Senior Business Development Manager - University of Vermont

Learfield•Burlington, VT

About The Position

Learfield is seeking a strategic, results-oriented sales professional to join its growing sponsorship team supporting the University of Vermont. The role manages a diverse portfolio of sponsors and high-value accounts, oversees complex campaigns, and contributes to revenue growth through renewals and new business development. The manager leads sales efforts from pitch through close and post-sale execution, collaborates with internal and university stakeholders, and represents Learfield and the university in the marketplace. This position develops integrated sponsorship opportunities across digital, social, broadcast, in-venue, and experiential platforms. It also contributes to renewal strategy, campaign fulfillment, client relationships, and team performance, including mentoring junior sellers. Client meetings, hospitality events, industry functions, and athletic events may take place during evenings and weekends as needed.

Requirements

At least 6 years of successful outside, consultative, or business-to-business sales experience, including responsibility for developing new business and managing client relationships.
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 in 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 such as signage, radio, social, and digital.
Knowledge of digital marketing platforms, content sponsorship, and campaign analytics.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university.

Responsibilities

Meet or exceed assigned revenue goals through new business development and strategic renewals.
Own the full sales cycle, including prospecting, relationship development, proposal creation, presentations, contract negotiation, closing, and post-sale execution.
Meet prospective and existing clients at their businesses, athletic events, and other off-site locations to build relationships, present sponsorship opportunities, and secure partnerships.
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 that align with client objectives and university assets.
Lead strategic renewal planning and identify opportunities to grow existing partnerships in collaboration with sales leadership.
Build relationships with university partners, athletic department staff, corporate partners, and internal stakeholders, representing Learfield and the university.
Partner with internal teams to support campaign execution and fulfillment and maintain alignment with client expectations and contractual commitments.
Mentor and serve as a resource to junior sellers while supporting local leadership in advancing team performance.
Represent the property at client meetings, hospitality events, industry functions, and athletic events, including evenings and weekends as needed.
Stay informed about industry trends, sponsorship best practices, brand activations, digital marketing strategies, and emerging platforms to identify revenue opportunities.
Perform other related duties as assigned.