Director of Corporate Partnerships & Business Development - Athletics

Director of Corporate Partnerships & Business Development - Athletics

Southeast Missouri State University

Salary: Depends on Qualifications

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Number:

Location: Cape Girardeau, MO

Department: Athletics

Position Summary

Southeast Missouri State University is seeking a motivated and results‑oriented Director of Corporate Partnerships & Business Development to grow business-to-business revenue opportunities for SEMO Athletics.

Reporting to the Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Operations with a dual‑reporting relationship to University Advancement, this position is responsible for generating revenue through corporate sponsor ships, business‑focused ticket sales, corporate outings, Alumni Magazine advertising, sponsorship inventory management, and corporate partnership execution.

The successful candidate will be a proactive seller, strong relationship builder, creative problem solver, and detail‑oriented professional who creates value for corporate partners while advancing sustainable revenue growth for SEMO Athletics.

Primary Responsibilities

• Identify, prospect, cultivate, pitch, negotiate, and secure corporate sponsor ships, advertising opportunities, corporate ticket packages, and other business‑to‑business revenue opportunities
• Develop and manage relationships with corporate partners to support satisfaction, retention, renewals and revenue growth
• Sell advertising in the University’s Alumni Magazine, as standalone opportunities or as part of integrated corporate partnership packages
• Manage SEMO Athletics sponsorship and advertising inventory, including availability, pricing, category exclusivity, contracts, renewals, fulfillment requirements, and partner activation needs
• Coordinate sponsorship activation and fulfillment in collaboration with athletics department and campus partners to ensure corporate partnership agreements are executed accurately, professionally, and on schedule
• Support Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and revenue sharing initiatives by identifying business opportunities, managing available NIL‑related inventory or concepts, supporting student‑athlete fulfillment, and coordinating with appropriate Athletics, University, and compliance staff
• Support fundraising events, home athletic events, and other external engagement revenue‑generating initiatives
• Utilize Raiser's Edge NXT, Paciolan/Pac Fund, and other systems to manage prospects, document sales activity and partner communication, monitor inventory, forecast revenue and measure performance
• Represent SEMO Athletics at home athletic events, select away athletic events, fundraising and donor functions, community and University events, and regional engagement opportunities, including evenings, weekends, and occasional travel
• Ensure all revenue‑generation and activation activities are conducted in accordance with University policies, NCAA rules, conference regulations, state laws, and contractual obligations
• Maintain a valid driver’s license
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of SEMO Athletics and University Advancement priorities

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Two or more years of experience in sales, business development, sports marketing, athletics external operations, fundraising, or another relationship‑based sales or business development field
• Knowledge of intercollegiate athletics and the business of sports marketing and sponsor ships
• Demonstrated ability to prospect, build relationships, present opportunities, negotiate agreements, close sales, and provide follow‑up service
• Demonstrated ability to manage client relationships, deliver excellent customer service, and support retention efforts
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including proposal development, presentations, correspondence, and reporting
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, initiative, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment
• Ability to develop creative sponsorship, advertising, ticket sales, and revenue‑generating opportunities
• Ability to work collaboratively with a variety of audiences, including Athletics and University…