Learfield

Senior Director, Business Development

Learfield$185K — $200K *
Business Services
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 8+ years of experience in revenue growth within the performing arts sector.
  • Established relationships with key stakeholders in touring Broadway and performing arts centers.
  • Deep understanding of the performing arts landscape, including theater and music.
  • Proven ability to build high-level relationships in support of business development.
  • Effective in engaging executives and representing the organization in industry events.
  • Experience with ticketing, marketing, and analytics tools.
  • Willingness to travel 30-50% of the time.

Responsibilities

  • Own and execute strategic planning for the Performing Arts segment.
  • Build and manage a pipeline targeting touring Broadway presenters and arts centers.
  • Lead contract renewals and upsell initiatives with current clients.
  • Manage complex sales cycles and executive negotiations.
  • Maintain ongoing relationships with key venue decision-makers.
  • Represent Paciolan at industry events to enhance brand presence.
  • Cultivate a strong arts client community for retention and referrals.
  • Coordinate with cross-functional teams to drive segment growth.

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental, Vision insurance plans.
  • Health Savings Account options.
  • Life Insurance and other insurance coverages.
  • Flexible Paid Time Off (minimum 10+ days annually), including Parental Leave.
  • 20 Paid Holidays per year.
  • 401(k) plan with company match.
  • Short/Long Term Disability insurance.
Full Job Description
This role leads growth and market expansion for Paciolan's Performing Arts segment, driving revenue, market share, and client engagement. It owns the full sales lifecycle — from pipeline development through complex deal execution and renewal — while cultivating strong industry relationships and community. This leader will shape the market narrative, partner cross-functionally, and position Paciolan as the preferred integrated platform in the performing arts space.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Own strategic planning, development, and execution for the Performing Arts segment, including revenue, profit margin, and market share goals.
  • Build and manage a robust pipeline targeting touring Broadway presenters and performing arts centers — prospecting, qualifying, presenting, negotiating, and closing new and expansion business.
  • Lead the contract renewal process and drive upsell initiatives with existing clients to ensure long-term partnerships.
  • Manage complex sales cycles, including RFP responses and executive-level negotiations.
  • Maintain strong, ongoing relationships with key decision-makers at client venues, including Presidents, Executive Directors, General Managers, CMOs, and CFOs.
  • Represent Paciolan at industry events, conferences, and client meetings to strengthen brand presence and surface new opportunities.
  • Cultivate Paciolan's arts client community, building a network that drives retention, referrals, and a distinct client voice within the Paciolan ecosystem.
  • Partner across Product, Marketing, Client Engagement, Finance, and Operations to coordinate execution and remove barriers to segment growth.
  • Accurately forecast revenue, maintain CRM data integrity, and report on segment performance.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • 8+ years of experience driving revenue growth within the performing arts ecosystem (e.g., presenters, performing arts centers, touring Broadway organizations, or related technology platforms).
  • Established relationships with key stakeholders across touring Broadway presenters, performing arts centers, and resident companies.
  • Deep understanding of the performing arts landscape (theater, dance, music) and the dynamics of local arts communities.
  • Proven ability to build and maintain high-level relationships with user groups, advisory boards, or industry communities in support of business development.
  • Equally effective engaging executive stakeholders one-on-one and representing the organization in industry-facing settings (conferences, events, client engagements).
  • Experience with ticketing, marketing, development, and analytics tools.
  • Willingness to travel overnight 30–50% of the time.

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to sit or stand at a desk for majority of day.
  • Ability to travel by airplane and automobile to client meetings, sometimes out of state.
  • Ability to use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, keyboard and mouse.
  • Ability to talk, hear and communicate clearly in person and via phone/video conferencing.

The approximate national base pay range for this position is $185,000 to $200,000. Please note that this is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Individuals may also be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus and/or sales compensation based on individual and company performance. Placement on the range may vary based on factors including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, and geographic location. The pay rate will comply with all minimum federal, state, and local wage/salary requirements.

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
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1,001 employees
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