Overview:

At The Houston Rockets, we're not just offering a job – we're inviting you to be part of a journey and experience. Imagine a place where your ideas take flight, your skills shine, and your growth knows no bounds. As a Corporate Development Sales Director, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our franchise. If you're a visionary, a problem-solver, and someone who loves a good challenge, we can't wait to meet you. Let's build something extraordinary together!

Essential Responsibilities:

Demonstrates our One Team philosophy of Passion, Accountability, Customer Focus, and Teamwork
Cultivate new corporate partner relationships with local, regional, national and international brands to secure new sponsorship revenue through prospecting, negotiating and closing partnership agreements across a diversified book of business
Possess a clear understanding of the partnership sales process: prospecting, needs analysis, proposal development, presentation skills, negotiation and contracting process
Achieve and surpass individual and department new business sales goals
Identify industries, organizations and emerging categories to grow new partner client list and revenues
Develop creative strategies to source and connect with key corporate decision makers at the Executive level and establish strong relationships throughout partner companies
Manage and maintain strong relationships with internal staff across all Departments for collaboration on prospecting and sales opportunities
Compile information via research and probing of accounts to create customized proposals, presentations, budgets, and for financial or competitive analysis, understanding each company’s business and industry
Develop written proposals for current or new business prospects; design proposals using a consultative sales style incorporating research of category dynamics and target demographics
Ability to understand each prospect’s marketing goals and translate effectively into customized business solution opportunities through team and venue assets
Guide the creation of persuasive presentations that demonstrate the value of the team, arena and market
Lead contract negotiations and work closely with Team Counsel to finalize agreements
Work with internal constituents on partner research and data for Departmental needs
Pipeline management tracking all account history, relationship details and deal points in CRM system (Salesforce) to provide accurate, reliable information for sales forecasts
Have a clear understanding of all sellable inventory and continuously work to define new sellable assets
Manage and maintain existing relationships on an annual basis and responsible for renewals and upsells of accounts to contribute to overall Department revenue goals
Work closely with Corporate Activation team to provide client KPIs and ensure objectives are being met
Conduct weekly Sales Team meetings with the Sr. Director and Department VP
Various other duties as assigned by CRO, VP, Executive team and Sr. Sales Director

Minimum qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree required
Minimum 5 years’ experience in partnership sales and account management, preferably in sports sponsorships, agency, media or closely related field
3+ years’ experience in NBA or professional sports preferred
Strong interpersonal and leadership abilities with excellent communication and presentation skills
Excellent computer skills with a high proficiency in Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook, and CRM systems
Must be multi-task oriented with great attention to detail and strong organizational skills
Ablility to adapt to a team player environment, while being able to work independently as a self-starter and demonstrate innovation and initiative
Must have strong work ethic and be extremely flexible with the ability to handle fast-paced environment with short deadlines
Must have high level of decision making and accountability
Experience building relationships with top marketing decision makers at brands and agencies
Ability to handle multiple customers with high degree of detail
Must have proven record of success in negotiating and closing business
Strong knowledge of partnership assets, including signage, media, digital media, hospitality and events/marketing
Must be able to understand partners’ objectives and look for ways to associate with the Team’s assets
Must be able to identify and address issues or problems which may arise during relationship/partnership and resolve quickly and effectively
Must be available to work extended hours, holidays, game nights and events
Available to travel for client meetings, pitches, team games/events, as needed
Outgoing, ambitious personality with experience as a skilled presenter and storyteller
Ability to work successfully with all team departments
Experience with TV, radio, and print media sales preferred

Physical & Mental Requirements:

The employee is regularly required to stand, sit, walk, use handle or feel, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, communicate with others
The vision requirement includes the ability to review written and electronic materials in both digital and physical format
Must be able to transfer and move items for departmental needs
Must be able to adjust to changing work hours and locations as needed in light of the strong focus on external communications and relationships

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.