Business Development Manager

USNA Alumni Association & Foundation

$80K — $90K *
Business Services
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
  • 3 years of experience in business development or related revenue-driven roles.
  • Proven ability to close deals and generate new revenue.
  • Experience managing contracts and delivering on commitments.
  • Strong negotiation and relationship-building skills.
  • Highly organized and results-oriented.

Responsibilities

  • Drive sponsorship revenue for events and programs.
  • Sell advertising across communication channels.
  • Manage merchandise contracts and ensure quarterly commissions.
  • Build and manage a strong sales pipeline, from prospecting to renewal.
  • Develop compelling sponsorship packages aligned with organizational priorities.
  • Manage ticket sales strategy and execution for major events.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for sponsors, ensuring relationship and retention.

Benefits

  • Generous medical, dental, and vision plan.
  • Fully-vested 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching.
  • 22 days of accrued paid time off per year.
  • 14 paid holidays annually.
  • Identity theft protection and life insurance.
  • Annual professional development opportunities.
  • Potential access to recreational facilities and education benefits for employees' children.
Full Job Description
General Description

The Alumni Association and Foundation is seeking a highly motivated, revenue-focused Business Development Manager to grow sponsorship, advertising, and ticket-sales revenue across a portfolio of high-visibility events, programs, and communications platforms.

This role is responsible for identifying, selling, closing, and managing revenue-generating partnerships, overseeing ticket sales for major events, and ensuring all contractual obligations are executed and fulfilled. The ideal candidate is a proven sales professional who thrives on building relationships, closing deals, and delivering results in a mission-driven environment.

This is a full-time, exempt position with a salary range of $80,000-$90,000 annually and reporting to Executive Vice President, Alumni Association.

This position pays a competitive salary commensurate with experience and is also eligible for an annual performance-based bonus, when applicable. You would also be eligible for a generous benefits plan which includes medical, dental, vision, an FSA, an HSA, a fully-vested 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching, 22 days of accrued paid time off (PTO) per fiscal year, 14 paid holidays per calendar year, group life insurance, short-term & long-term disability, identity theft protection, and annual opportunities for professional development. Although not guaranteed, certain additional benefits may be offered through the Naval Academy, such as use of certain recreational facilities (including the Brigade Sports Complex gym, marina and indoor/outdoor pools), as well as category II eligibility for employee children to apply to the Naval Academy Primary School.

This position is based in historic Annapolis at our current offices in the Fluegel Alumni Center.

Key Responsibilities

Revenue Generation & Sales
  • Drive sponsorship revenue for Alumni Association and Foundation events, programs, and initiatives.
  • Sell advertising across Association communication channels, including digital, print, email, and event platforms.
  • Manage all merchandise contracts, ensuring commissions are collected quarterly.
  • Build and manage a strong sales pipeline, from prospecting through close and renewal.
  • Develop compelling sponsorship and advertising packages aligned with audience reach and organizational priorities.

Ticketed Event Sales
  • Manage ticket sales strategy and execution for major events.
  • Oversee pricing, inventory, sales timelines, and revenue tracking for ticketed events.
  • Coordinate with internal teams to ensure a seamless customer experience.

Partnership & Account Management
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for sponsors and advertisers, ensuring strong relationships and high retention.
  • Oversee sponsor recognition, advertising placement, and fulfillment of deliverables.
  • Identify upsell and cross-sell opportunities to maximize revenue per partner.

Contracting & Compliance
  • Lead the contracting process for sponsorships, advertising, and ticketed events, including negotiation and execution.
  • Ensure the Alumni Association and Foundation meet all contractual obligations, timelines, and deliverables.
  • Maintain accurate records of contracts, revenue, and performance metrics.

Reporting & Collaboration
  • Track and report revenue performance, pipeline activity, and results to senior leadership.
  • Collaborate closely with events, communications, development, and finance teams to ensure alignment and execution.
  • Identify new business opportunities that align with the mission and brand of the organization.

Qualifications

Required
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
  • 3 years of experience in business development, sponsorship sales, advertising sales, partnerships, or related revenue-driven roles.
  • Proven ability to close deals and generate new revenue.
  • Experience managing contracts and delivering on sponsor or advertiser commitments.
  • Strong negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills.
  • Highly organized, self-directed, and results-oriented.

Preferred
  • Experience in a non-profit, association, sports, events, or higher-education environment.
  • Familiarity with ticketed events and sponsorship fulfillment.
  • Experience using CRM or sales pipeline tools.


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