General Manager - Hilltopper Sports Properties

Hilltopper Sports Properties is LEARFIELD's local, dedicated entity representing Western Kentucky University. In complete collaboration with the university, this team is committed to extending the affinity of the University's brand to businesses and corporations of all sizes looking to align with the undeniably loyal and passionate collegiate sports fan base.

As exclusive multimedia rights holder for the University, our team manages all aspects of the rights relationship. Providing corporate partners with traditional, digital and other non-traditional media opportunities to bolster their own brand and garner maximum exposure through inventory such as venue signage; digital engagement including social media, the official athletics website, content, digital gaming and retargeting, event sponsorships and promotion; corporate hospitality; television and radio game broadcasts and coaches' shows.

Our growing sponsorship business seeks an accomplished General Manager (GM) to join our team located on site in Bowling Green, KY. Our ideal GM candidate will be a strong business leader who can drive both financial and operational results. If you're interested in combining your passion for sports with a successful track record in sales execution and leadership, we want to speak with you!

Responsibilities:

• Partner with Regional Vice President to develop an annual fiscal budget for the entire property
• Determining University's fit within primary business market
• The General Manager (GM) reports directly to the Regional Vice President and is responsible for managing the sports property efforts to ensure the highest attainable level of success. This includes:
• Ensure sales team effectively leverages internal support groups such as Integrated Marketing, Research and Digital in order to drive sales
• Understanding the strategic goals and objectives of the department
• Developing strong relationships within the department
• Develop and model a strong team-based selling culture, where encouragement and partnership are recognized and rewarded
• Deliver on individual and team revenue goals through the selling of integrated marketing packages using traditional, digital and other non-traditional marketing channels to meet client's objectives
• Develop and maintain strong, lasting relationships with both current and potential corporate sponsors
• Help recruit, manage and train all support staff, including Coordinators (activation staff), game day assistants, and any third party vendors who participate in the execution of property related activities
• Develop, implement and review strategic business plans, including sales/financial performance and new product development
• Supervise the school's respective broadcasting talent and work closely with LEARFIELD operations/production staff to ensure the highest quality in programming, production, syndication, coverage and presentation.
• Maintain flexible work hours including sporting and non-sporting events that may occur on weeknights or weekends

Qualifications:

• Able to develop and execute strategic plans in order to meet both short and long term business objectives
• Effective problem solving abilities
• High energy level coupled with a strong drive for results
• Ability to analyze a client's traditional, digital and non-traditional marketing needs based on the customer's marketing targets and objectives, and craft an integrated marketing solution(s) to meet those needs
• Manage time effectively and orchestrate multiple tasks simultaneously
• Proven track record of developing and maintaining strong, lasting relationships with relevant stakeholders
• 8+ years selling comprehensive integrated sports marketing partnerships including major media elements (signage, radio, social, digital, etc.) or other relevant B2B sales experience
• Effective communication, organizational, presentation, and listening skills
• Must demonstrate a high level of integrity and honesty
• Previous experience in sports and/or higher education preferred
• Demonstrated effectiveness hiring, developing and promoting top sales talent
• Bachelor's degree from a four-year accredited college or university
• Strong knowledge of digital marketing, including but not limited to social media, content marketing, banner ads, mobile, retargeting and websites, including interpreting performance analytics for all areas.

LEARFIELD is the leading media and technology services company in intercollegiate athletics. The company unlocks the value of college sports for brands and fans through an omnichannel platform with innovative content and commerce solutions for fan engagement. Headquartered in Plano, Texas, the company has long had the privilege of being an advocate for intercollegiate athletics and the student-athlete experience. Our suite of services includes licensing and multimedia sponsorship management; publishing, audio, digital and social media; data analytics; ticketing, ticket sales and professional concessions expertise; branding; and campus-wide business and sponsorship development.

Our people-friendly culture is a hallmark of our style and approach to business and is rooted in values demonstrating intentional and active care for other people. The company and its employees strive each day to live by the company's value statement: "build the team, grow the company, have fun, love and serve others."

LEARFIELD offers a full spectrum of benefits for eligible employees including Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account, Life Insurance, Disability and Other Insurance Plans, Flexible Paid Time Off (including Parental Leave), Paid Holidays, 401(k), and Short/Long Term Disability.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status. LEARFIELD is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Female / Minority / Disability / Protected Veteran / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity.

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