Director, Business Development - University of Alabama

Learfield is seeking a strategic and results-driven sales leader to join our growing sponsorship team. If you have a passion for sports, proven success in team leadership, and a track record of driving revenue through integrated partnerships, this is your opportunity to lead a high-performing sales team in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

In this role, you’ll oversee the sales strategy and performance of the property, managing a team of sellers and driving revenue growth through new business and renewals. You’ll lead the development of integrated sponsorship solutions, foster alignment with university stakeholders, and play a critical role in shaping the property's presence in the local and national marketplace.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Lead a team of sellers responsible for achieving individual and team revenue goals.

Build and maintain strong relationships with university partners, athletic department staff, clients, and internal stakeholders—serving as a trusted and respected representative of both Learfield and the university.

• Drive new business and strategic renewals by developing creative, integrated sponsorship opportunities across digital, social, in-venue, broadcast, and experiential platforms
• Set annual revenue targets, track progress, and manage performance across a diverse team
• Develop and deliver high-quality proposals and presentations to local, regional, and national brands

Build and maintain strong relationships with university partners, athletic department staff, and internal stakeholders—serving as a trusted and respected representative of both Learfield and the university

• Partner with property leadership to create and manage inventory strategy and pricing
• Recruit, coach, and develop sales talent to elevate performance and support long-term team growth
• Identify emerging trends in sports marketing and bring forward new ideas to maximize impact
• Represent the property in high-visibility meetings, hospitality events, and game day activations (including nights and weekends as needed)
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation across the team

Minimum Qualifications:

• 10+ years of successful sales experience, with at least 3+ years in a leadership capacity
• Demonstrated success driving revenue growth and managing high-performing sales teams
• Ability to craft integrated marketing strategies that align with client and university objectives
• Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills, with experience influencing executive-level decision makers
• Proven track record of setting and achieving sales targets in a competitive, performance-driven environment
• Excellent communication, organization, and presentation skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM platforms
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed to support athletic events or client activations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university.
• Experience selling comprehensive sports marketing partnerships including major media (signage, radio, social, digital, etc.)
• Familiarity with collegiate athletics and working with university stakeholders
• Knowledge of digital marketing trends and performance analytics
• 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.