Business Development Leader, Professional Sports

About the Role

Key Responsibilities

• Communicate and collaborate at a very high level with the entire DLR Group Sports Team in all phases of the business development process
• Collaborate with Global Sector Leader, Professional Sports Practice Leader, and National Sports Business Development Leader to identify, develop, qualify, and manage a pipeline of potential clients for project opportunities in the professional sports marketplace
• Create and execute a strategic approach to win new business and expand market presence through innovative outreach, networking, partnerships, industry events and identifying client and project needs
• Coordinate with Pursuit Teams to craft client-centric statements for effective responses to RFPs, sales proposals and presentations
• Cultivate and manage long-term client relationships, partnering with our Sports Team to maintain connections with current and former clients
• Actively participate in industry organizations, committees, conferences and events while familiarizing targets with DLR Group's Sports portfolio, experts, design ethos, and shifts in fan experience, athlete development, and venue design
• Collaborate on sector marketing strategies and annual business planning while achieving new fee targets and ROI goals each fiscal year
• Meet or exceed growth and fee targets as outlined in DLR Group's Business Plan, each fiscal
• Lead and manage business development efforts for our Professional Sports practice, providing mentorship and guidance to the team
• Stay informed on national market trends, key publications, and industry associations
• Build and nurture relationships with key partners, including contractors, developers, and consultants
• Lead and prepare quarterly marketing reports, participate in weekly strategy meetings, and maintain CRM and BD Tracking Report

Requirements

• Interpersonal Skills: Outgoing and personable, adept at quickly building rapport and effective relationships, both internally and externally
• Interpersonal Communications: Must be able to convey ideas, concerns, challenges, and opportunities via strong written and oral communication skills; ability to analyze and improve materials written by others
• Business Development Connections & Resilience: Enthusiastic about reaching out to prospects and resilient in facing rejection, with a strong sense of urgency and consistency in meeting deadlines
• Professional Demeanor: Polished and capable of representing the firm at all levels, with keen attention to detail, especially in marketing materials and communications
• Receptive & Eager Learner: Open to feedback and constructive criticism, demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning
• Organizational & Collaborative Skills: Excellent at prioritizing and managing multiple tasks efficiently; comfortable in both leadership and team-player roles with diverse personalities
• Self-Starter & Knowledgeable: Motivated to work independently with minimal supervision, committed to understanding the firm's practices, services, and goals
• Strategic Leadership: Creates, leads, nurtures, builds, activates and manages mutually beneficial relationships internally and externally resulting in design commission fees

Nice to Have

• Bachelor's degree
• 7+ years of experience working in sales, business development, or client management roles in professional sports and/or A/E/C industry
• Background and knowledge of professional sports venue operations, event management, facilities planning and design, revenue development, team/business operations or sports marketing
• Possesses a network of decision-makers in executive and senior level positions in professional sports and/or Sports AEC industry
• Proficient in business planning and presentation software (e.g., Excel, PowerPoint)
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products and experience utilizing CRM software
• Involvement in sports or relevant industry organizations
• Strong oral, written communication, meeting facilitation, and presentation skills
• Strong ability to collaborate with institutions, organizations, and internal project teams
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask, prioritize, and work under pressure
• Skilled in marketing strategy, relationship development, and business development processes
• Self-starter with an entrepreneurial mindset, able to solve problems independently

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (preferred)

Benefits & Perks

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off
• 401(k) plan, employee stock ownership, and bonus opportunities
• Compensation considerations are based on location, experience, and skills
• Suggested pay range: $115,000-$145,000 USD