Sports Development Manager

Spokane Sports

Sports Development Manager securing regional, national, and international events for Spokane Sports, a nonprofit sports destination organization. Managing sales pipelines, proposals, rights-holder relationships, and transitions to event delivery.

Posted 8/14/2026full-timeSpokane • Washington • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $26 - $31 per hourWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in event sales and business development within the sports tourism industry, with a strong focus on relationship-building, proposal management, and achieving sales targets. Proficient in utilizing CRM platforms for pipeline management and reporting.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Event SalesBusiness DevelopmentCRM Platform ExperienceRelationship-BuildingProject Management

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Sales Strategy ExecutionProposal PreparationRFP ResponsePipeline ManagementPerformance Evaluation

Soft Skills

Strong Sales MindsetExcellent Communication SkillsOrganizational SkillsSelf-MotivatedRelationship Management

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in BusinessBachelor’s Degree in MarketingBachelor’s Degree in Sports Management

Industry Keywords

Sports TourismEvent BiddingStakeholder EngagementCommunity PartnershipsEvent Management

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Execute an event sales plan aligned with organizational priorities, emphasizing hotel room night impact
Identify regional, national, and international business opportunities
Build, manage, and report on a pipeline of prospective events and rights holders
Respond to RFPs, prepare proposals, deliver presentations, and close business for Spokane Sports
Cultivate relationships with rights holders, governing bodies, event producers, venue partners, and community stakeholders
Represent Spokane Sports at tradeshows, conferences, and industry meetings
Communicate Spokane’s competitive advantages to potential partners
Collaborate with the event management team to transition awarded events into delivery
Provide information about event requirements, partner expectations, and contract terms
Maintain rights-holder relationships after handoff, support post-event follow-up, and identify retention and repeat-business opportunities
Follow sales, bid, and reporting processes throughout the sales lifecycle
Maintain accurate CRM records for forecasting, transparency, and collaboration
Track and report proposals submitted, bids won, site visits hosted, and impact delivered
Evaluate performance and adjust strategies to achieve targets

Requirements

What you’ll need

Proven success in sports tourism, event sales, business development, or a related field
Strong sales mindset with ability to set and exceed goals
Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills
Strong organizational and project management skills; ability to manage multiple opportunities simultaneously
Relationship-building skills with rights holders, governing bodies, event producers, venue partners, and community stakeholders
Self-motivated; able to work independently and deliver results
Commitment to Spokane Sports’ mission, values, and reputation
Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, sports management, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
Minimum 5 years of experience in sales, business development, or event bidding
Familiarity with the sports tourism and events industry strongly preferred
Experience with CRM platforms and pipeline management preferred
Standard office environment with travel required
Some evening and weekend work required
Ability to sit, stand, and operate a computer for extended periods
Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. and participate in event setup as needed

Benefits

Comp & perks

Travel required for tradeshows, conferences, and meetings
Some evening and weekend work required