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Sports Sales Manager
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Do you have a passion for Cleveland, events, and driving economic impact? Join us and help shape the future of sports tourism in The Land. If you’re a self-starter ready to make big things happen, this could be the role for you.
Greater Cleveland Sports Commission is seeking a strategic, relationship-driven Sports Sales Manager to play a key role in attracting marquee sporting events to Cleveland. This role partners with nationally recognized organizations across the professional, collegiate, youth, and international sports markets to bring world-class events that drive economic impact, elevate Cleveland’s visibility, and inspire community pride.
Greater Cleveland Sports Commission is seeking a strategic, relationship-driven Sports Sales Manager to play a key role in attracting marquee sporting events to Cleveland. This role partners with nationally recognized organizations across the professional, collegiate, youth, and international sports markets to bring world-class events that drive economic impact, elevate Cleveland’s visibility, and inspire community pride.
About the Role
The Sports Sales Manager leads proactive sales strategies to identify, solicit, and secure major sporting events for the region. This position requires exceptional relationship-building, industry expertise, strong communication skills, and a passion for advancing Cleveland as a premier destination for sports tourism.
You will collaborate closely with sports facilities, national governing bodies, hotels, local partners, and community stakeholders. A significant portion of the role includes public-facing speaking, presentations, and on-site support during events.
Key Responsibilities
Sales & Relationship Management
- Build, strengthen, and maintain relationships with executives of Cleveland’s sports facilities and industry partners.
- Proactively identify, target, and recruit major sporting events that drive visitation, economic impact, and national exposure.
- Leverage deep industry knowledge of collegiate, professional, international, and youth sports markets to strategically pursue high-value opportunities.
- Present regularly to clients and community stakeholders through polished, professional sales presentations.
Bid Development & Event Acquisition
- Lead the preparation and presentation of competitive bid proposals to nationally recognized organizations.
- Collaborate with local businesses and partners to provide bid materials, resources, and shared opportunities.
- Manage extensive CRM and shared-drive records to maintain accurate and organized data.
Event Servicing & Operational Support
- Establish hotel room blocks and connect organizers with local hotels, facilities, and service providers.
- Provide on-site event support when needed, assisting with operational tasks and representing the organization to clients and partners.
- Work flexible hours—including evenings, weekends, or holidays—based on event and client needs.
Travel & Mobility
- Travel independently for site visits, conferences, events, and sales missions.
- Maintain valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
To be Successful - Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
- 3+ 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-level sporting events.
- Strong working knowledge of the national and international sports landscape—including youth, collegiate, professional, and international governing bodies.
- Experience in the hospitality industry, including hotel contracts, facility negotiations, and vendor relationships.
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills; comfort presenting to Boards, leadership teams, and executive-level stakeholders.
- Positive attitude and commitment to delivering premium customer service.
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