Business Development Specialist

Sports and Leisure Markets

ABOUT DISCOVER AMES

Team members at Discover Ames have a passion for Ames and Iowa State University. It’s our responsibility to bring visitors to Ames and provide excellent service. We do this through a team that takes initiative, a team that is innovative and a team that values working together to provide the best experience for our visitors.

POSITION SUMMARY

Identify, develop, and implement annual sales strategy and plan for the sports and leisure markets, including new client development, local sport partnerships and nurturing of existing annual sports and leisure clients.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and execute annual business development strategy and plan for the sports and leisure markets in the Ames area.
• Creation of bid proposals to new and returning clients.
• Lead generation for sports and leisure related events representing new business.
• Attend sports and leisure industry related tradeshows and site visits to develop relationships with current or potential clients and generate potential sports and leisure event opportunities.
• Input and update accurate data into the development database to monitor and track development progress and communications.
• Represent Discover Ames at industry-related meetings, events, and local, state, and national associations.
• Collaborate with the Visitor Experience team on execution and coordination of acquired sports events and conference.
• Develop and build relationships with Ames area and Iowa State University (ISU) venues and service providers
• Pursue grant opportunities and submitting annual Regional Sports Authority District grant application, supporting documents, and reports.
• In collaboration with the Director of Business Development and the Marketing & Communications team, develop collateral materials specifically designed to increase the awareness of Ames and ISU as a sports and leisure destination.
• Work with Director of Business Development to produce and manage a yearly budget for the sports and leisure markets.
• Work in collaboration with other Discover Ames teams on events and activities related to all markets including specific roles for major events, support services roles outside of the sports and leisure markets.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 2+ years’ experience in sports sales or general sales
• Bachelor’s degree
• Basic computer skills in word processing, spreadsheets and databases are required

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Exceptional communication skills with ability to execute effective sales presentations
• Committed to be a team player
• Highly self-motivated and ability to be self-directed
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail
• Committed to relationship-building with strong interpersonal skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to set and manage priorities to handle multiple projects while moving them forward simultaneously
• A flexible schedule will be required to accommodate event and meeting schedules that will include some travel, nights, and weekends
• Work from the Ames office location
• Ability to lift up to 35 lbs
• Valid Iowa driver’s license

APPLICATION PROCESS

All application documents should be submitted via email to jobs@discoverames.com and include:

• Cover letter with salary requirements
• Resume
• Three professional references including names and contact information

First consideration if applied by September 16, 2024

Questions should be directed to President/CEO, Kevin Bourke, kevinb@discoverames.com or 515