Business Development Director - University of Alabama

Learfield IMG College; Tuscaloosa (AL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision insurance

Health Savings Account

Life Insurance and Other Insurance

Paid Time Off

Parental Leave

20 Paid Holidays

401(k) + Match

Short/Long Term Disability

Job summary

Learfield IMG College is seeking a strategic and results-driven Business Development Director to lead the sponsorship team in Tuscaloosa, AL. You will drive revenue through integrated partnerships, oversee sales strategy, and manage a team of sellers to maximize revenue growth with university stakeholders and national brands.

The role requires building relationships, developing proposals, and guiding inventory strategy while collaborating with property leadership.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of 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 environment.
• Excellent communication, organization, and presentation skills.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed for events.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of sellers responsible for achieving revenue goals.
• Build and maintain relationships with university partners, athletic department staff, clients, and stakeholders.
• Drive new business and renewals by developing integrated sponsorship opportunities across digital, social, in-venue, broadcast, and experiential platforms.
• Set annual revenue targets, track progress, and manage performance across the team.
• Develop and deliver high-quality proposals and presentations to local, regional, and national brands.
• Recruit, coach, and develop sales talent to elevate performance and support growth.

Skills

Sales leadership

Revenue growth

Marketing strategy

Negotiation

Presentations

CRM proficiency

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CRM platforms

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Title

Business Development Director - University of Alabama

Requisition ID

R101521

Location

Tuscaloosa, AL

Full/Part-Time

Full time

About Us

Learfield is the leading media and technology company powering college athletics. Through its digital and physical platforms, Learfield owns and leverages a deep data set and relationships in the industry to drive revenue, growth, brand awareness, and fan engagement for brands, sports, and entertainment properties. With ties to over 1,200 collegiate institutions and over 12,000 local and national brand partners, Learfield’s presence in college sports and live events delivers influence and maximizes reach to target audiences. With data-based solutions for a 365-day, 24/7 fan experience, Learfield enables schools and brands to connect with fans through licensed merchandise, game ticketing, donor identification for athletic programs, exclusive custom content, innovative marketing initiatives, NIL solutions, and advanced digital platforms. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed Learfield Directors’ Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.

Our people-first culture is the foundation of our business and is reflective of our approach to building meaningful relationships with our employees, partners, and fans. The company strives each day to deliver the mission statement and embody the core values that make Learfield an exciting place to work.

Our Mission

Powering the connection of fans to the brands and experiences they love.

Our Core Values

Build Trust | Be Fans of One Another | Power Tomorrow | Create & Connect Communities | Have Fun

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.

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.