Director of Business Development

Position: Director of Business Development 

Classification: Exempt 

Department: Dallas Sports Commission 

Direct Report: Executive Director 

ABOUT DALLAS SPORTS COMMISSION  

The Dallas Sports Commission (DSC) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to attract, retain and support sports and entertainment events that will position Dallas as the premier sports destination and have a positive impact on the economy and quality of life of Dallas residents. 

Our Brand Dallas is more than a city, it’s a state of mind – a maverick, can-do spirit expressed through a thriving arts scene, iconic sports culture, creative culinary influence and warm hospitality.   

Our Vision To elevate Dallas as a welcoming, must-visit destination. 

We Value Community, Respect, Empowerment, Accountability, Trust, Equitability and Sustainability.  

Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 

At Visit Dallas, our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion extends to our visitors, citizens, team members, customers, communities, and marketplaces that we serve. We act as a catalyst for change within our organization and industry. Our commitment to leveraging diversity and inclusion to drive business growth is important and necessary for the future of this organization. We market Dallas as the ideal convention, the premier business and leisure destination for all. 

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Director of Business Development will strategically recruit and support sports meetings, conventions and events that positively affect the Dallas economy through hotel occupancy, attendance, and economic impact. The person in this role will position Dallas as a leading sports destination through education of our mission to the community, sharing and utilizing unique resources and seizing high visibility opportunities. The ideal candidate must be able to multi-task, be detail-oriented, have impeccable communication skills, be able to handle themselves with professionalism, and have the drive necessary to handle the pace of the events associated with the Dallas Sports Commission. 

ESSENTIAL ROLE AND RESPONSIBILIIES: 

• Establish and maintain direct sales contact with prospective clients through sales calls, trips, trade shows and meetings
• Perform sales functions including but not limited to preparing bid documents, submitting lead and RFP information, securing client LOI’s, facility agreements and hotel contracts, as well as inputting and maintaining accurate reporting information
• Maintain sports accounts through the CRM, website, and event calendar including profiles, leads, notes, contacts, EIC, site visits, and overall file organization
• Coordinate site visits with clients at hotels, venues, restaurants, and provide the client with the necessary services needed to host their event in Dallas
• Maintain internal communication and collaborate with Dallas Sports Commission staff to ensure service expectations are fulfilled for events
• Attend local civic group and industry meetings as a representative of the Dallas Sports Commission and promote the overall vision of the organization in the community
• Cultivate areas for business development through relationship building with external stakeholders
• Identify revenue generating opportunities
• Increase brand awareness by strategically aligning Dallas Sports Commission with high visibility opportunities
• Broaden the reach and influence of Dallas Sports Commission through education of our mission and community integration
• Provide financial analysis and overview to the Executive Director for all bid cases
• Conduct analysis and develop strategy for long-term Sports Commission bids and room night production (or other metrics that are deemed critical)
• Meet monthly with the Executive Director to monitor production and areas of need
• Complete the necessary TPID and/or Event Trust Fund applications including the analysis, event background, worksheets, contracts, and disbursement procedures for any event utilizing financial assistance
• Evaluation of the market potential and development of the appropriate sales plan and tools to market the city of Dallas and the sports venues
• Represent the Dallas Sports Commission at various conferences and tradeshows
• Maintain the necessary relationships with rights holders, venues, local officials, government entities, hotels, restaurants, and various other stakeholders to assist in selling Dallas
• Serve as the sports liaison for a sub-committee which may include conducting quarterly meetings
• Other duties as assigned
• Contribute to the organization’s safe, healthy, positive, professional and productive culture. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Sales, development, or contract staff

DESIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year institution with a Master’s degree preferred. Sports Management, Industry focus preferred.
• At least seven years’ experience in the Sports Commission and/or CVB hospitality industry with specific experience in sales and development.

EXPECTED COMPETENCIES, PERFORMANCE ATTRIBUTES AND CHARACTERISTICS:

• Strong and consistent ability to prioritize activities within specific time guidelines and to handle multiple responsibilities within a specific time frame.
• Willing and able to work evenings, weekends and holidays based on client and office needs.
• Ability to operate computer, fax, e-mail system and general office equipment including laptop computers when traveling away from office.
• A proven history of achieving and exceeding goals and the ability to work independently or within a team.
• Understand the methods, procedures, and techniques of the Dallas Sports Commission and/or Convention & Visitors Bureau and interfacing with event venues, hotels, clients, and exhibit facilities
• Ability to multi-task and maintain high levels of excellence
• Skill and ability to develop and implement portions of a business plan and manage a budget
• Creativity in problem-solving
• Ability to effectively lead and follow, as appropriate
• Hardworking and dependable
• Trusting and trustworthy
• Competitive in striving to achieve potential and identified goals
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude
• Excellent communication skills - written, oral and grammatical
• Strong analytical skills to evaluate quality of business opportunities and identify those best-suited for community
• Detail-oriented approach

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

The person in this role will operate in an office environment with frequent and consistent use of a laptop computer, monitor, keyboard, mouse, cell phone and copier. It can be a sedentary role with extended work time sitting and using a cell phone and computer with desktop accessories. There will be frequent occasions working at off-site locations including the convention center, sports venues and hotels where the environment and physical demands will vary.  

EXPECTED WORK HOURS: 

This is a full-time position with an expectation of 40 hours of work each week. The regular office hours are Monday through Friday 8:30am to 5pm. Evening and weekend work and participation in events that occur outside of the regular office hours is expected regularly.  

EXPECTED TRAVEL: 

The person in this role can expect frequent local travel (within the Dallas area) and may require travel on occasion outside of Dallas and the immediate driving area to attend industry meetings, conferences, and other events or activities.