Business Development Manager - University of Illinois

LEARFIELD • Champaign, IL

3d • $60,000 - $75,000

About The Position

Learfield is seeking a motivated, relationship-driven sales professional to join its sponsorship team supporting the University of Illinois. The Business Development Manager manages existing client relationships while developing new business and growing sponsorship revenue. The position owns partner agreements from prospecting through renewal and collaborates with internal teams and university stakeholders to deliver campaigns aligned with partner goals.

The role involves selling integrated sponsorship packages and managing a defined book of business across renewals and new business. The manager develops and negotiates proposals spanning digital, social, broadcast, in-venue, and experiential platforms, while building relationships with corporate partners and university stakeholders. The position also supports campaign execution, renewal planning, and game-day and client hospitality operations, including occasional evenings and weekends.

Requirements

• At least 4 years of sales experience focused on building and maintaining client relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and meet or exceed sales goals.
• Strong communication and presentation skills and a customer-first approach.
• Comfort navigating CRM systems and working in a performance-driven sales environment.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed for game days and events.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in sports sponsorship or media sales, such as radio, signage, social, or digital.
• Familiarity with marketing solutions that include digital and experiential assets.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university.

Responsibilities

• Meet or exceed assigned revenue goals by developing and selling integrated sponsorship packages.
• Manage a defined book of business and own the full sales cycle for renewals and new business deals.
• Build, present, and negotiate proposals across digital, social, broadcast, in-venue, and experiential platforms.
• Develop relationships with local, regional, and national partners and communicate the value of collegiate sponsorships.
• Build and maintain relationships with university partners, athletic department staff, corporate sponsors, and internal stakeholders, representing Learfield and the university.
• Collaborate with internal teams to execute partner deliverables in accordance with contract terms and brand standards.
• Maintain accurate sales activity and pipeline records in CRM systems.
• Support year-end recaps and participate in renewal planning discussions.
• Attend and contribute to game-day operations and client hospitality events, including occasional nights and weekends.
• Stay informed about industry trends and best practices, brand activations, digital marketing tools, and emerging sponsorship platforms.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Health Savings Account.
• Life insurance and other insurance plans.
• Flexible Paid Time Off, with a minimum of 10 days annually.
• Parental leave.
• 20 paid holidays.
• 401(k) with match.
• Short- and long-term disability.
• Eligible employees may also receive an annual discretionary bonus and/or sales compensation based on individual and company performance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed