Reports to: Board of Directors for the Tampa Bay Sports Commission
Supervises: Tampa Bay Sports Commission Staff (7) and Interns
Exemption Status: Exempt - 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
Basic Function: Develop, coordinate, and implement strategic plans that serve the entire Tampa Bay region and positions the community well for bidding on, hosting and retaining premier sports and entertainment events that generate economic and social impact. Serve as the primary liaison among sports event organizers, investors, community stakeholders and local government and tourism bodies.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Administrative/Management/Supervisory:
- Oversee the recruitment, retainment and deployment of the Sports Commission staff.
- Produce monthly, quarterly, and annual reports as needed.
- Deliver presentations as needed to community stakeholders.
- Oversee and maintain an accurate file system for all venues, facilities and sports organizations and events.
- Organize and manage all performance appraisals, staff compensation, etc.
- Manage and oversee the Sports Commission’s Professional Employer Organization (PEO) agreement and partnership with Visit Tampa Bay.
- Manage all Sports Commission business initiatives and DBA’s.
Board and Governance:
- Recruit, retain and engage board members for the organization’s full board of directors and executive committee.
- Ensure organization’s compliance with by-laws and articles of incorporation.
- Organize quarterly meeting agendas for full board of directors and executive committee meetings.
Budget/Planning/Development:
- Prepare, manage, and lead the Sports Commission’s annual budget process for approval by the board of directors.
- Manage and adjust throughout the organization’s fiscal year to ensure that the organization’s finances are successful.
- Work closely with the finance committee to review regular updates of the organization's finances to ensure successful financial administration.
- Develop and manage individual event budgets including both public and private funds based on anticipated return on investment for each stakeholder.
- Develop and implement a marketing plan for the Sports Commission.
- Organize promotional opportunities that foster awareness of the area.
- Create and develop local sports events to generate economic impact.
Revenue Generation/Fundraising/Sponsorships:
- Develop and implement a fundraising plan to generate a consistent flow of income, including (but not limited to) public funding, sponsorships, grants, event creation, annual events and alternative revenue streams.
- Create sponsorship opportunities for all events.
- Develop and maintain relationships with key sponsor partners in the local community.
- Develop, implement, and administer a membership program to generate additional income.
Event and Facility Management:
- Develop and maintain the product and technical knowledge on all area facilities.
- Identify sports tourism generating events which have an economic, social and marketing impact on our community.
- Build individual event campaign strategies including proposed financial terms to best position our community for event recruitment success.
- Plan, coordinate, and execute customer site inspections and familiarization tours in Tampa, while showcasing hotels, facilities, sports venues, attractions, and all other meaningful aspects of the community.
- Design and develop collateral sales material, customized for the sports market.
- Attend conferences, tradeshows, sales missions, and networking meetings to promote sports business which can also include pre-planning, target marketing, pre/post mailers, and all booth arrangements for tradeshows.
Event Coordination/Hosting:
- Directly manage and oversee the event operations for each distinct sports event, ensuring the clients' expectations are met, and the responsibilities of the sports commission are carried through.
- Delegate and manage Sports Commission staff roles and responsibilities for every event.
- Develop and implement a marketing plan for each event to include sponsorship support, a media plan, volunteer/staffing requirements, local organizing committee support, and arrangements for both facilities and hotels.
- Respond on a timely basis to all inquiries about future sports business.
- Establish and manage customer relationships, within prescribed policy and procedural guidelines; investigate and resolve or refer account problems and discrepancies, as appropriate.
- Ability to communicate effectively in person, in writing, and by telephone, in a prompt, courteous and service-oriented manner to assure the sports commission's standards for customer contact and protocol are met.
Networking/Communications:
- Maintain a well-informed working knowledge of all hotels, venues, attractions, and services, both public and private, available in the area; develop and maintain a close working relationship with personnel from each facility and act as liaison between event planners and the hospitality community.
- Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of protocol of various sports organizations and entities.
- Membership in various selected organizations to create higher profile and networking opportunities within the sports market.
- Develop and maintain work related and social relationships with stakeholders, potential clients, suppliers, and sponsors.
- Cultivate strong relationships with the Florida Sports Foundation, the Tourist Development Council, the Board of County Commissioners, the City of Tampa, Visit Tampa Bay, the local hotel/motel associations, and other regional CVB/DMO’s and sports commissions.
Organizational Commitment:
- Maintain a cohesive working relationship with all other personnel to successfully accomplish sports commission goals.
- Support the mission statement and values of the sports commission. Participate in ongoing high-quality improvement/client satisfaction efforts. Demonstrate high standards in service through all interactions with sports commission customers and clients.
- Handle additional responsibilities and projects as assigned.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Four-year degree from an accredited college or university
- Minimum of five years experience in sports or a related field
- Experience in event coordination and operations required
- Excellent communication and organizational skills
JOB COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS
- Excellent communication and organizational skills.
- Strong analytical and judgmental skills to determine the quality of business and best suited business opportunities.
- Participate in training opportunities, for both professional and personal development.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office products and the internet.
- Ability to operate computer, fax, e-mail system and general office equipment including laptop computers when traveling away from the office.
- Flexibility and creativity in blending patience, understanding and the ability to take time with clients.
- Ability to establish priorities and meet deadlines efficiently and effectively.
- Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, and customers.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.
- Ability to communicate clearly.
- Corrected vision to normal range.
- Ability to drive/transport self outside of the Sports Commission.
- Regular attendance and prompt daily reporting required.
MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Handle multiple priorities.
- Make decisions under pressure.
- Work on multiple tasks, making appropriate progress toward deadlines.
- Able to work independently or to take direction and provide direction to others.
- Manage feelings towards others in a respectful manner.
- Manage stress appropriately.
- Maintain the highest degree of confidentiality.
- Manage differing personalities within the office and the community.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Office: 50%
- On-Site for Events: 35%
- Travel: 15%
- Evening/weekend/overtime: as required
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.
