Business Development Manager - Sports Marketing

About the company

Keywords Studios builds a worldwide services platform for games, media, and technology, helping creators and publishers access specialised support across the full lifecycle of interactive content. The company’s goal is to be the preferred partner for technical services and to let clients stay agile while focusing on building standout experiences.

The business is widely trusted by major video game companies for support across concepting, development, and live operations through its broad service portfolio.

Role overview

Keywords Studios is hiring a commercially focused Business Development Manager to drive growth for its Engage service line across North America. In this role, you will target and close high-value creative and marketing partnerships within the sports sector, working with professional leagues, franchises, sports broadcasters, and global athletic brands.

The right candidate will already have strong connections in the sports world and be able to clearly present the value of Engage: creative marketing, social strategy, and fan engagement delivered through a connected network of specialist agencies.

Key responsibilities

• Win new business and expand revenue through multi-service creative and marketing deals in the sports market.
• Develop and actively manage a strong pipeline of premium prospects, especially marketing and digital/social leaders at major leagues such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, and MLS, as well as federations, athletes, and sports streaming businesses.
• Present and position the full Engage offering, including creative production, social and influencer marketing, PR and outreach, and strategy and insight.
• Own the sales process from early outreach and introductory meetings through RFP responses and final commercial negotiations.
• Coordinate with internal specialist teams to design tailored, integrated solutions for sports brands and organisations.
• Track shifts in digital sports marketing, fan monetisation, and athlete-led content to keep Keywords positioned as a forward-thinking partner.
• Keep Salesforce records accurate and up to date for activity tracking and forecasting across the BD team.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of success in business development or senior account management within sports, esports, or sports-focused creative agencies.
• A well-established network of contacts across North American sports leagues, teams, athletes, and sports media marketing teams.
• Strong knowledge of sports creative production, fan community social ecosystems, and the athlete-influencer space.
• Solid understanding of social media and influencer marketing, including ROI and performance metrics.
• Excellent presentation and narrative-building skills, with the ability to inspire interest while staying realistic about execution.
• Strong commercial judgement and negotiation ability, with a history of delivering multi-million-dollar annual sales results.
• Comfort working independently in a remote or hybrid setup across North American time zones.
• Readiness to travel often for client meetings, large sports events, and internal site visits.

Benefits and additional information

The compensation starts at $100,000 and includes bonus potential, depending on experience.

Keywords Studios follows an equal opportunities policy and aims to create a workplace where everyone has fair access to opportunities.

Applications from unsolicited recruiters or agencies are not accepted unless there is a valid existing agreement in place; any related fees will not be paid.

Candidates must review and follow the company’s Applicant Privacy Notice when submitting personal information.

The company expects applicants to act honestly and independently throughout the hiring process and not rely on AI tools or third-party assistance that could affect the authenticity of assessments.

The organisation participates in E-Verify.

Role language: English.

Studio: Keywords Studios.

Location details: Americas, United States, Los Angeles.

Area of work: Marketing.

Service line: Engage.

Employment type: Full Time, Permanent.

Working pattern: Hybrid.

About Keywords Studios

Keywords Studios operates across games, media, and technology, supporting leading content creators and publishers with specialised services that span the entire lifecycle of interactive content.