Our teammates are at the core of what we believe in: People, Collaboration, Learning, and Excellence (PeopleCLE). We look to hire individuals who are committed to our purpose of uniting and inspiring our city through the power of team. Our mission is to win the World Series while creating a compelling fan experience. If you believe you possess these important traits, please consider a career with the Cleveland Guardians.

PRIMARY PURPOSE: Responsible for generating, maintaining and expanding corporate partnership opportunities in alignment with the Guardians Way to Sales Excellence. Focus on driving revenue by prospecting & acquiring new accounts. Act as the primary liaison for partnership matters throughout the sales cycle. Collaborate with leadership to implement and execute business development strategy, aiming to meet departmental budget targets and exceed revenue goals for both core and future non-core business endeavors. Utilize data-based business insights to empower our team for more effective selling within the Northeast Ohio business community. Actively engage in building relationships that foster sustained and incremental partnerships for the Cleveland Guardians.

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

Business

Actively monitor new business opportunities via prospecting, networking events, cold calls, and face to face appointments inside and outside of the ballpark on behalf of the organization
Execute the sales process and negotiate with new corporate partners, prospects, suite holders, and premium seating clients to secure new agreements
Adhere to The Guardians Way to Sales & Service Excellence protocol, ensuring proactive and consistent utilization of CRM and other analytical tools vital to our operations
Assist leadership in formulating new business sales strategies by providing pertinent business insights supported by data, to effectively promote the most valuable assets of the Cleveland Guardians, including both core and future non-core offerings
Conduct thorough research on potential prospects to gain key insights into the Northeast Ohio business market, identifying their needs and offering innovative solutions to foster a positive relationship between the Cleveland Guardians and the corporate community
Collaborate closely with designated Business Strategy and Analytics teammates to uncover actionable data insights aimed at driving revenue
Shepherd asset-driven sales campaigns in collaboration with other sales executives, overseeing project management aspects
Develop an in-depth understanding, along with business insights, and deliver professional presentations on Corporate Partnership and Premium Hospitality inventory
Create detailed, time-bound, and measurable proposals, presentations, and plans for new, potential partnership opportunities
Participate in select renewals while identifying growth opportunities for long-term partnerships
Participate actively in departmental functions such as partner events, trips, workout days, meetings, and other special events, contributing ideas and strategies for generating new business opportunities to benefit the team

People

Develop a strong familiarity with Corporate Partnership and Premium Hospitality partners, related inventory, and the business operations of comparable sports teams and media outlets at local, regional, and national levels
Be a reliable and constructive member of the broader Corporate Partnership and Premium Hospitality team and organization, consistently demonstrating integrity, reliability, and adherence to best practices in all tasks and situations
Assist in mentoring the Business Development Professionals that helps to guide their work as an extension of the Manager of New Business Development

Process

Contribute to implementing business plans and overarching strategies to support departmental processes aimed at achieving the annual budget and stretch goals of Corporate Partnership and Premium Hospitality, including future non-core revenue
Collaborate across departments to execute programs as intended and identify additional sales opportunities through creativity, idea exchange, and adherence to industry best practices
Continuously refine preparation, precedents, and execution for negotiations related to new partnerships
Review Corporate Partnership and Premium Hospitality partner contracts, letters of commitment, and other legal documents
Proactively and consistently utilize CRM and other analytical tools essential to our operational efficiency
Conduct research on potential prospects to gather crucial insights into our fan base, identifying their needs and proposing innovative solutions to address those needs
Uphold and enhance our culture of Service with Excellence beyond the sale, ensuring continued support and satisfaction for our partners.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor of Science in Marketing, Business, Sports Management, or another related field.
Minimum two years of previous sales experience
Demonstrated understanding of sales data
Demonstrated track record of consistently meeting or surpassing sales targets
Experience networking with key decision makers and C-level executives.
Experience with CRM systems, Microsoft Dynamics CRM experience preferred.
Expert knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)

ROLE REQUIREMENTS:

Proficient in comprehending, articulating, and integrating business insights to leverage market knowledge effectively
Strategic mindset to identify and capitalize on opportunities to foster new business growth
Exceptional presence and a complete understanding of the sales process
Required to work home games based on a rotating schedule of staff. Responsibilities may include: visitation of Partners, Prospects, Season Ticket Holders, single game suite rentals, on-field activities (Including Batting Practice, presentations, parades, first pitches & post- game events), new client prospecting and entertainment
Ability to accommodate frequent local travel for pertinent partner meetings and other events
Additional game day, road trip and non-game day duties as directed by job responsibilities and workload

ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Reads, speaks, comprehends, and communicates English effectively
Represents the Cleveland Guardians in a positive fashion to all business partners and the general public.
Ability to develop and maintain successful working relationship with members of the Front Office.
Ability to act according to the organizational values and service excellence at all times.
Ability to work with diverse populations and have a demonstrated commitment to social justice.
Ability to walk, sit or stand for an entire shift.
Ability to work extended days and hours, including holidays and weekends.
Ability to move throughout all areas and levels of the Ballpark.
Ability to work in a complex and changing environment.
Occasional physical activity such as lifting and carrying boxes up to 25 lbs.

The Cleveland Guardians are committed to developing and maintaining an environment that embraces all forms of diversity to enrich our core values, enhance our competitive position, strengthen our impact within our community, and foster a greater sense of belonging for our employees.

In this spirit, we know studies have shown that people from historically underserved groups - including women and people of color - are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and understand that candidate may bring certain skills and experiences to the role that are not listed above, but that would add tremendous value to our organization. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our qualifications described.

Account Executive, New Business Development