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Sales and Sponsorship Manager

Next Level Sports & Entertainment · Detroit, MI, USA ·

Pay:
90.000 - 130.000
Job type:
Contract

Job Description

The Sales & Sponsorship Manager will serve as a key revenue driver across NLSE, the NCL, and NLSE's suite of broadcast technology products. This role carries a dual mandate: driving sponsorship and advertising revenue across our sports and entertainment properties, while simultaneously building a B2B client base for our Cue, Vital, Verge, and Master Control solutions. This position requires a strategic thinker and relationship builder who can operate across two distinct but complementary sales tracks — consumer-facing sports sponsorship and B2B broadcast technology sales — while delivering best-in-class results across all revenue streams.
Job Description

The Sales & Sponsorship Manager will serve as a key revenue driver across NLSE, the NCL, and NLSE's suite of broadcast technology products. This role carries a dual mandate: driving sponsorship and advertising revenue across our sports and entertainment properties, while simultaneously building a B2B client base for our Cue, Vital, Verge, and Master Control solutions. This position requires a strategic thinker and relationship builder who can operate across two distinct but complementary sales tracks — consumer-facing sports sponsorship and B2B broadcast technology sales — while delivering best-in-class results across all revenue streams.
Responsibilities

Sponsorship & Advertising Sales

Develop and implement a robust sponsorship and ad sales strategy aligned with the growth goals of NLSE and the NCL.
Identify and target brands and agencies interested in reaching passionate sports fans across linear, digital, and social platforms
Build and manage a pipeline of advertising and sponsorship opportunities including media placements, branded content integrations, live event sponsorships, and promotional partnerships
Develop creative, tailored sponsorship packages that leverage NLSE's programming, live events, affiliate channels, and digital assets
Lead high-level presentations, pitches, and negotiations to secure long-term advertising deals, sponsorships, and brand integrations
Manage the full sales cycle from prospecting to close, meeting and exceeding annual revenue targets
Act as the primary point of contact for sponsor accounts, ensuring fulfillment of all contractual obligations and maximizing partner satisfaction
Manage relationships at the C-suite and senior marketing level

B2B Technology Sales — Cue, Vital, Verge & Master Control

Prospect, pitch, and close B2B sales of NLSE's full broadcast technology product suite to media companies, broadcasters, streaming platforms, sports networks, and content distributors
Develop a deep understanding of each product's capabilities and value proposition:

Cue: Position and sell as a self-serve ad platform solution to media buyers, broadcasters, and digital publishers seeking streamlined ad management
Vital: Target content owners, broadcasters, and streaming services requiring live language translation and captioning to expand audience reach and meet accessibility standards
Verge: Sell to sports networks, news organizations, and content platforms looking for fast, efficient clipping and highlight distribution capabilities
Master Control Operations: Engage broadcast operators, regional networks, and streaming services in need of end-to-end playout, delivery, scheduling, and trafficking solutions.

Build and maintain a robust B2B pipeline, managing the full sales cycle from initial outreach and product demonstration through contract negotiation and close
Identify and attend industry conferences, trade shows, and broadcast technology events to generate leads and build brand awareness for NLSE's technology products
Collaborate with internal operations and technology teams to ensure smooth client onboarding and ongoing satisfaction
Provide market feedback on product positioning, pricing, and competitive landscape to inform product development and go-to-market strategy
Develop case studies, sales collateral, and pitch materials that effectively communicate the ROI of each broadcast technology solution

Strategy & Market Development

Conduct market analysis to identify new revenue opportunities across both the sports sponsorship and broadcast technology landscapes
Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, content, and operations teams to develop compelling sponsorship and product sales assets
Identify cross-sell and upsell opportunities between NLSE's media properties and its technology product suite

Reporting & Performance

Utilize CRM tools and analytics platforms to track pipeline, forecast revenue, and report on performance across all product lines
Present sales results, sponsorship recaps, and B2B technology sales updates to senior leadership
Continuously refine sales approaches based on data, client feedback, and market conditions

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Sports Management, or a related field
5+ years of progressive sales experience, with demonstrated success in both B2B technology or SaaS sales and sports/media sponsorship sales preferred
Proven track record of meeting or exceeding revenue targets across multiple product lines
Experience selling advertising, sponsorships, or integrated marketing solutions to brands and agencies
Comfort selling technology solutions to media, broadcast, or streaming clients
Strong understanding of sports media, live events, and digital content ecosystems
Exceptional communication, negotiation, and presentation skills
Proficiency with CRM systems and sales analytics tools
Willingness to travel occasionally and work weekends as needed
Preferred Qualifications

Experience selling broadcast technology, ad-tech, or SaaS products to media companies or content distributors
Familiarity with master control operations, captioning/accessibility solutions, ad serving platforms, or content clipping tools
Experience working with minority-owned or mission-driven media platforms
Familiarity with collegiate sports, lacrosse, or niche sports sponsorship sales
Existing network of contacts across sports media, broadcast operations, or entertainment marketing
MBA or advanced degree in a related field

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