Business Development Manager, Corporate Partnerships

Key Responsibilities

• Own and execute corporate partnership sales efforts focused on new LED board and integrated sponsorship inventory
• Consistently build and manage a robust pipeline to meet or exceed annual revenue goals
• Identify, pursue, and close higher-value partnership opportunities when applicable
• Execute the approved LED Board Go-To-Market strategy with discipline and urgency, including:
• Category-based prospecting and prioritization
• Structured outbound cadence across email, phone, LinkedIn, and in-person touchpoints
• Timely advancement of prospects through discovery, pitch, proposal, and close stages
• Maintain strong cadence execution and activity standards to drive predictable results
• Actively represent the Charleston Battery at games, community functions, business events, and networking environments
• Build strong relationships with local and regional business leaders, marketers, and decision-makers
• Leverage in-market presence, site visits, and game-day experiences as selling tools
• Lead discovery conversations to understand prospect business objectives and marketing needs
• In collaboration with team’s CRO, present customized partnership proposals and pitch decks
• Navigate objections, guide negotiations, and close agreements efficiently
• Ensure smooth handoff and onboarding once a deal is closed
• Maintain accurate pipeline management and reporting
• Track activity, pipeline progression, close rates, and revenue performance
• Use insights to refine outreach approaches and improve conversion rates

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of business development, sales, or partnerships experience
• Demonstrated success selling:
• Professional sports sponsorships/partnerships or
• Marketing, advertising, media, or experiential services
• Proven ability to prospect cold accounts and close consultative, value-based deals
• Outgoing, confident, and highly comfortable in group and networking settings
• Fast-paced, competitive, and motivated by winning and exceeding goals
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple prospects simultaneously
• Disciplined executor who follows sales processes and cadences consistently
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a strong sense of ownership and accountability

Preferred Experience

• Experience selling signage, media, or brand visibility assets
• Familiarity with CRM tools and outbound prospecting platforms (e.g., ZoomInfo, HubSpot)
• Understanding of local or regional business marketing decision-making