National Account Manager

The National Account Manager performs the sales and marketing duties required to solicit and bring sporting events to Oklahoma City in partnership with nationally recognized organizations throughout the professional, collegiate, national and international markets.

• Position requires a professional, diplomatic demeanor and exceptional relationship-building skills. Position deals with a variety of personalities and situations and will heavily consist of interpersonal communication on a daily basis.
• Extensive knowledge of the collegiate, professional & international sports markets, as well as youth events sanctioned by national governing bodies, to assist with intentional recruitment of events that will increase visitation, economic impact, and public recognition for the Oklahoma City community.
• Public speaking and sales presentation skills. This position will be publicly presenting on a frequent basis to clients or community stakeholders.
• Maintaining a CRM database and local share drives with extensively detailed and organized data.
• Must be willing and able to work some evenings, weekends and/or holidays based on client and office demands. Expectations include on-site representation of OKC Sports at key events for operational support and stakeholder engagement.
• Must be able to travel independently. Reliable transportation and a valid driver's license are required. High amount of mobility is necessary. Extensive travel may be required.
• Position may require extended periods of time walking or standing - sometimes on hard surfaces.
• Ability to lift and carry objects weighing as much as 30 lbs.
• Proactively and strategically identifies, targets, and recruits major sporting events to be held in Oklahoma City.
• Builds and maintains strong working relationships with the executives of Oklahoma City's sports facilities; fostering partnerships that maximize the use of these facilities.
• Leads the preparation and presentation of competitive bids to nationally recognized organizations in an effort to book events, when appropriate provide local businesses with bid materials and organizational resources to pursue similar business.
• Oversees the process of establishing room blocks and directing organizers and attendees toward Oklahoma City hotels and motels, as well as other partner firms supplying support services to these groups.
• Meets regularly with local hotel leadership, local organizing committees (LOCs) and industry partners to discuss future opportunities.
• Assists in planning and actively leading planner site visits and familiarization tours.
• Works effectively within a team, to include evaluating and reporting on event performance in relation to key department goals and metrics to the Vice President of Sports Development, as well as properly communicating research and service needs to appropriate co-workers.
• Travels to sports-related trade shows as assigned; develops and delivers verbal and written presentations to clients and stakeholders; develops files on potential sporting and special event clients.

• Supports events on-site when needed, including tasks related to event management and operations.

• Four-year degree from an academic institution in a related field. Master's degree in related field is preferred but not required.

• Three plus years of experience with a sports commission, local organizing committee, national governing body or related special event field.
• Experience booking, planning, and operationally executing, championship sporting events.
• Knowledge of the national and international sports market, to include youth, collegiate and professional organizers and their events.
• Experience in the hospitality industry, with an understanding of hotel contracts, facility negotiations, and vendor relations.
• Strong written and oral communications skills; experience presenting to a Board of Directors, internal leadership teams, or community stakeholder executives.
• Ability to make public presentations on behalf of OKC Sports and Visit Oklahoma City.
• Positive attitude and understanding of premium customer service and hospitality.