Description

SUMMARY OF PRINCIPAL & MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: The Director of Sports Development, under the direction of the Chief Sales Officer, serves as Visit Corpus Christi's lead sports sales professional, responsible for generating sports event business and driving measurable economic impact through tournaments, competitions, and sports-related groups. This role combines hands-on sales execution with strategic input, requiring an analytical, self-directed professional who can independently identify high-value opportunities, build industry relationships, and convert opportunities into definite business while contributing market insights and recommendations that shape the Corpus Christi Sports Commission and Visit Corpus Christi’s sports sales approach. 

PAY STATUS: Exempt / Bi-Weekly Salary

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Sales Execution & Pipeline Management

• Serve as Visit Corpus Christi's primary sales and relationship lead for sports event business, independently managing the full sales cycle from prospecting through close.
• Prospect for new business leads within sports market segments and maintain a strong, well-qualified pipeline of sports event opportunities.
• Respond to all Requests for Proposals (RFPs) in a timely, strategic, and competitive manner, personally owning bid strategy and execution for high-value opportunities.
• Manage individual booking reports and pipeline activity on a weekly and monthly cadence, providing accurate forecasting and performance reporting to the Chief Sales Officer.
• Develop and maintain close working relationships with sports organizations, governing bodies, event rights holders, hospitality partners, and community leaders.
• Travel for conventions, tradeshows, and industry events to identify new business opportunities and strengthen industry relationships.
• Create and conduct in-person site visits and familiarization (FAM) tours.
• Manage specific offerings and incentives to obtain sports-related group business.
• Send leads and communication updates on opportunities to hotels, sports facilities, and industry partners.
• Conduct presentations to internal and external groups, potential clients, and industry stakeholders as needed.
• Work directly with the Sports Services Manager to communicate client needs and provide top-level customer service for client retention.
• Conduct research for special projects and assist with reports and presentations for both internal and external audiences.

Strategic Input & Market Intelligence

• Provide strategic recommendations on sports market opportunities, target events, emerging trends, and competitive positioning.
• Contribute market intelligence and pipeline insights to inform annual strategic planning, goal setting, and budget forecasting.
• Identify and recommend new sports market segments, event categories, and rights holder relationships for the Corpus Christi Sports Commission to pursue.
• Serve as Visit Corpus Christi's subject-matter expert on sports tourism, advising leadership on industry developments, best practices, and competitive intelligence.
• Contribute input on sports sales SOPs, processes, and tools.
• Partner with the Marketing team on creative marketing initiatives, sales materials, digital presence, and collateral specific to sports development.

Requirements

JOB SPECIFICATIONS:

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:  Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and/or abilities.

• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and independently manage a full sales cycle from prospecting through close with minimal day-to-day oversight.
• Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to translate market data and pipeline insights into actionable sales strategies and informed recommendations.
• Proven ability to generate leads, manage a pipeline, and close business in a timely manner.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve assigned booking goals.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and strong experience with a CRM system (e.g., Simpleview, Delphi, or Salesforce).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present ideas clearly and persuasively.
• Self-motivated, results-driven, and highly organized with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong relationship-building skills and ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to make sound decisions, solve problems, and adapt to fluid market demands.
• High level of professionalism, accountability, and customer service focus.

Education, Training and Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in sports sales, sports tourism, destination marketing, or related field  (hospitality, tourism, or meetings industry preferred).
• Proven track record of achieving sales, booking, or revenue goals.
• Bachelor’s Degree required; Sports Management, Hospitality, or Tourism degree is a plus.
• Experience working with national governing bodies (NGBs), NCAA, or similar rights holders is a plus.

License/Certifications: 

• Sports Tourism Strategist (STS) or Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) certifications are a plus.
• Must have valid driver’s license, vehicle, and car insurance.

Computer Software: Microsoft Office; Simpleview or CRM experience a plus

Physical Requirements:  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit for extended periods of time.  Shall be able to apply 20 lbs. of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.  Must be able to view computer screen for extended period of time with clear, close-up vision. 

Mental/Emotional Requirements:   Must be able to work in a fast paced and customer service-oriented environment; to perform duties under pressure and meet deadlines in a timely manner; to work as part of a team as well as to complete assignments independently; to take instructions from supervisors; to exercise problem-solving skills; and to interact with co-workers, supervisors, customers, and the public in a professional and pleasant manner. 

Safety Responsibilities: Must learn and comply with all organization safety rules; must always use appropriate safety equipment; must immediately report all unsafe condition to supervisors; must be familiar with all safety features or equipment, machinery, or materials encompassed by job duties; and must check with supervisor if there is a question as to the safe procedure to be used for any job function.

Additional Requirements: Employees are required to reside within the defined Corpus Christi Metropolitan Statistical Area.  

Employees must fulfill the performance standards of this position and comply with policies, rules, and procedures of the organization, including those set out in the Employee Handbook or otherwise communicated (verbally or in writing) to employees.