Director of Business Development

Description

The Cincinnati Regional Sports Commission (CRSC) is seeking an experienced, results-driven Director of Business Development to lead sales efforts focused on attracting and securing sporting events for the Cincinnati region. This position is responsible for proactively recruiting professional, collegiate, national, international, and youth sporting events that generate visitation, economic impact, and national visibility for the community.

The Director of Business Development serves as an external-facing leader for the organization, requiring a professional, diplomatic demeanor, exceptional relationship-building skills, and a deep understanding of the sports marketplace. This role works closely with facility partners, hotels, local organizing committees, and national governing bodies to position Cincinnati as a premier sports destination.

Requirements

Sales, Marketing & Event Recruitment:

• Proactively and strategically identify, target, and recruit major sporting events to be hosted in Cincinnati.
• Perform sales and marketing duties required to solicit sporting events in partnership with nationally recognized professional, collegiate, national, and international sports organizations.
• Lead the preparation, development, and presentation of competitive bids to rights holders and event owners.
• Develop and deliver high-level sales presentations to clients, governing bodies, and community stakeholders.
• Travel to sports-related trade shows and industry events to promote Cincinnati as a premier sports destination.
• Maintain and manage a CRM database and shared drives with detailed, organized client, bid, and prospect information.

Stakeholder & Partner Engagement:

• Meet regularly with local hotel leadership, local organizing committees (LOCs), and industry partners to identify future business opportunities.
• Oversee the process of establishing hotel room blocks and directing event organizers and attendees to Cincinnati-area hotels and hospitality partners.
• Assist in planning and actively lead planner site visits and familiarization tours.

Event Support & Organizational Collaboration:

• Provide on-site representation of CRSC at key events for stakeholder engagement and operational support.
• Support events on-site as needed, including tasks related to event management and operations.
• Work collaboratively within the CRSC team to evaluate and report on event performance in relation to department goals and key metrics.
• Regularly report progress, performance, and market intelligence to the Executive Director
• Communicate research, service needs, and event requirements clearly to internal staff and partners.

Physical & Travel Requirements:

• Ability to travel independently; reliable transportation and a valid driver's license are required.
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays based on client and event demands.
• Ability to stand or walk for extended periods, sometimes on hard surfaces.
• Ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Extensive travel may be required.