Manager of Championship Sales

Role overview

The Manager of Championship Sales will lead sponsorship sales efforts and build strategic partnerships that contribute to the expansion of the NAIA Men’s Basketball National Championship and additional NAIA championship properties.

This position is centered on generating new revenue, nurturing strong business relationships, and engaging with corporate partners and the Kansas City business community. The successful candidate will be skilled at spotting sponsorship opportunities, earning the confidence of key decision-makers, and turning connections into durable revenue-generating partnerships.

As a visible representative of the NAIA, this role focuses on growing and deepening sponsorship relationships with local companies, corporate sponsors, community leaders, and other important stakeholders.

Key responsibilities

Men’s Basketball Championship business development (50%)

• Support revenue growth by selling strategic sponsorships and developing partnership opportunities.
• Represent the NAIA actively and professionally within the Kansas City business and broader community environment.
• Develop and sustain long-term connections with sponsors, corporate partners, and community stakeholders.
• Create engagement initiatives that strengthen partner relationships and increase community involvement with the NAIA Men’s Basketball National Championship.
• Serve as the main point of contact for championship partners through regular communication, dependable follow-up, and tailored engagement.
• Spot opportunities to connect businesses and organizations with the mission, visibility, and event experience of the championship.
• Lead outreach activities to drive sales and help attendance-related efforts across the Kansas City market.

Sponsorship and championship revenue development (40%)

• Grow revenue through sport-specific sponsorship sales and partnership development.
• Work closely with the NAIA Revenue Generation Team to shape strategic partnership opportunities.
• Design sponsorship approaches that align with both partner objectives and organizational goals.
• Find ways to broaden partner involvement and expand visibility across NAIA events.

Sales operations and administration (10%)

• Keep CRM data current, including partner communications and pipeline progress.
• Coordinate sponsorship contracts, agreements, and related paperwork.
• Prepare reports on partnership activity and revenue performance.
• Assist with championship event operations and logistics, including travel and weekend work when needed.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in Business, Sports Management, Marketing, Communications, or a related discipline is preferred.
• 3 to 5 years of experience in sales, sponsorship, business development, or revenue generation, ideally within sports or events.
• A track record of prospecting, building a sales pipeline, and closing sponsorship agreements.
• Strong verbal and written communication, relationship-building, and negotiation abilities.
• Hands-on experience with CRM tools for pipeline tracking and account management.
• Highly self-directed, well organized, and capable of balancing several priorities at once.
• Professional demeanor with the confidence to interact with clients, partners, and community stakeholders.

Additional information

This position is based in Kansas City, MO and requires an onsite presence. Weekend support and travel may be necessary depending on championship and partner needs.