Business Development Director - University of Alabama

100 LEARFIELD; Tuscaloosa (AL); On-site; USD 130,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Health Savings Account

Life Insurance

Flexible Paid Time Off

Parental Leave

Paid Holidays

401(k) + Match

Disability

Job summary

Learfield is seeking a strategic and results-driven sales leader to join our sponsorship team in Tuscaloosa. You will oversee the sales strategy and performance, manage a sellers team, and drive revenue through new business and renewals with university partners and stakeholders.

You will lead development of integrated sponsorship solutions, coordinate with university leadership, and shape the property's presence in local and national markets through innovative, data-driven campaigns.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of successful sales experience with 3+ years in a leadership capacity.
• Proven success driving revenue growth and leading high-performing teams.
• Ability to craft integrated marketing strategies aligning with client and university objectives.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of sellers to achieve individual and team revenue goals.
• Build strong relationships with university partners and internal stakeholders.
• Develop integrated sponsorship opportunities across digital, social, in-venue, broadcast, and experiential platforms.
• Set annual revenue targets and manage performance across the team.
• Prepare proposals and presentations for local, regional, and national brands.
• Oversee inventory strategy and pricing in collaboration with property leadership.
• Recruit, coach, and develop sales talent for long-term growth.
• Identify trends in sports marketing to maximize impact.

Skills

Team leadership

Strategic sales

Revenue growth

Integrated sponsorships

Relationship building

CRM proficiency

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CRM platforms

Microsoft Office

Job description

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.

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Health Savings Account
• Life Insurance
• Other Insurance Plans
• Flexible Paid Time Off (minimum 10+ days annually)
• Parental Leave
• 20 Paid Holidays
• 401(k) + Match
• Short/Long Term Disability

Leave benefits are consistent with state and local laws, including the Colorado Health Families and Workplaces Act.

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.

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