Sports Sales Manager

Visit Phoenix • Phoenix, AZ

21h

About The Position

The National Sales Manager, Sports & Events plays a key role in positioning Greater Phoenix as a premier destination for high-impact sporting & cultural events. This role leads national sales efforts to attract tournaments, championships, and marquee sporting events that drive hotel room nights, visitor spending, and national visibility. Blending strategic sales, relationship-driven business development, bid creation, and event servicing, this role is ideal for a sports tourism professional who thrives on building partnerships, closing business, and delivering memorable event experiences. At Visit Phoenix, our team helps elevate Greater Phoenix on a national and global stage. We value collaboration, creativity, and community impact—and we believe our people are central to our success. Join a dynamic organization where your work directly supports economic growth, tourism, and unforgettable visitor experiences.

Requirements

• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage executive-level stakeholders and decision-makers.
• Relationship-driven sales mindset with a proven ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder projects.
• Highly organized, self-directed, and comfortable managing competing priorities.
• National travel is required for conferences, trade shows, sales missions, and site visits.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel independently required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM systems; familiarity with project management tools preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, Tourism, Business, Marketing, or a related field—or equivalent industry experience.
• 3–5 years of experience in sports tourism, sports event sales, a sports commission, local organizing committee, national governing body, or hospitality/event sales environment.
• Demonstrated success booking, planning, or executing sports events, including championship-level or large-scale events.

Nice To Haves

• Simpleview CRM a plus.
• Sports ETA, STS or similar sports tourism certification a plus.

Responsibilities

• Drive Event Acquisition & Sales Strategy Identify, pursue, and secure sports event opportunities across youth, collegiate, professional, and international markets. Support the development and execution of national sales strategies that generate room nights, economic impact, and long-term destination value. Consistently meet or exceed annual goals related to event acquisition, room-night production, and economic impact through a strong sales pipeline and strategic outreach.
• Build Relationships & Represent the Destination Serve as an ambassador for Greater Phoenix during presentations, pitches, trade shows, conferences, and sales missions. Cultivate strong relationships with event rights holders, hotels, venues, city partners, and sports industry stakeholders. Represent the destination with professionalism, confidence, and a service-first mindset in all external engagements.
• Bid Development & Event Servicing Analyze host requirements, budgets, contracts, and partner contributions to support competitive and compelling bid proposals. Coordinate and lead site visits and familiarization (FAM) tours for event organizers, including itineraries, hotel coordination, venue tours, and hospitality experiences. Provide servicing and operational support to event organizers, including hotel coordination, logistics assistance, and vendor referrals. Support on-site event operations as needed, ensuring a high level of customer service and destination representation.
• Internal Collaboration Partner with internal teams to develop promotional materials and customized assets requested by event organizers, partners, and vendors. Maintain accurate reporting, trip summaries, and follow-up communication using CRM and internal systems.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level