SUMMARY
JMI Sports is seeking a professional sales executive to sell conceptual corporate sponsorship packages along with local radio, television, print and digital media to join the SDSU Athletic Partnerships team, representing San Diego State University. Must have a proven ability to solve marketing problems, develop and present creative proposals to clients, and achieve client revenue and company sales goals. Sales experience within a sports and/or university environment a plus. Must be extremely comfortable in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment. This full-time position is located in San Diego, CA, with occasional local and regional travel, and is an in-person position. This job is not eligible for work-from-home or remote work options.
JMI Sports is an Equal Opportunity Employer seeking diverse, qualified candidates to join our team. We offer competitive salary, commensurate with experience, and a generous benefits package that includes: medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, paid vacation and an employer sponsored 401k plan.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Collaborate with property and company leadership on priorities and approach to the market
- Research and identify new prospects and partners for targeted events and programs
- Develop and maintain relationships with brand decision makers and advertising agencies
- Develop, create, and sell sponsorship and marketing solutions that exceed the needs of the client
- Secure and conduct face-to-face sales meetings by leveraging relationships as well as through cold calling
- Negotiate and close sponsorship deals and work with management through contract execution
- Maintain detailed CRM records of sponsorship sales and contract related activities
- Collaborate with property staff, sponsors, vendors, and appropriate university personnel to ensure excellent implementation of sponsorships and contract fulfillment
- Participate in gameday events to share and highlight the collegiate sports experience with existing and potential sponsors
- Consistently demonstrate a commitment to team collaboration and overall property success
- Contribute thoughts or actions to boost overall revenues for university partner and company
QUALIFICATIONS
- 3-5+ years of successful and creative sponsorship/advertising/media sales experience
- Understanding of sponsorship sales, event marketing and activation process
- Understanding of digital media and media/advertising buys
- Ability to communicate value of sponsorship vs. pure media as a marketing solution
- Ability to quickly grasp consultative sales techniques
- Excellence in pitching, negotiating and closing advertising or sponsorship deals
- Ability to successfully multi-task, prioritize and immediately respond to client requests
- Ability to develop creative conceptual proposals that meet and exceed potential partners’ needs
- Organized, self-motivated and curious
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Highly proficient in Microsoft Office
- Great attention to detail and accuracy
- Applicants with experience using a comprehensive CRM system, particularly KORE, are preferred
ABOUT JMI SPORTS
JMI Sports is a leading media rights and venue development company providing management of collegiate multimedia rights, sponsorship sales agency representation, and highly regarded project management expertise to the development of collegiate and professional sports facilities. The company serves to maximize each client’s economic potential through customized initiatives, from marketing and branding solutions to facility design strategies that bring each client’s vision to fruition. JMI Sports manages an impressive list of signature collegiate multimedia rights partnerships including, the University of Kentucky, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Pittsburgh, Harvard University, DePaul University and joint-venture properties of the University of Georgia and Columbia University (with Learfield IMG College), and University of Notre Dame (with Legends). JMI Sports also represents several high-profile conferences including the Ivy League, the MidAmerican Conference, the Mountain West Conference, the Southern Conference, the Patriot League, and the Atlantic 10 Conference. Additionally, JMI Sports serves as third- party sales representation for premier sports properties, venues and events including the Breeders’ Cup Championships, Clemson University, Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center and the Penn Relays. The company’s facility development team is currently collaborating with Legends on the new Aztec Stadium and Mission Valley development for San Diego State University in San Diego, CA. Celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2021, JMI Sports was founded by CEO Erik Judson and technology entrepreneur John Moores, former owner of the San Diego Padres.
