Manager, Sponsorship and Business Development

SUMMARY

Responsible for building strategic relationships and representing the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo to the business, non-profit and rodeo communities with the principal goal of securing financial and in-kind support for the Show and Rodeo. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to the following:

• Develop a thorough understanding of the uniqueness of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and its importance in the western heritage, entertainment, educational and agricultural community.
• Serve as lead account representative for designated sponsorships as well as any designated joint sponsorships. In this capacity, work heavily with sponsor activation year-round, in an effort to more directly reach consumers while providing an effective fan experience. These efforts, while benefiting the sponsoring company, also help drive and increase annual Show attendance.
• Assist in maintaining communication with more than thirty companies and/or advertising agencies, consultants and marketing partners.
• Responsible for promoting a high degree of interest, involvement and enthusiasm among existing partners, as well as prospective Sponsors.
• Responsible for creating and maintaining proposal templates, hand-outs, reports, etc. to be used during presentations to prospect and current sponsors.
• Provide weekly reporting on items such as prospect meetings, new opportunities, project development and targeted leads.
• Propose and plan sponsor activations. In this capacity, works heavily with sponsor activation year-round, in an effort to more directly reach consumers while providing an effective fan experience. These efforts, while benefiting the sponsoring company, also help drive and increase annual Show attendance. This includes working with current and prospective sponsors to develop new plans for activation year-round, as well as during Show. 
• Maintain communication and cooperation with the HLSR sponsorship operations team to ensure feasibility of fulfillment for each sponsor. 
• Work with outside vendors to ensure sponsor fulfillment through activations and Rodeo participation.
• Provide outstanding customer service to sponsors and advertisers throughout the year.
• Be able to professionally articulate and present sponsor opportunities.
• Responsible for developing and maintaining professional relationship with Sponsors, keeping them engaged and informed about the Show, reminding them of deadlines and working with them to expand their relationships with the Show.
• Work with the Legal Department to maintain best practices for contract and legal requirements. 
• Serve as the lead account representative to create, edit and facilitate all contracts, amendments and other legal documents for the assigned accounts. 
• Continue to develop additional skills in negotiating and valuations in the market by attending annual conferences.
• Work across the HLSR organization and collaborate with the marketing, production, brand, attractions, etc. to develop strategies, plans and initiatives relative to new and renewal business.
• Be a team player and contribute to the general success of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo across all facets, including helping other Account Executives with their accounts.
• Other duties and responsibilities as requested or required.

QUALIFICATIONS 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in business administration, sports management, communications, marketing or advertising; or at least five years related experience and/or training in sponsorship, advertising sales, event presentation and special event coordination; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Must have a demonstrated and recognized ability to work at the highest levels with advertising and marketing representatives, corporate executives and marketing partners. Must have the ability to build and nurture business relationships, both internally and externally. 

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, and technical procedures. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Must have ability to manage tasks at a high level of proficiency and to utilize state of the art information, presentation and processing technology. Requires expert skills in Microsoft applications including Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Word. Requires strong organizational skills, ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Requires excellent telephone and written/oral communication skills. Able to plan and execute projects. Ability to work independently while maintain focus and productivity. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee may be required to sit, stand, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. During the Show, the employee may be required to frequently walk to various places on the grounds. The employee may be required to lift and/or move 15 or more pounds. Extended work hours and days required, especially during peak periods (January – March). Some travel required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to dust, chemicals and animals at various times.