Manager, Business Development
Position Overview
The National Lacrosse League (NLL), North America's premier professional lacrosse league
is seeking a results-driven and proactive Manager, Business Development reporting to the EVP Commercial Operations. This individual will support the League’s commercial growth by studying marketplace trends, identifying relevant corporate partnership leads, and engaging high-potential commercial prospects.
Responsibilities
Prospecting and Lead Generation
- Research, identify, and qualify new business prospects across multiple target industries aligned with the NLL’s partnership strategy.
- Maintain a robust pipeline of prospective brand partners, using existing CRM tools, market intelligence, and outboard outreach.
- Continuously monitor marketplace trends and industry activities to inform the League’s ongoing targeting strategies.
Sales Outreach and Communication
- Develop compelling outreach materials including introductory e-mails, one-sheets, and industry-specific partnership concept decks tailored to prospective partners.
- Initiate contact with target decision-makers and agencies via e-mail, phone, social, and event-based networking to generate meetings and presentations.
- Assist in development customized partnership proposals in collaboration with the League’s marketing, content, and creative teams.
Sales Strategy and Process Management
- Track and manage pipeline activities using existing CRM platforms, maintaining accurate records and reporting key performance metrics in real-time throughout the sales cycle.
- Support strategic initiatives designed to increase League-wide commercial revenue, including new category and/or asset development and overall partnership packaging.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align on inventory availability, partnership brainstorming, and integrated storytelling opportunities.
Industry Engagement
- Represent the NLL at industry conferences, sponsor summits, and networking events to generate leads and raise the League’s commercial profile.
- Build relationships with agencies and corporate decision-makers across key verticals, such as consumer packaged goods, financial services, healthcare, and automotive.
Is this you?
- 3-5 years of experience in a business development, sales, or sponsorship, preferably in sports, media, entertainment, or related properties.
- Demonstrated success in generating leads and advancing sales pipelines.
- Strong understanding of the sports sponsorship ecosystem and what brands seek in commercial (marketing and media) partnerships.
- Proven track record preparing eye-catching, impactful presentations and proposals.
- Exceptional communication, presentation, and storytelling skills.
- Proficient experience with Microsoft suite of products, most notably PowerPoint.
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational and CRM/database management abilities.
- Must be able to work independently and cooperatively in a team setting within all levels of the organization.
- Possess an entrepreneurial, “roll up the sleeves” mentality with the ability to multitask in a fast-paced and ever-changing commercial marketplace.
- Passion for sports, sales, and growing an emerging property is a must.
- Travel to games, sales meetings or other league events and/or extended hours may be required.
The NLL offers company paid medical insurance and participation in 401k. This position can work remotely, however, the organization may return to an in-person office environment in the future.
Founded in 1986, the NLL ranks third in average attendance for pro indoor sports worldwide, behind only the NHL and NBA. The League is comprised of 14 franchises across the United States and Canada. For more information, visit NLL.com and find @NLL on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
When applying, please be sure to include a cover letter with your salary expectations for this role. We thank all applicants for their interest in this opportunity, however only qualified candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. If you are interested or know someone who is, please send resume with cover letter and salary requirement to [email protected]. Please reference Manager, Business Development.
The National Lacrosse League is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, disability, or any other federal, state, or local protected class.
