Destination Development

About Us
The City of Glendale is a world-class sports, entertainment, and visitor destination experiencing rapid economic growth and development. Our Economic Development Department plays a central role in advancing this momentum by attracting new investment, supporting existing businesses, and enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

Our department works proactively to identify market opportunities, support strategic site selection, and partner with public and private stakeholders to strengthen Glendale's local economy. Within Economic Development, our destination-focused teams lead efforts to grow and enhance meetings, conventions, sports, and special events—leveraging these sectors as key drivers of economic impact, job creation, and community vitality.

We strive to position Glendale as a competitive and welcoming destination while fostering sustainable growth that benefits the entire community.

The Role:
The Destination Development - Sports & Events Manager develops and implements sports-and-event-generating programs to promote Glendale as a premier destination for tournaments, signature events, and entertainment experiences. Generates bed tax, retail, and restaurant sales tax revenues by attracting high-quality sports and leisure events. Manages sales strategies and recruitment programs; represents the City at local, regional, national, and international sports industry trade shows, sales missions, and events. Works collaboratively with City departments, venues, and hospitality partners to enhance Glendale's visibility. Organizes site visits and familiarization tours for sports organizers and stakeholders, develops customized itineraries, and prepares sales, business plans, and economic impact reports as requested.

Salary

• This position is a grade 406, and is FLSA Exempt
• The salary for this role is $63, $94,662.00 annually.

Benefits:
The City of Glendale offers a generous benefits package with competitive rates that become effective the 1st of the month following 30 days of employment. You can review the Benefits Guide or visit the City of Glendale's Benefits page for more information.

Holiday, Vacation, And Sick Leave
Regular status positions offer:

• The City of Glendale observes 10.5 holidays per year, and full-time employees are also granted an additional 12 hours of holiday special leave per calendar year to celebrate their cultural or religious holidays.
• Vacation leave accrues at 5.33 hours per pay period (138 hours/17.25* days per year), and increases to 6.12 hours after 5 years, and to 7.6 hours after 10 years of service.
• Sick leave accrues at 4.4 hours per pay period (114 hours/14.25 days* per year).
• Days per year estimates are based on an 8-hour work day.

Retirement:
This position participates in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS).

Contribution is mandatory, and the current contribution rate is 12.00%.

• Develops and implements sports and event sales strategies and activities to promote Glendale and the region as a premier sports and entertainment destination.
• Generates and attracts quality leads for Glendale hotels, sports venues, and tourism-related businesses to increase revenues and economic impact.
• Plans, executes, and implements sales efforts for the City at local, regional, national, and international sports trade shows, sales missions, and industry events. Coordinates stakeholder partnerships, appointments, trip reports, and follow-up.
• Builds relationships with local, regional, national, and international sports and tourism professionals to attract tournaments, signature events, and fan experiences in partnership with hospitality and tourism organizations.
• Organizes and leads familiarization tours and site visits of Glendale for sports organizers and event planners, including creating itineraries, securing hotel, dining, and venue accommodations.
• Administers the Tourism Investment Fund and supports related grant or funding processes.
• Generates sports sales reports, business plans, and economic impact data in a clear, organized, and concise manner.
• Provides content for social media and digital platforms to promote sports, tournaments, and events.
• Responds to marketing and advertising requests from vendors, sports organizations, and potential partners.
• Coordinates and facilitates activities associated with digital and print advertisements, sponsorships, and marketing collateral.
• Maintains lead and client data utilizing a computerized customer relationship management (CRM) system.
• Assists sports clients and event planners with logistics, communications, and City service coordination.
• Assists with the operation of the Glendale Visitor Center as needed.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Demonstrates superior seamless customer service, integrity, and commitment to innovation, efficiency, and fiscally responsible activity.
• Participates in public relations, media opportunities, and publicity functions to promote Glendale, its sports industry, and its event assets.
• Develops and maintains promotional relationships with sports commissions, event rights holders, and hospitality partners.
• Facilitates and maintains the stakeholder membership program.
• Operates a City vehicle for business-related travel.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Experience & Education

• Three years of experience in sports event sales, tourism, or hospitality/event sales.
• Bachelor's degree in sports management, tourism, business administration, marketing, or a related field.
• Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying.

Knowledge Of

• Principles and practices of sports tourism, event sales, and destination marketing.
• Development of sports/event sales strategies and analysis of trends, demographics, and forecasts.
• Budgeting and reporting methods relevant to sports and event sales.

Ability To

• Effectively promote Glendale as a sports and events destination.
• Prepare clear, concise reports and presentations for varied audiences.
• Analyze market data and event impacts to inform strategy.
• Communicate clearly and professionally, both orally and in writing.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with stakeholders across sports, tourism, and hospitality industries.
• Operate computers and software including Microsoft Office and CRM systems.
• Learn job-related material through training and on-the-job instruction.
• Safely operate City vehicles.

Special Requirements

• Must possess a valid Arizona driver's license and maintain an acceptable driving record.
• Requires the use of City vehicles on City business.
• Must be able to work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills preferred.
• This position is classified as safety-sensitive and subject to pre-employment drug/alcohol testing and compliance with the City of Glendale Substance Abuse Policy.

Physical Requirements
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Working Conditions

• Work involves statewide, national, and international travel, setting up displays, and attending trade shows.
• Enters, exits, and operates City vehicles.

FLSA Status
:
Exempt