Business Development Manager - University of Illinois

Learfield • Champaign, IL

2d

About The Position

The Business Development Manager will join LEARFIELD’s sponsorship team supporting the University of Illinois. This relationship-focused sales role manages existing client relationships while developing new business and growing sponsorship revenue through renewals and new partnerships. The role owns partner agreements from prospecting through renewal and works with internal teams and university stakeholders to deliver campaigns that meet partner goals.

The position involves developing integrated sponsorship packages and proposals across digital, social, broadcast, in-venue, and experiential platforms; managing a defined book of business; and maintaining relationships with university partners, athletic department staff, corporate sponsors, and internal stakeholders. The manager also supports agreement delivery, reporting, renewal planning, and game-day and client hospitality activities. Evenings and weekends may be required for games and events.

The approximate national base pay range is $60,000–$75,000. Employees may also be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus and/or sales compensation based on individual and company performance. Pay placement may vary based on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and location.

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, including 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 to communicate the value of collegiate sponsorships.
• Build and maintain relationships with university partners, athletic department staff, corporate sponsors, and internal stakeholders, serving as a representative of LEARFIELD and the university.
• Collaborate with internal teams to execute partner deliverables in accordance with contract terms and brand standards.
• Maintain accurate records of sales activity and pipeline progress 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 insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Life insurance and other insurance plans
• Flexible Paid Time Off (minimum 10+ days annually)
• Parental Leave
• 20 paid holidays
• 401(k) with match
• Short- and long-term disability
• Potential 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