The Lake Erie Crushers are a professional baseball team based at ForeFront Field in Avon, Ohio, just 18 miles west of Cleveland. We compete in the Frontier League, a proud MLB Partner League, and have brought a family-friendly, fan-oriented experience to Northeast Ohio since 2009. As Lorain County’s only professional sports franchise, the Lake Erie Crushers are the largest economic driver in Lorain County, hosting more than 200 events per year that include over 51 Crushers games, hosting USL2 soccer games, concerts, charity functions, and other events that bring the community together. 

Position Overview
The Lake Erie Crushers are seeking a motivated, relationship-driven and results-focused Vice President, Ticket Sales to help lead the organization’s ticket revenue strategy at ForeFront Field.
 

This is a leadership role within the Crushers front office, but it is also a hands-on sales position. Much of this role will be focused on actively selling, prospecting, building relationships and closing new business with companies, organizations, community groups and high-value ticket buyers throughout Northeast Ohio.
 

The ideal candidate must have a proven track record of selling to businesses, decision-makers, executives, community leaders and larger organizations. This person should be comfortable initiating conversations, developing new relationships, presenting ticket and hospitality opportunities, and closing group, premium and corporate ticket packages.
 

This role will focus heavily on growing revenue across group outings, premium seating, hospitality areas, season memberships, corporate ticket packages, community nights, and non-baseball events hosted at ForeFront Field.
 

The Vice President will work closely with the CRO and other department leaders to grow ticket revenue, strengthen the Crushers’ presence in the community, and support the continued growth of ForeFront Field as a year-round entertainment venue. 

 

-Foster a positive and accountable sales culture focused on growth and development.
 
 

-Serve as a primary revenue generator for the organization through active selling, prospecting, appointment setting, presentations and closing new business.

·        Sell ticket packages and experiences to high-profile companies, corporate decision-makers, local and regional businesses, schools, nonprofits, civic organizations, youth sports groups and community partners.

·        Build and manage a personal book of business with a strong focus on group outings, premium seating, hospitality spaces, ticket memberships, corporate events and special event ticket opportunities.

·        Drive ticket revenue for Lake Erie Crushers home games, special events, concerts, festivals, soccer matches and other events hosted at ForeFront Field.

·        Identify and develop new business opportunities through cold outreach, referrals, networking, community involvement and face-to-face meetings.

·        Create customized ticket solutions for businesses and organizations looking to entertain clients, reward employees, host outings, support community causes or build their brand at ForeFront Field.

·        Consistently meet and exceed personal sales goals while helping the broader ticket sales department achieve overall revenue targets.

·        Lead the sales effort for premium seating, hospitality areas, group outings, corporate nights, employee appreciation events and high-value ticket packages.

·        Prospect and sell to companies and organizations that can utilize ForeFront Field for group entertainment, client hosting, employee engagement and community events.

·        Develop innovative ticket programs that appeal to businesses, schools, nonprofits, youth sports organizations and community groups to drive new business.

·        Work with clients to understand their goals and recommend ticket packages that best fit their needs.

·        Build long-term relationships that lead to repeat business, and referrals.

·        Help grow ForeFront Field’s reputation as a destination for corporate outings, community events and live entertainment.

·        Additional duties as assigned.

·        Help lead, train and develop the ticket sales team, including group sales, membership sales and account management staff.

·        Create a positive, accountable and energetic sales culture focused on activity, relationships, customer service and results.

·        Provide coaching, support and feedback to sales team members through regular one-on-one meetings, sales call reviews and pipeline discussions.

·        Help onboard new sales staff and interns with clear expectations, training materials and sales processes.

·        Lead by example through personal sales activity, professionalism, consistent follow-through and a strong presence in the market.

·        Help establish and manage annual sales goals, revenue pacing, prospecting expectations and campaign timelines.

·        Track sales activity, revenue performance, pipeline progress and campaign results.

·        Provide regular updates to leadership on ticket sales pacing, key opportunities, challenges and areas of growth.

·        Use CRM and ticketing systems to manage prospects, accounts, renewals and sales campaigns.

·        Collaborate with the marketing department to develop sales materials, email campaigns, theme night promotions and digital support for ticket initiatives.

·        Work closely with operations, food and beverage, marketing and game entertainment to ensure group and premium experiences are executed at a high level.

·        Support ticket-related planning and execution on game days and event days.

·        Bachelor’s degree preferred; comparable professional experience will be considered.

·        Minimum of 3 years of sales experience, with preferred experience in a Minor League sports environment, professional sports, entertainment, hospitality, events or a related field.

·        Proven experience selling directly to businesses, executives, decision-makers, high-profile companies and larger organizations.

·        Previous experience in ticket sales, group sales, premium sales, sponsorship sales or corporate hospitality sales strongly preferred.

·        Proven track record of achieving and exceeding individual sales goals.

·        Experience developing new business through prospecting, cold outreach, networking and in-person meetings.

·        Prior leadership, staff management or sales coaching experience preferred.

·        Strong ability to build relationships, present opportunities and close new business.

·        Excellent communication, organization and follow-up skills.

·        Comfortable using CRM platforms, ticketing systems and sales reporting tools.

·        Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays and event days as needed.

·        Must be a self-starter with a positive attitude, strong work ethic and team-first mindset.

·        Comfortable being the face of the organization in the business community.

·        Confident selling to business leaders, executives and community decision-makers.

·        Highly motivated by revenue growth, new business development and closing deals.

·        Passionate about sports, live entertainment and creating memorable fan experiences.

·        Strong leader who can coach, encourage and hold others accountable.

·        Creative thinker who can develop new sales ideas and community ticket programs.

·        Comfortable working in a fast-paced, seasonal and event-driven environment.

·        Professional, reliable and willing to jump in wherever needed to support the organization.

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.