Sr. Director, Business Development

National Women's Soccer League; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 165,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Unlimited PTO

Hybrid work model

Health coverage

401k employer match

Commuter benefits

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Gym on-site

Pet insurance

Job summary

The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) is seeking a high-impact sales leader reporting to the Head of Business Development to drive revenue through partner programs and activations.

You will lead cross-functional teams across Partnerships, Marketing, Broadcast, and PR to craft best-in-class sponsorship solutions and engage Fortune 500 brands. This role blends strategic leadership with hands-on execution in a fast-growing sports league.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in marketing, activation, partner solutions, business development, or partnership management at a league, team, or agency.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional, commercially-driven workstreams to identify new revenue opportunities across the NWSL ecosystem.
• Partner closely with Partnerships, Marketing, Broadcast, and PR to develop best-in-class marketing solutions for prospective partners.
• Engage senior-level marketing leaders at Fortune 500 companies in key open and strategic categories for the League.
• Own weekly/monthly reporting for the Partnerships team, senior leadership, and the Commercial Committee.
• Manage agency relationships (sales representation, research, etc.) and lead the development and execution of partner events.
• Build and maintain relationships with sports marketing, advertising, and media agencies, establishing the League as a thought leader and resource within soccer and women's sports

Skills

Marketing leadership

Senior stakeholder management

Partnership development

Revenue generation

Sports sponsorship

Communication & candor

Job description

The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) is one of the fastest-growing professional sports leagues in the U.S., powered by 16 clubs and a deep roster of the world's best players, and built on record-shattering fan, media and commercial growth. Now in its 14th season, the league's momentum continues to accelerate, with viewership and attendance numbers growing rapidly, social media fandom on the rise, team valuations massively increasing and new top sponsors investing in the NWSL brand. This unprecedented growth in audience, media reach, and franchise value reflects the NWSL's expanding fan base and increasing dominance in the sports-media landscape and popular culture.

The future of the NWSL is now — and we're looking for world-class talent like you to help us continue the momentum.

The Role

Reporting to the Head of Business Development, this position is a highly collaborative sales leader with a focus on selling programs and platforms that drive unique activations and partner marketing campaigns, fueling revenue growth for our league.

What You Will Own & Drive

• Lead cross-functional, commercially-driven workstreams to identify new revenue opportunities across the NWSL ecosystem
• Partner closely with Partnerships, Marketing, Broadcast, and PR to develop best-in-class marketing solutions for prospective partners
• Engage senior-level marketing leaders at Fortune 500 companies in key open and strategic categories for the League
• Own weekly/monthly reporting for the Partnerships team, senior leadership, and the Commercial Committee
• Manage agency relationships (sales representation, research, etc.) and lead the development and execution of partner events
• Build and maintain relationships with sports marketing, advertising, and media agencies, establishing the League as a thought leader and resource within soccer and women's sports

Core Qualifications

• 8+ years in marketing, activation, partner solutions, business development, or partnership management at a league, team, or agency, with a proven track record of driving growth
• Credible, senior-level presence with both internal stakeholders and external partners
• Entrepreneurial and strategic, thrives in fast-moving environments and comfortable building from the ground up
• Proven success leading revenue-generating partnerships from strategy through execution
• Brings candor, accountability, and humility to how they lead and communicate
• Familiarity with the sports, media rights, or sponsorship landscape

Our Investment in You

In addition to working in an incredible, inclusive, and committed-to-diversity culture, we offer:

• Competitive Compensation: $165,000 - $195,000(Salary is contingent upon candidate qualifications and functional business needs).
• Time & Flexibility: Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO), sick days, and an end-of-year office closure.
• Hybrid Work Model: Three days in-office and two remote days per week.
• Robust Health Coverage: Medical, Dental, Vision, and Mental Health benefits for employees and dependents.
• Financial Future: 401k with employer match and safe harbor contributions.
• Comprehensive Benefits & Perks: Commuter Benefits, Short/Long-Term Disability, Life Insurance, Gym On-Site, Voluntary Pet Insurance, and more!

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

The NWSL is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We celebrate diversity and are deeply committed to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for all employees. All employment decisions—including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, compensation, and termination—are made without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process due to a disability, you may contact us at [e-mail].