Business Development Manager - Learfield College Rodeo
In this role, you’ll manage existing client relationships and drive growth by actively building a new business pipeline across multiple rodeo properties. You’ll be responsible for the execution of partner agreements, from prospecting through renewal, and will collaborate with both internal teams, university stakeholders, and college rodeo teams and coaches to deliver impactful campaigns that align with partner goals.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
- Meet and/or exceed assigned revenue goals by developing and selling integrated sponsorship packages
- Manage a defined book of business, including full sales cycle ownership for renewals and new business deals
- Build, present, and negotiate proposals across digital, social, broadcast, in-venue, and experiential platforms
- Develop relationships with local, regional, and national partners to highlight the value of collegiate rodeo sponsorships
- Build and maintain strong relationships with university partners, college rodeo team coaches, athletes, and staff, corporate sponsors and internal stakeholders—serving as a trusted and respected representative of both LEARFIELD and each rodeo team
- Collaborate with internal teams to execute partner deliverables in alignment with contract terms and brand standards
- Maintain accurate records of sales activity and pipeline progress in CRM systems
- Support the development of year-end recaps and participate in renewal planning discussions
- Attend, travel, and contribute to college rodeo operations and client hospitality events, including occasional nights and weekends
- Stay informed on industry trends and best practices, brand activations, digital marketing tools, and emerging sponsorship platforms
- Assist in rodeo operations including sponsorship activation, VIP & hospitality, run of show creation, and streaming coordination
- Manage and track marketing inventory for national and regional rodeo partners across multiple properties
- Work with rodeo teams and property staff to provide POP (Proof of Performances) for in-venue sponsorship elements
- Serve as a liaison between corporate partners and college rodeo teams and staff
- Perform other related duties as required
Minimum Qualifications:
- 4+ years of sales experience with a focus on building and maintaining client relationships
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and meet/exceed sales goals
- Strong communication and presentation skills with a customer-first approach
- Comfort navigating CRM systems and working within a performance-driven sales environment
- Ability to travel and work evenings and weekends as needed for college rodeos and events throughout the country
- Familiarity with college rodeo and the Western industry
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in sports sponsorship, rodeo sponsorship, or media sales (radio, signage, social, digital, etc.)
- Experience working or competing in the rodeo industry
- Familiarity with marketing solutions that include digital and experiential assets
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university
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.
Learfield is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race; color; sex; gender identity; sexual orientation; religious practices and observances; national origin; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; status as a protected veteran or spouse/family member of a protected veteran; or disability.