Director, Sales & Fan Relations (University of Illinois)

About the role

The Director, Sales & Fan Relations position at Playfly Sports is based in Champaign, IL and is responsible for managing the Fan Relationship Management Center (FRMC) to exceed client expectations in revenue generation and customer service. Key responsibilities include managing ticket sales, developing sales strategies, and overseeing the retention program.

Responsibilities

• Aid in managing the FRMC's day-to-day operations and revenue generation.
• Manage marketing and sales of new and renewal I FUND donations, season tickets, partial season ticket plans, group ticket plans, and individual game tickets.
• Oversee ticket sales through outbound, inbound, and renewal sales, including tracking and monitoring calls.
• Personal sales goals and contributing to annual revenue growth, including growth of new donors.
• Perform daily sales and relationship cultivation phone calls, messages, and mailings with season ticket holders, sponsors, businesses, individuals, groups, and prospective buyers.
• Manage a book of business of donors and season ticket holders, grow business each year, and lead in the development of ticket marketing, promotions, ticket pricing, sales strategies, and community ticket/sampling programs.
• Aid in the creation, planning, communication, and implementation of special ticket plans, projects, promotions, and programs.
• Assist with the ongoing development of New Ticket Sales and Ticket Service program in areas such as new business generation, season tickets, sales leadership, development of sales and service strategies, sales and service training, development of best practices, and results tracking and reporting.
• Identify, explore, and research new sales opportunities, including season ticket and group sales target markets.
• Develop special ticket plans, projects, promotions, and programs.
• Oversee and develop season ticket retention program, with special attention to new season ticket and high-risk accounts.
• Other responsibilities as assigned by the Assistant Athletic Director, Sales & Development.

Requirements

• 3-4 years of sports ticket sales experience with a minimum of 1-2 years in sales leadership.
• Computer proficiency (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Experience with Paciolan (or other ticketing software) and CRM programs preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree is preferred but not required.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, presentation, and listening skills.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational, administrative, and time management skills.
• Self-motivated with the ability to set goals, monitor progress, and multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Belief that a culture that encourages collaboration, flexibility, equity, and fairness that enables individuals to contribute to their full potential, feel valued, and supported is key to success; personally, professionally, and for the company.
• Ability to work well with others and confidence when taking initiative.
• Professional image and demeanor at all times.
• Available to work Athletic events including home games and special events; evenings and on weekends.
• Travel, Lifting, Physical Requirements: Available to work athletic events including home games and special events in evenings, and on weekends and some holidays as required.

Qualifications

• Available to work in Champaign, IL.
• Self-motivated with a proven track record of success in sales leadership roles.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience with ticketing systems and CRM software.
• Proven ability to manage and grow a book of business.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Skills

• Exceptional sales and relationship management skills.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize effectively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience with ticketing software and CRM programs.

Benefits

Actual compensation packages are based on several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, depth of experience, certifications, and specific work location. This may vary in other locations due to differences in the cost of labor.

Pay

The base pay range for this role is $56,000—$58,000 USD.

Schedule

The position is based in Champaign, IL and involves working evenings and weekends, including home games and special events.