Director of Corporate Partnerships & Business Development - Athletics

Overview

Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) seeks a dedicated and driven Director of Corporate Partnerships & Business Development to enhance revenue opportunities within its Athletics Department. This role reports primarily to the Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Operations and also to University Advancement. The position requires a dynamic professional skilled in securing and managing corporate partnerships to financially support SEMO Athletics.

Key Responsibilities

• Proactively identify, pursue, and secure corporate sponsorships, advertising placements, corporate ticket packages, and other business-related revenue streams.
• Forge and nurture long-term relationships with corporate partners to ensure satisfaction, contract renewals, and incremental revenue growth.
• Market and sell advertising space within the University's Alumni Magazine, both independently and as part of integrated sponsorship packages.
• Oversee the inventory of sponsorships and advertising slots for SEMO Athletics, maintaining accurate records of availability, pricing, exclusivity clauses, contracts, and fulfillment obligations.
• Collaborate with the athletics department and campus stakeholders to execute sponsorship activations professionally and within agreed timelines.
• Support initiatives related to Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), including identifying business prospects, managing NIL-related inventory, assisting student-athlete fulfillment, and working closely with Athletics, University, and compliance departments.
• Contribute to fundraising, home athletic events, and other external activities focused on generating revenue.
• Utilize management software such as Raiser's Edge NXT, Paciolan/PacFund, and others to handle prospect tracking, log sales activities, manage sponsorship inventory, forecast revenues, and assess performance.
• Represent SEMO Athletics at home and select away athletic events, fundraising and donor receptions, community engagements, university functions, and occasional travel events, including evenings and weekends.
• Ensure all revenue and activation efforts comply with University policies, NCAA regulations, conference rules, state laws, and contractual terms.
• Maintain a valid driver's license and undertake other duties aligned with SEMO Athletics and University Advancement goals as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
• Minimum of two years’ experience in sales, business development, sports marketing, athletic external operations, fundraising, or related relationship-based sales fields.
• Comprehensive understanding of intercollegiate athletics, sports marketing, and sponsorship business models.
• Proven track record in prospecting, relationship building, sales presentations, negotiation, closing deals, and providing stellar post-sale customer service.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills to manage client relationships and ensure partner retention.
• Exceptional communication abilities, both written and verbal, including proposal writing, presentations, professional correspondence, and reporting.
• Excellent organizational capabilities with acute attention to detail, ability to take initiative, and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced setting.
• Creativity in designing sponsorship, advertising, ticket sales, and other revenue growth opportunities.
• Collaborative mindset to work effectively with multiple stakeholders such as Athletics and University leadership, coaching staff, donors, alumni, volunteers, business partners, and campus peers.
• Proficiency with CRM systems, ticket management platforms, Microsoft Office suite, and presentation software.
• Availability to work frequent evenings, weekends, and occasional travel when needed.
• Commitment to uphold NCAA rules compliance, university policies, confidentiality, and ethical standards.
• Possession of a valid driver's license.

Additional Details

Location: Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Employment Type: Full-time, onsite
Salary: Commensurate with qualifications
Application Deadline: To ensure full consideration, submit application materials by July 31, 2026. Position is open until filled.
Application Materials Required: Letter of interest addressing qualifications, current resume. References may be requested later.

About Southeast Missouri State University

Founded in 1873 and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, SEMO is committed to student-centered education combining liberal arts and experiential learning. The university values accessibility, diversity, inclusivity, and aims to foster academic excellence and community advancement.

Equal Opportunity Statement

SEMO is committed to equal employment opportunity and affirmative action. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. The university embraces diversity to enrich its educational and work environment.