go hand in hand, creating a stimulating environment that encourages professional growth and creative problem-solving. Team members are encouraged to collaborate and share ideas, driving the company forward in its mission to lead and transform the collegiate sports marketing landscape.

Career Advancement

With Learfield, the path to career advancement is clear and attainable. Through continuous learning, mentorship, and practical experience, team members are well-positioned to navigate their professional journeys and achieve their career goals.

Explore Learfield Jobs

Search for opportunities that align with your career aspirations. Learfield is hiring now—be part of a team that values innovation, leadership, and a diverse range of skills and backgrounds.
Learn more about Learfield
Size
1,001 employees
Industry
Media
* Ladders Estimates

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