RAJ SPORTS
RAJ Sports, led by Alex Bhathal and Lisa Bhathal Merage, focuses on investment opportunities in sports and sports-related properties, drawing on the Bhathal family’s multi-generational experience and relationships in the industry. The firm seeks to leverage the power of sports to affect broader social and economic change through a variety of business and philanthropic strategies. Its deep experience in professional sports operations and large-scale real estate developments that create thriving community centers, positions the firm to deliver valuable assets that will support further growth for the players, staff, and fans. In 2013, the Bhathal family became investors in the Sacramento Kings (NBA); subsequently building the platform to include the Sacramento RiverCats (MiLB), Stockton Kings (NBA G-League) and several sports anchored real estate developments. The 2024 acquisitions of Portland Thorns (NWSL) and the WNBA Portland expansion team represents a milestone for the city of Portland and places it at the epicenter of growth for women’s sports
THE ROLE:
RAJ Sports is launching the first Sales Development Program in professional sports that is solely dedicated to supporting multiple women’s sports franchises, creating a pathway for aspiring sports business professionals to launch and advance their professional career in Portland, The Global Epicenter of Women’s Sports. Reporting to the EVP, Commercial Strategy & Business Development, the Director, Sales Development is responsible for recruiting, hiring, training, and leading a team of entry-level Sales Representatives. This team is tasked with selling all Portland Fire and Portland Thorns ticket products, including full and partial season plans, group packages, premium hospitality, and single-game suites.
The ideal candidate is a proven sales leader who is driven by results with a demonstrated record of high performance, collaboration, and staff development. While this role will primarily focus on developing and managing the Sales Development Team, they will also play a key role in shaping ticket sales strategies, campaign execution, and ongoing department business planning.
This position works collaboratively with the Ticket Sales and Service leadership teams for the Fire and Thorns to ensure alignment with organizational goals and to drive the continued growth and success of RAJ Sports ticket sales initiatives across its women’s sports portfolio.
WHAT YOU'LL BE UP TO:
- Recruit, hire, train, and manage a team of 6-12 Sales Representatives.
- Establish a culture built on hard work, professional development, and results.
- Build and maintain relationships with local and national universities and professional networks to develop a pipeline of sales talent.
- Provide oversight to ensure staff sales efforts align with RAJ Sports ticketing strategies and meet revenue goals for the Fire and Thorns.
- Conduct regular one-on-one meetings to review activity, sales pipelines, and results, providing consistent coaching and feedback.
- Maintain a visible presence on the sales floor to monitor activity and provide real-time guidance.
- Participate in client meetings to support Sales Representatives in advancing and closing sales opportunities.
- Manage scheduling, workflow, and day-to-day operations of the Sales Development Team.
- Achieve or exceed established sales and performance metrics.
- Lead regular department-wide sales trainings to promote consistency in sales process and collaboration.
- Partner with Ticket Sales, Service, and Operations leadership to identify strategies for growth and efficiency.
- Partner with Marketing and Business Intelligence leadership to plan and execute sophisticated data-driven sales campaigns to position Sales Representatives for successful sales outreach.
- Partner with People & Culture leadership to establish recruiting, hiring standards, and ongoing staff development strategies.
- Assist with the execution of various sales and service events to support business objectives.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
WHAT IT TAKES TO BE ON OUR TEAM:
- Bachelor’s degree required or experience in lieu of a degree.
- 3-5 years of experience in ticket sales in professional sports & entertainment, or related field
- 1-2 years of sales management experience
- Professional maturity and the ability to work cross-functionally
- Dynamic recruiting capabilities, including the ability to connect and build rapport with potential candidates quickly
- Strong judge of character and ability to see potential in candidates with little to no experience
- Experience evaluating talent and helping identify career advancement opportunities, working with other department heads and the People & Culture team
- Skilled sales trainer with the ability to adapt to group and individual training environments
- Experience selling a wide variety of ticketing products, including premium, group, and season tickets to both B2B and B2C customers
- Ability to successfully manage staff while maximizing their revenue production is necessary
- Excellent written and verbal communications, time management and interpersonal skills
- Gameday responsibilities include serving as Manager on Duty and assisting in Ticket Sales/Services initiatives
- Knowledge of Ticketmaster, Seat Geek, and Salesforce CRM preferred
- Work will require some local and national travel for strategic recruiting activities, conferences, etc.
- Work will require some weekend/holiday and/or evening work
BENEFITS:
- Competitive salary and performance-based incentives, Salary Range $100K -$120K
- Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and wellness programs
- Opportunities for professional development and career advancement
- Dynamic, collaborative and fun work environment
- Opportunity to make a meaningful impact and contribute to the growth of women's sports
Ready to Be a Game Changer in the Best Possible Way? Apply Now!
If you’re ready to shape the future of the women’s sports, send us your application. Let’s make history together!
RAJ Sports is 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.
