Senior Business Development Manager - University of Kansas

LEARFIELD • Lawrence, KS

33d

About The Position

We’re seeking a strategic, results-oriented sales professional to join our growing sponsorship team. If you have a passion for sports and a track record of cultivating meaningful partnerships, this is your opportunity to lead high-value accounts and help drive revenue growth in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. In this role, you will manage a diverse portfolio of sponsors, oversee complex campaigns, and play a key role in both renewal strategy and new business development. You'll lead sales efforts from pitch to close, collaborate with internal and university stakeholders, and help shape our presence in the marketplace. This position is ideal for a seasoned closer who thrives on both autonomy and impact. Learfield is the leading media and technology company powering college athletics. Through its digital and physical platforms, Learfield owns and leverages a deep data set and relationships in the industry to drive revenue, growth, brand awareness, and fan engagement for brands, sports, and entertainment properties. With ties to over 1,200 collegiate institutions and over 12,000 local and national brand partners, Learfield’s presence in college sports and live events delivers influence and maximizes reach to target audiences. With data-based solutions for a 365-day, 24/7 fan experience, Learfield enables schools and brands to connect with fans through licensed merchandise, game ticketing, donor identification for athletic programs, exclusive custom content, innovative marketing initiatives, NIL solutions, and advanced digital platforms. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed Learfield Directors’ Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions. Our people-first culture is the foundation of our business and is reflective of our approach to building meaningful relationships with our employees, partners, and fans. The company strives each day to deliver the mission statement and embody the core values that make Learfield an exciting place to work. Our Mission Powering the connection of fans to the brands and experiences they love. Our Core Values Build Trust | Be Fans of One Another | Power Tomorrow | Create & Connect Communities | Have Fun

Requirements

• 6+ years of experience in conceptual or consultative sales
• Demonstrated success managing a book of business and exceeding revenue goals
• Strong ability to build marketing strategies tailored to client needs
• Advanced negotiating skills and ability to influence senior-level decision makers
• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills
• Comfort navigating CRM systems and working within a performance-driven sales environment
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed for game days and events

Nice To Haves

• Experience selling integrated sports marketing partnerships including major media (signage, radio, social, digital, etc.)
• Knowledge of digital marketing platforms, content sponsorship, and campaign analytics
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university

Responsibilities

• Meet and/or exceed assigned revenue goals through new business and strategic renewals
• Manage a defined book of business, including high-value accounts and key partnership renewals
• Develop integrated sponsorship proposals across digital, social, broadcast, in-venue, and experiential platforms
• Own the full sales cycle: prospecting, relationship management, pitch development, contract negotiation, and post-sale execution
• Lead strategic renewal planning in collaboration with sales leadership
• Build and maintain strong relationships with corporate partners, university stakeholders, and cross-functional teams
• Partner with internal teams on campaign execution, ensuring alignment with client expectations and contract terms
• Serve as a mentor to junior sellers and assist local leadership in advancing team-wide performance
• Represent the property at high-visibility meetings, hospitality events, and game day activations (including some nights and weekends)
• Stay informed on industry trends and best practices, brand activations, digital marketing tools, and emerging sponsorship platforms
• Perform other related duties as required

Benefits

• Learfield offers a full spectrum of benefits for eligible employees including Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account, Life Insurance and Other Insurance Plans, Flexible Paid Time Off (minimum 10+ days annually), including Parental Leave, 20 Paid Holidays, 401(k) + Match, and Short/Long Term Disability.
• Leave benefits are consistent with state and local laws, including the Colorado Health Families and Workplaces Act.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees