Business Development and Events Manager

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & EVENT MANAGER - Gulfport Sportsplex

Sports Facilities Management, LLC

LOCATION: Gulfport, MS

DEPARTMENT: BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

REPORTS TO: GENERAL MANAGER

STATUS: FULL-TIME (EXEMPT)

ABOUT THE COMPANY:

Gulfport Sportsplex is a premier sport, recreation and entertainment destination focused on improving the health and economic vitality of Gulfport, MS. You will be joining a championship level team focused on fun, fulfillment and service built to enrich the community as well as your career and personal growth.

Gulfport Sportsplex is a member of The Sports Facilities Companies (SFC) and is the nation's leading resource for managing and developing sports, recreation, wellness, and events facilities. We provide a highly collaborative and supportive culture that raises our team members to new levels of career growth. Together, we will carve a path in a hyper-growing industry where you will enjoy the journey and learn from the industry's best while having some fun.

SFC was awarded national recognition and is considered a workplace of choice. Our mission-focused company is highly entrepreneurial, team-oriented with a culture centered on collaboration, accountability, excellence, and service. We are growing rapidly and looking for high performers at every level to grow with us.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Business Development and Event Manager will promote the destination as a premier sports tourism, conference, tradeshow, and special events location booking large tournaments and sports tourism events. The execution of responsibilities will be accomplished by working closely with facility staff, regional and national event/tournament providers, and promoting the primary revenue streams through effective marketing and advertising efforts. The position will include selling sponsorships. They will be evaluated based on KPIs set by the General Manager, number of events booked, sponsorship sales or assistance, number of visitors or event attendees generated, new business development, new program expansion, and sales pace.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING:

• Planning and implementing events, tournaments, and rentals to meet revenue targets
• Maintaining an event calendar of rental/tournaments booked, as well as, listing all facility activities planned
• Preparing and presenting regular reporting on event strategy and results
• Managing communications with all stakeholders of events
• Sponsorship sales both local and national to meet revenue targets
• Other duties as assigned by management

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE HAS:

• Proven success in generating awareness through consumer marketing and branding
• Experience in youth and amateur sports as a consumer, marketing professional, or other relevant experience
• Experience in using a CRM to manage and nurture potential or current customers
• Experience in sponsorship sales and activation
• Experience working with convention & visitors bureaus, regional sports commissions, and/or regional event management booking in a regional sports and/or convention center
• Experience and success in promoting, booking, and delivering special events
• Action-oriented personality with a 'get it done' attitude and proficiency for efficiency

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Prior experience in marketing research to gain consumer insights (locally, regionally, and nationally) to identify key selling points for attracting corporate/organization relationships including sponsorship and financial partnerships, or business development activities
• Bachelor's degree in business administration, marketing, or advertising; or a minimum of 5+ years' experience in a similar position
• Technologically savvy with skills in using multiple platforms or software for a variety of tasks such as cloud file management or project management
• Advanced knowledge in using Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Skilled at identifying and creating opportunities or promotions to deliver revenue goals
• Must have excellent interpersonal, problem solving and negotiating skills
• Must be a team player and deadline-driven
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Must be able to work a flexible work schedule (nights, weekends, holidays and long hours)

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be able to lift 30 pounds waist high
• May be required to sit or stand for extended periods of time whether indoors or outdoors, and squat, stoop or bend
• Will be required to operate a computer
• Facility has intermittent loud noise levels