General Manager (DePaul Sports Properties)

Playfly Sports; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Playfly Sports is seeking a General Manager to join our team in Chicago, IL. The role partners with DePaul Athletics to generate sponsorship revenue and lead a university sports property staff on-site.

The ideal candidate has a proven track record in sports sponsorship sales, team leadership, and budget management, with strong presentation and CRM experience; willingness to travel and work evenings for events is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 10 years of sales experience preferred.
• Experience managing a team of direct reports.
• Proven ability to manage and exceed budget and revenue goals.
• Strong sales, presentation and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with CRM systems (KORE or similar).
• Ability to develop and present ideas succinctly and provide creative solutions.

Responsibilities

• Partner with athletics department to develop and execute a sales plan to meet and exceed revenue goals for Playfly

Skills

Sales experience

Team leadership

Communication

Presentation skills

Budget/revenue management

CRM familiarity (KORE)

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

KORE CRM

Job description

GENERAL MANAGER, DEPAUL SPORTS PROPERTIES

Chicago, IL

On‑site

Playfly Sports is looking for a General Manager to join our team in Chicago, IL. The General Manager will be responsible for generating incremental sponsorship revenue on behalf of DePaul University to meet and exceed individual and team goals for Playfly. The person in this role will work on‑site with the senior staff at DePaul Athletics and Playfly Sports Properties to pitch and close enterprise partnership agreements. This role will also be responsible for leading and managing the university sports property staff.

Responsibilities

• Partner with athletics department to develop and execute a sales plan to meet and exceed revenue goals for Playfly
• Manage profit and loss & budget reports to maintain and exceed EBITDA budget
• Prospect, meet and close a significant number of new and renewal high level corporate sponsorships
• Manage, coach and develop a team of sales & account support staff at the university sports property
• Create standards and assist with the achievement of their individual goals
• Identify potential sponsors for the university sports property through networking with university stakeholders & business partners and researching local, regional & national companies
• Work with Playfly Sports Properties leadership and the university athletics executives to create sales inventory, revenue projections and overall sponsorship strategy for the university athletics assets
• Develop sales presentations for new marketing partners by incorporating research, category dynamics and an understanding of partner’s marketing goals
• Create sales proposals and draft/negotiate contracts
• Develop key marketing objectives with clients via thorough needs assessment and a collaborative sales process
• Entertain and cultivate sponsors in non-game related settings
• Prepare end‑of‑year recaps for sponsors
• Represent the university sports property, the university, and Playfly Sports Properties in a professional manner
• Research sports sponsorship industry and stay current with relevant market trends and conditions
• Oversee management of radio production and supervise the respective broadcast talent
• Build strong understanding of all Playfly business units and offerings in order to leverage new business areas, leads, and categories
• Other job‑related duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 6‑8 years of direct sales experience in the sports multi‑media environment required
• 10 years of experience in a sales role preferred
• Experience managing a team of direct reports
• Proven ability in managing, meeting & exceeding budget & revenue goals
• Familiarity with KORE or similar CRM system
• Strong experience and understanding of integrated and “conceptual” sales
• Ability to generate and present ideas and concepts succinctly and provide creative solutions to prospects/clients
• Outstanding verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
• Demonstrated professional sales presentation skills
• Must be driven and coachable to execute the Playfly Sports Properties revenue model and to understand the distinctive relationship with university Athletics

Physical Requirements

• Must be available for game days and evening athletic events and coaches shows
• Must be available to travel for client presentations
• Must be able to work nights and weekends around sporting events

Compensation

Base Pay Range: $120,000—$140,000 USD. Actual compensation packages are based on several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, depth of experience, certifications, and specific work location. This may be different in other locations due to differences in the cost of labor.

Equal Employment Opportunity & Diversity Statement

Playfly Sports affirms that inequality is detrimental to our associates, our clients, and the communities we serve. Our goal is to impact lasting change through our actions. Together, we unite for equality and equity. Playfly Sports is committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of any protected characteristic, including race, color, genetic information, creed, national origin, religion, sex, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, lawful alien status, ancestry, age, marital status, or protected veteran status and will not discriminate against anyone on the basis of a disability. We support an inclusive workplace where associates excel based on personal merit, qualifications, experience, ability, and job performance.

Accommodations

Playfly Sports is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals, and as part of this commitment, Playfly Sports will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact [e-mail].

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this role at this time.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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