Director, Sales & Fan Relations; University of Illinois

Overview

Playfly Sports is seeking a Director, Sales & Fan Relations to join our team with the University of Illinois. This role focuses on contributing to ticket sales and annual fund growth, leadership and development, and fostering a culture that values diverse voices. Responsibilities include identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors involved in annual membership activities for university athletics, in accordance with NCAA, Big Ten Conference, and University rules.

• Assist in managing the day-to-day operations of the Fan Relationship Management Center (FRMC) to generate revenue and provide outstanding customer service.
• Market and sell I FUND donations, season tickets, partial season ticket plans, group tickets, and individual game tickets for home and neutral-site games across Football, Volleyball, Men’s Basketball, and Women’s Basketball.
• Oversee ticket sales through outbound, inbound, and renewal channels, tracking productivity and effectiveness.
• Achieve personal sales goals and contribute to annual revenue growth and donor growth.
• Perform daily sales and relationship cultivation calls, messages, and mailings with season ticket holders, sponsors, businesses, individuals, and prospective buyers.
• Manage a book of business of donors and season ticket holders; aim to grow the business each year.
• Lead in developing ticket marketing, promotions, pricing, sales strategies, and community ticket/sampling programs.
• Assist with planning and implementing special ticket plans, promotions, and programs.
• Develop New Ticket Sales and Ticket Service programs, including new business generation, season tickets, sales leadership, and training; track and report results.
• Identify and explore new sales opportunities, including season ticket and group sales target markets.
• Develop special ticket plans, projects, promotions, and programs; oversee and develop season ticket retention, with emphasis on new season tickets and high-risk accounts.
• Other duties as assigned by the Assistant Athletic Director, Sales & Development.

• 3–4 years of sports ticket sales experience with at least 1–2 years in sales leadership.
• Computer proficiency (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Experience with Paciolan (or other ticketing software) and CRM programs preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, presentation, and listening skills.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational, administrative, and time-management skills.
• Self-motivated with the ability to set goals, monitor progress, and multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Belief in a culture that encourages collaboration, flexibility, equity, and fairness; values contribution, inclusivity, and support for all employees.
• Ability to work well with others and take initiative.
• Professional image and demeanor at all times.
• Available to work athletic events including home games and special events, evenings, and weekends.

• Available to work athletic events including home games and special events during evenings, weekends, and some holidays as required.
• Sedentary work with occasional walking, standing, bending, and carrying light items.
• Typically performed in a well-lit, climate-controlled office environment.

Actual compensation packages are based on factors including skill set, depth of experience, certifications, and location; base pay range for this role is $56,000—$58,000 USD.

Playfly Sports is a full-service sports marketing and media company enabling brands to engage sports fans locally, regionally, and nationally through scaled assets including linear, digital, and experiential platforms. We partner with athletes, brands, academic institutions, and fans across the U.S.

We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive. We pursue meaningful initiatives and collaborations that foster institutional change within our workplace, our partners, and the communities we serve.

Playfly Sports is an equal employment opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination based on protected characteristics and are committed to an inclusive workplace where associates excel on merit, qualifications, experience, ability, and performance.

Playfly Sports provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals. If accommodations are needed to participate in the job application or interview process or to perform essential job functions, please contact  We are unable to sponsor employment visas for this role at this time.