Manager, Business Development - Ohio State University

The Manager, Business Development role at Ohio State University involves exceeding sales goals by developing and selling sponsorship packages, establishing relationships with companies, and managing a portfolio of corporate partnerships. You’ll execute the entire sales process and work closely with the athletic department to ensure successful outcomes while also enjoying game day events.

To apply for the Manager, Business Development position at Ohio State University, candidates should have at least one year of sales experience and a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college. Preferred qualifications include experience with integrated sports marketing partnerships and a strong understanding of digital marketing.

In the Manager, Business Development position at Ohio State University, the sales process involves prospecting potential clients, presenting tailored sponsorship proposals, negotiating contracts, and managing ongoing relationships to upsell and renew agreements. This comprehensive approach helps enhance partnerships with corporate sponsors.

Ohio State University offers a full range of benefits for eligible employees, including medical and dental insurance, flexible paid time off, a 401(k) plan, life insurance, and paid holidays, ensuring a rewarding work-life balance for the Manager, Business Development role.

Essential skills for the Manager, Business Development position at Ohio State University include excellent communication and presentation abilities, solid negotiation skills, and the capacity to analyze client marketing needs. A strong understanding of digital marketing is also highly beneficial for crafting effective sponsorship strategies.

Building relationships with corporate sponsors involves consistent communication, understanding their goals, and presenting uniquely tailored sponsorship packages that align with their objectives. Networking at events and being proactive in engagement can also foster trust and collaboration.

When discussing your experience in negotiating contracts for sponsorships, highlight specific instances where you successfully navigated terms that benefited both your organization and the sponsor. Discuss your approach to understanding needs, formulating offers, and achieving win-win outcomes.

Staying updated on trends in the sports sponsorship landscape can involve following industry publications, attending conferences, and engaging in professional networks. Share how you utilize digital marketing analytics to assess campaign performance and adjust strategies accordingly.

In your response, provide a specific example that highlights unique approaches you took, such as identifying untapped markets or implementing innovative sales strategies. Emphasize the outcome and what you learned for future initiatives.

Discuss how upselling requires understanding current sponsor engagements and identifying additional needs that enhance their visibility and impact. Share methods for presenting these opportunities effectively and how you build trust with existing partners.

Managing multiple projects as a Manager, Business Development requires prioritization and organization. Share tools or strategies you use for staying on track, such as detailed planners, setting clear deadlines, and regularly assessing progress.

Emphasize the importance of teamwork in the sales process by discussing how collaboration with marketing, operational staff, and other sales team members helps in crafting compelling proposals and maximizing results for your sponsors.

In creating a sponsorship presentation, describe your process of researching the client’s background, understanding their objectives, and structuring the presentation to emphasize benefits. Use storytelling and data to engage and persuade stakeholders.

Reflect on significant challenges in sales, such as high competition or changing market conditions, and mention specific strategies you implemented to address these issues, enhancing your resilience and adaptability in the role.

Convey your passion for the organization and the opportunity to merge your love for sports with your professional skills. Discuss how Ohio State University’s values align with your career goals and how you envision contributing to the team’s success.