THE OPPORTUNITY
Reporting to the LPGA Chief Sales and Partnership Officer, this individual will serve as a key leader within the LPGA’s Sales & Corporate Partnerships Team in selling assets across the entire LPGA global ecosystem of brands to include: (i) sponsor prospecting activities including tournament title, official marketing partner, licensing, media/digital sales, player revenue/sponsorships and other strategic sales including working with third party sales and consulting agencies, (ii) supporting the broader partnerships team in cultivating the portfolio of LPGA global corporate marketing partners (iii) building strong and effective relationships with key constituents including tournament organizers, players, sponsors, media partners and other stakeholders and (iv) developing innovative and compelling sales presentations and partnership opportunities to attract top quality brands to the LPGA.
The position will work with all necessary constituencies, both internal and external, to achieve the LPGA’s revenue generation objectives and support the broader priorities of the organization.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
- Develop strong working knowledge of the LPGA family of brands; understand sports competitive landscape, positioning the LPGA in a unique and compelling way and consistent with the organization’s mission
- Identify and prospect new official marketing partners and tournament title sponsors – plan and execute meetings/calls/appointments with qualified prospects to achieve revenue targets
- Work with LPGA corporate partnerships and marketing functions in building overall sales strategy; understand current partner exclusivities and develop creative, complimentary ideas and programs to attract new LPGA partners
- Identify the needs of a prospect through discussion of objectives and create programs that have the greatest impact for both the LPGA and the partner; incorporate data and analytics into decision making in order to optimize revenue generating activities
- Working closely with partnership operations and solutions team, develop effective and compelling sales presentations that are consistent with prospects brand marketing objectives
- Work in collaboration with third party sales agencies
- Execute daily activity in SalesForce CRM, ensuring accurate records of client interaction, contact information, progression of pending deals, etc.
- Direct progression of the sales process from pitch to negotiation, to contract execution
- Ensure smooth transition of contracted sales client to corporate partnerships team; ensure relevant details and expectations have been transferred appropriately
- Create appropriate profit & loss analysis for each sales prospect to ensure growth objectives and sponsor deliverables are achievable
- Maintain a well-developed pipeline of prospects and opportunities
- Build strong relationships with LPGA brand/department leaders to ensure sales strategy is aligned with organizational needs and mission
- Consistently deliver annual sales growth objectives
- Promote collaborative team culture focused on aggressively growing the business through creative offerings.
- Participate in special projects or other duties as assigned
WHO YOU ARE
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree a plus
- Comprehensive knowledge of the sports or golf industry with a track record of developing relationships and achieving partner objectives
- Minimum 8-10 years of experience in sports marketing, brand management, or marketing/advertising with an emphasis on sales
- Established contacts in the professional sports corporate sales market
- Proficient in lead prospecting & proven track record in sales conversions
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills particularly in developing effective presentations, proposals & relationship building
- Must be a self-starting team player that contributes positive energy
- Strong organizational skills with ability to work in a fast-paced, mobile environment
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Salesforce CRM experience
- Knowledge of sponsorship research tools a plus (MVP Indiex, Nielson, Meltwater)
- Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a commitment to LPGA’s mission
- Domestic and international travel required
This position is currently posted at a specific level; however, final title and level will be determined based on the selected candidate’s experience, skills, and qualifications.
