Manager, Business Development

National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)•New York, NY

2h•$95,000 - $110,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Manager, Business Development will drive new corporate partnership revenue for the NWSL by identifying, cultivating, and closing strategic, multi-year partnerships aligned with league priorities and long-term growth. This is not a transactional sales role. We are looking for someone who combines disciplined prospecting with insight-led storytelling, someone who can build holistic, mutually beneficial brand partnerships that integrate across media, events, digital, and community platforms and deliver real value on both sides. This role will report to the Senior Director, Partnerships and collaborate closely with Partnership Solutions, Marketing, Media, and Strategy teams to bring compelling opportunities to market.

Requirements

4+ years of progressive experience in sponsorship sales, partnership development, or business development within sports, media, or adjacent industries.
Proven track record of generating new business and closing multi-year partnerships.
Experience selling integrated marketing platforms across media, digital, experiential, and content.
Strong commercial instincts with the ability to balance strategic thinking and disciplined execution.
Confident communicator comfortable leading senior-level brand conversations.
High degree of ownership, accountability, and self-direction.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple complex deal cycles simultaneously.

Nice To Haves

Existing network of brand and/or agency relationships.
Experience selling purpose-driven or community-based initiatives.
Knowledge of high-growth categories including health & wellness, fintech, CPG, consulting, or emerging brands.
Experience working within a league, team, or rights-holder commercial organization.
Genuine enthusiasm for women's sports and belief in the NWSL's role in the broader cultural landscape.

Responsibilities

Proactively identify, prospect, and close new corporate partnerships across priority growth categories.
Build and manage a disciplined pipeline aligned with annual and multi-year revenue targets.
Lead the full sales cycle from outreach and discovery through pitch, negotiation, and contract execution.
Develop deep expertise in assigned categories, identifying whitespace opportunities and long-term brand targets.
Align prospecting with league tentpoles, emerging platforms, and commercial priorities.
Position partnerships as integrated investments (not media buys) to drive higher-value, longer-term commitments.
Work with the Partnership Solutions team to develop customized, data-informed proposals that connect partner business objectives to NWSL assets and platforms.
Translate league growth metrics, audience insights, and cultural momentum into compelling commercial narratives.
Ensure all proposals reflect the league's standards around brand alignment, investment value, and long-term partnership structure.
Partner closely with Marketing, Broadcast, Events, Legal, Finance, and Community teams to ensure opportunities are both innovative and executable.
Support broader department initiatives including sales materials, category strategy, market research, and industry engagement.
Maintain accurate pipeline reporting and revenue forecasting.
Track category movement, prospect engagement, and deal velocity to inform ongoing strategic adjustments.

Benefits

Competitive Compensation: $95,000 - $110,000 (Salary is contingent upon candidate qualifications and functional business needs).
Time & Flexibility: Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO), sick days, and an end-of-year office closure.
Hybrid Work Model: Three days in-office and two remote days per week.
Robust Health Coverage: Medical, Dental, Vision, and Mental Health benefits for employees and dependents.
Financial Future: 401k with employer match and safe harbor contributions.
Additional Perks: Commuter benefits, Short/Long-Term Disability, Gym On-Site, Life Insurance, and Voluntary Pet Insurance.

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