Corporate Partnership Business Development Manager

Job Title: Corporate Partnership Business Development Manager

Department: Carolina Ascent & Charlotte Independence Corporate Partnership Sales

Reports To: Chief Revenue Officer

FLSA Status: Exempt

Prepared By: Chief Revenue Officer

Compensation: $60,000-$70,000 annually

Empower Sports and Entertainment, LLC is seeking a Corporate Partnership Business Development Manager to generate sponsorship revenue for Carolina Ascent (USL Super League) and Charlotte Independence (USL League One).

The primary responsibility of this position is to identify, develop, and secure new corporate partnerships through direct sales activity. The Business Development Manager will regularly conduct in-person meetings with prospective and existing partners, develop customized sponsorship solutions, negotiate agreements, and drive revenue growth. In addition to sponsorship sales, this position will have a strong emphasis on driving revenue and/or covering expenses for many of the company’s current and potential outreach programs and other franchise priorities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities - Success is measured primarily by sponsorship revenue generated/renewed and contracts executed.

Corporate Partnership Sales

· Generate sponsorship revenue through the sale of advertising, promotional, hospitality, media, community, and experiential marketing assets.

· Prospect, cultivate, and develop new corporate partnership opportunities.

· Manage a portfolio of corporate partners with responsibility for contract renewals, upselling existing sponsorship assets, and identifying new partnership opportunities.

· Conduct face-to-face meetings with prospective and existing partners to identify business objectives and present customized sponsorship solutions.

· Negotiate and close sponsorship agreements that achieve organizational revenue goals.

· Maintain an active sales pipeline and consistently meet or exceed established sales targets.

· Prepare and deliver professional sales presentations and partnership proposals.

· Represent the organization at games, community events, networking functions, and business meetings.

· Maintain accurate sales activity records and provide regular pipeline and revenue reports.

Partnership Strategy and Account Development

· Collaborate with internal departments to develop partnership platforms that support organizational objectives.

· Assist in creating integrated sponsorship packages that incorporate ticket sales, promotions, hospitality, and community initiatives.

· Support the successful execution and renewal of partnership agreements.

· Maintain strong client relationships through regular communication and strategic planning.

Organizational Support

· Represent the organization's mission, values, and commitment to excellence.

· Participate in sales meetings, team events, and other assigned business development activities.

· Perform additional duties as assigned.

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.

· Proven success in business development, sponsorship sales, advertising sales, or related B2B sales environments.

· Strong prospecting, presentation, negotiation, and closing skills.

· Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication abilities.

· Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

· Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.

· Valid driver's license and reliable transportation for client meetings and business development activities.

· All staff members are required to be SafeSport certified and complete Sports Radar Integrity training. A comprehensive background check is also required as a condition of employment.

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Education and Experience

· Bachelor's degree in Marketing or Sports Management, or a related field preferred.

· Minimum 3-5 years of successful sales experience, preferably in sponsorship, media, sports, advertising, or business development sales.

· Demonstrated history of meeting or exceeding revenue goals.

· Experience developing and closing new business opportunities.

Why Carolina Ascent FC:

We are more than a soccer team—we are a growing force for change in Charlotte and beyond. As part of the founding staff, you will play a vital role in shaping how professional women’s soccer engages with the local community. If you’re passionate about people, sports, and impact, this is the place for you.

Empower Sports & Entertainment is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Empower Sports & Entertainment participates in E-Verify. All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of Form I-9 and verification of employment eligibility through the federal E-Verify system.