Senior Business Development Manager - University of Vermont

LEARFIELD; Burlington (VT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) Match

Parental Leave

Paid Holidays

Job summary

Learfield is seeking a strategic, results-oriented sales professional to lead high-value sponsorships in a dynamic college sports environment in Burlington, Vermont.

You will own the full sales cycle, cultivate partnerships with university stakeholders and sponsors, drive renewals and new business, and mentor junior sellers while aligning campaigns across digital, broadcast, and in-venue platforms.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of successful outside, consultative, or B2B sales experience with responsibility for new business and client relationships.
• Proven track record of managing a book of business and exceeding revenue goals.
• Ability to build marketing strategies tailored to client needs.

Responsibilities

• Meet and/or exceed revenue goals through new business development and strategic renewals.
• Own the full sales cycle, including prospecting, relationship development, proposal creation, presentations, contract negotiation, closing, and post-sale execution.
• Regularly meet with prospective and existing clients at their places of business or events to cultivate relationships and secure partnerships.
• Manage a defined book of business, including high-value accounts and key partnership renewals.
• Develop sponsorship proposals across digital, social, broadcast, in-venue, and experiential platforms.
• Lead renewal planning and identify opportunities to grow existing partnerships with sales leadership.
• Build and maintain relationships with university partners, athletic staff, corporate partners, and internal stakeholders.
• Partner with internal teams to ensure campaign execution and alignment with contracts.
• Mentor junior sellers and support local leadership in team performance.
• Represent the property at client meetings, hospitality events, and athletic events, including evenings and weekends as needed.
• Stay informed on industry trends and sponsorship best practices to identify new revenue opportunities.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Outside sales experience

Consultative selling

Book of business management

Negotiation

CRM proficiency

Flexibility evenings/weekends

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

CRM (Salesforce)

Microsoft Office

Job description

We’re seeking a strategic, results-oriented sales professional to join our growing sponsorship team. If you have a passion for sports and a track record of cultivating meaningful partnerships, this is your opportunity to lead high-value accounts and help drive revenue growth in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

In this role, you will manage a diverse portfolio of sponsors, oversee complex campaigns, and play a key role in both renewal strategy and new business development. You’ll lead sales efforts from pitch to close, collaborate with internal and university stakeholders, and help shape our presence in the marketplace. This position is ideal for a seasoned closer who thrives on both autonomy and impact.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Meet and/or exceed assigned revenue goals through new business development and strategic renewals.

• Own the full sales cycle, including prospecting, relationship development, proposal creation, presentations, contract negotiation, closing, and post-sale execution.

• Regularly meet with prospective and existing clients at their places of business, athletic events, or other off-site locations to cultivate relationships, present sponsorship opportunities, and secure new and expanded partnerships.

• Manage a defined book of business, including high-value accounts and key partnership renewals.

• Develop integrated sponsorship proposals across digital, social, broadcast, in-venue, and experiential platforms that align with client objectives and university assets.

• Lead strategic renewal planning and identify opportunities to grow existing partnerships in collaboration with sales leadership.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with university partners, athletic department staff, corporate partners, and internal stakeholders, serving as a trusted representative of both Learfield and the university.

• Partner with internal teams to ensure seamless campaign execution and fulfillment, maintaining alignment with client expectations and contractual commitments.

• Serve as a mentor and resource to junior sellers while supporting local leadership in advancing overall team performance.

• Represent the property at client meetings, hospitality events, industry functions, and athletic events, including evenings and weekends as needed.

• Stay informed on industry trends, sponsorship best practices, brand activations, digital marketing strategies, and emerging platforms to identify new revenue opportunities.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 6+ years of successful outside, consultative, or business-to-business sales experience with demonstrated responsibility for developing new business and managing client relationships.

• Demonstrated success managing a book of business and exceeding revenue goals

• Strong ability to build marketing strategies tailored to client needs

• Advanced negotiating skills and ability to influence senior-level decision makers

• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills

• Comfort navigating CRM systems and working within a performance-driven sales environment

• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed for game days and events

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience selling integrated sports marketing partnerships including major media (signage, radio, social, digital, etc.)

• Knowledge of digital marketing platforms, content sponsorship, and campaign analytics

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university

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.