Client Advisor (Sports Business Advisory Track)

International Sports Management, Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Base salary + uncapped commission

Medical and dental benefits

401(k) with company match

4+ weeks PTO

Job summary

International Sports Management, Inc. is seeking ambitious graduates to join its Chicago headquarters as Client Advisors. You will learn from senior leaders, prospect and engage executives at major companies, and advise on how executive hosting drives revenue and client retention.

The role evolves to account strategy and long-term partnerships across 40+ events. Base salary plus uncapped commission with strong early earnings and a clear advancement path; graduates trained to become trusted

Qualifications

• Graduates with a business mindset.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Willingness to develop advisory relationships with clients.

Responsibilities

• Engage senior executives and decision-makers across major U.S. markets.
• Advise clients on how executive hosting supports business development and client retention goals.
• Manage the full consultative sales cycle from first contact to close and ongoing account management.
• Build a national client portfolio across ISM’s 40+ properties.

Skills

Sales mindset

Executive communication

Prospecting

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

For nearly 30 years, International Sports Management (ISM) has been the trusted partner for Fortune 1,000 companies that use premium sports and cultural experiences to strengthen client relationships. Our event portfolio spans more than 40 premier properties annually including the College Football Playoff National Championship, the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, the Ryder Cup, the PGA Championship, the World Cup, and more.

We are growing our downtown Chicago headquarters and seeking ambitious, business-minded graduates who want to develop into trusted advisors in the sports space — not just salespeople.

The Office

ISM's national sales organization was built here. You will be embedded in our downtown Chicago headquarters — in the Loop on Michigan Avenue — learning directly from leaders who have been developing client relationships in this industry for decades. Training is conducted by our full Chicago management team, giving you exposure to every dimension of our business from day one.

The Role

As a Client Advisor, you will work with senior executives and decision-makers at major companies across the U.S., helping them understand how ISM’s executive hosting programs can drive real business outcomes via client retention and new business development.

This is a consultative role. You are not pitching tickets. You are advising business leaders on how to strategically deploy entertainment and hospitality as a revenue-generating tool. You will learn how corporations structure entertainment budgets, how C-suite buyers think about ROI, and how to build long-term advisory relationships with clients who return year after year.

You will begin with new business development — prospecting, outreach, and building your book. As you succeed, your role expands into account strategy and long-term partnership management. Many of our current managers began in this exact seat.

What You Will Do

• Engage senior executives and decision-makers at companies across major U.S. markets
• Advise clients on how executive hosting can support their business development and client retention goals
• Manage the full consultative sales cycle — from first conversation through close and into ongoing account management
• Build a national client portfolio across ISM’s 40+ annual event properties
• Develop executive-level communication skills and business acumen early inyour career

What You Will Learn

For graduates interested in becoming sports consultants, advisors, or leaders in the sports industry, this role builds:

• Executive presence and C-suite communication skills
• Financially driven, performance-based business acumen
• Strategic thinking around client acquisition and retention
• Negotiation and closing skills
• Confidence operating in high-stakes business environments

What We Provide

• Structured onboarding and continuous mentorship from managers who started in your seat
• Base salary + uncapped commission — your earnings scale directly with your performance
• First-year earnings average: $55K–$75K+; strong performers earn significantly more
• Year two earning potential: $80K+ — with no ceiling for those who build their book
• Monthly, quarterly, and annual incentives — cash and prizes
• Medical and dental benefits + 401(k) with company match
• 4+ weeks of total paid time off (vacation + company holidays)
• Clear advancement path — many Client Advisors move into leadership within18 months

Who Thrives Here

• Experienced salespeople in the areas of Insurance, Wealth Management, or any other direct outreach role will connect with this amazing opportunity.
• Competitive, driven individuals who want their income tied directly to their performance
• Strong communicators who are comfortable, or eager to become comfortable engaging senior executives
• People who want to build real business acumen and advisory skills, not just learn a sales script
• Individuals committed to a career track, with the patience to master an 8–12 month learning curve

If your long-term goal is to become a trusted advisor in the sports industry — whether in consulting, partnerships, or executive leadership — this is where youbuild the foundation.

International Sports Management is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome qualified applicants regardless of gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, religion, age, national origin, citizenship, pregnancy status, veteran status, or any other differences. If you require accommodation during the application process, please let us know