Senior Vice President, Business Development - Naming Rights

Learfield is seeking a dynamic, strategic, and results-oriented Senior Vice President of Business Development to lead our efforts in identifying, developing, and closing naming rights and other high-impact sponsorship opportunities across our extensive sports property portfolio. This high-profile role is central to driving transformational revenue growth through strategic partnerships and innovative inventory solutions—including naming rights, field/court logos, jersey patches, and more. The ideal candidate brings a deep understanding of the sports business landscape, a proven track record of closing major sponsorships, and the ability to build relationships at the highest levels.

Responsibilities:

• Sales and Development: Lead the sales process for naming rights and high-value inventory from inception to deal closure. Develop and execute sales strategies to attract and secure major corporate partners at significant investment levels.
• Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders both internally and externally, including working closely with local properties to align sales strategy with market needs.
• Market Analysis: Analyze market trends and competitor activity to uncover emerging opportunities. Use insights to position Learfield as a market leader in naming rights and high-value inventory.
• Prospecting: Proactively identify and engage high-potential prospects, developing a robust pipeline of qualified opportunities for naming rights and high-value inventory opportunities.
• Presentation and Pitching: Create compelling and persuasive presentations to pitch naming rights opportunities to potential partners. Customize proposals to meet the unique needs and goals of each prospect.
• Revenue Goals: Meet and exceed established revenue targets by securing naming rights deals that provide significant value to both the company and the partner.
• Collaboration: Work cross-functionally with internal teams—including marketing, legal, finance, and property-level leadership—to ensure smooth execution of contracts and sponsorship programs.
• Reporting: Provide regular updates and reports on sales progress, pipeline status, and revenue forecasts to executive leadership.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Sports Management, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in sponsorship sales, business development, or sports marketing.
• Proven track record of closing high-value deals, including naming rights, high-value inventory, and meeting or exceeding sales targets.
• Strong understanding of the sports sponsorship landscape, with specific expertise in naming rights.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Proven ability to operate autonomously in a fast-paced, performance-driven environment.
• Strong organizational skills, project management and multitasking abilities.
• Willingness and flexibility to travel as required for client meetings and presentations.

Pay Transparency:

The approximate pay range for this position is $250,000 to $330,000. Please note that this range is a good-faith estimate at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, as well as geographic location.

Learfield offers a full spectrum of benefits for eligible employees including Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account, Life Insurance and Other Insurance Plans, Flexible Paid Time Off (including Parental Leave), Paid Holidays, 401(k), and Short/Long Term Disability.

Learfield is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race; color; sex; gender identity; sexual orientation; religious practices and observances; national origin; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; status as a protected veteran or spouse/family member of a protected veteran; or disability.