Sports Development Manager

Title: Sports Development Manager
Reports to: Vice President
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Location: Spokane, WA

Overview

Spokane Sports strengthens our community through the power of sports. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we create, bid on, and host impactful sports events that drive economic growth, inspire connection, and enhance Spokane’s national reputation as a sports destination. Guided by our core values of People-First, Innovation, Authenticity, Integrity, and Community Impact, we pursue events that benefit both our community and our partners.

The Sports Development Manager drives the day-to-day execution of Spokane Sports’ event sales efforts. This role builds and manages a strong pipeline, develops proposals, and secures high-caliber regional, national and international events. The position ensures that events awarded to Spokane Sports transition seamlessly to the event management team and that Spokane’s reputation with key rights holders is strengthened.

The ideal candidate is a self-motivated, results-driven professional with proven experience in sports tourism or event sales. They thrive in a competitive environment, are skilled at relationship-building, and are focused on meeting and exceeding goals.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Event Sales & Pipeline Management

• Execute an event sales plan aligned with organizational priorities–with a key emphasis on hotel room night impact.
• Identify new business opportunities at the regional, national, and international levels.
• Build, manage, and report on a robust pipeline of prospective events and rights holders.
• Respond to RFPs, prepare compelling proposals, deliver persuasive presentations to decision-makers, and close business on behalf of Spokane Sports.

Stakeholder & Rights Holder Relations

• Strengthen Spokane Sports’ reputation as a trusted host by cultivating relationships with rights holders, governing bodies, and event producers.
• Represent Spokane Sports at tradeshows, conferences, and industry meetings.
• Ensure Spokane’s competitive advantages are clearly communicated to potential partners.

Sales to Execution Transition

• Collaborate closely with the event management team to ensure a seamless hand-off from sales to event delivery.
• Provide accurate and timely information about event requirements, partner expectations, and contract terms.
• Maintain appropriate rights-holder relationships following the handoff, support post-event follow-up, and identify opportunities for retention and repeat business.

Accountability & Reporting

• Follow established sales, bid, and reporting processes to ensure consistency throughout the sales lifecycle.
• Maintain accurate CRM records to support forecasting, transparency, and collaboration across the organization.
• Track and report progress against goals, including proposals submitted, bids won, site visits hosted, and impact delivered.
• Evaluate performance and adjust strategies to successfully achieve targets.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Proven success in sports tourism, event sales, business development, or related field.
• Strong sales mindset with ability to set and exceed goals.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to influence decisions.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple opportunities simultaneously.
• Skilled in developing relationships with rights holders, governing bodies, event producers, venue partners and community stakeholders.
• Self-motivated with ability to work independently and deliver results.
• Commitment to upholding Spokane Sports’ mission, values, and reputation.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, sports management, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in sales, business development, or event bidding.
• Familiarity with the sports tourism and events industry strongly preferred.
• Experience with CRM platforms and pipeline management preferred.

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements

• Standard office environment with travel required for tradeshows, conferences, and meetings.
• Some evening and weekend work required.
• Must be able to sit, stand, and operate a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. and participate in event setup as needed.