POSITION DESCRIPTION

Vice President, Business Development

MLB Players, Inc. (MLBPI) is the for-profit corporate subsidiary charged with managing all commercial activities of the Major League Baseball Players Association. At the core of MLBPI’s business today, MLB Players, Inc. brings to market products and services featuring the publicity rights (name/image/likeness) of both Major League and Minor League baseball players (Players). With 100 global partners, our scope of business extends to licensing, sponsorship, media, and events. As part of these efforts, we take significant steps to protect the positive image and reputation of each Player.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Vice President, Business Development will be responsible for identifying, creating and executing new business growth opportunities across multiple categories. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in strategy and business evaluation, with the ability to build analysis and business plans from scratch. He or she will be a proactive, intellectually curious and innovative individual to look at the existing MLBPI business and identify and create growth opportunities, often times beyond core licensing and sponsorship, that align with the MLBPI’s strategic goals and vision. This role will be expected to be a leader and front-facing executive in the organization to ensure the maximization of opportunities as the MLBPI business grows and increases activity throughout baseball. This role reports to the SVP, Business and Legal Affairs.

• Research, evaluate, and negotiate new business opportunities (which may include equity and investment-based partnerships) and growth strategies across a variety of new and existing categories, including but not limited to, apparel & hardlines, gaming, content, experiential/ location-based events, international expansion, data, human performance, and emerging technologies. 

• Leads business prospect due diligence process, including market and company research, financial background, and industry analysis to properly evaluate business opportunities and equity-based partnerships. Prepares concise yet salient reports to senior leadership on the same.

• Identify and develop new and creative revenue opportunities that positions MLBPI as a trendsetter across the licensing industry.

• Manage One Team Partners (“OTP”) new business relationships. Evaluate and make recommendations on potential opportunities. Effectively collaborate with OTP to prepare proposals and negotiate agreements. Serve as MLBPI’s point-of-contact with OTP and external partners to maximize value and protect players’ interests. 

• Supports the day-to-day oversight of the MLBPI strategic investment portfolio, working closely with Finance and Operations leads to develop, track, and evaluate growth and engagement opportunities for existing partners, manage partner relationships, and ensure partnership deliverables are fulfilled. 

• Act as a primary point of contact for new business inquiries and questions across MLBPI. 

• Complete special projects and manage team members, as assigned by SVP, Business and Legal Affairs.

• Generate reports on new and existing business efforts highlighting key metrics for departmental quarterly reports, OKRs, end of year reports, etc. 

• Draft and publish business planning materials both on an annual basis as well as for any newly defined revenue verticals or strategic initiatives with targeted objectives. 

• Create sales collateral and tools necessary to successfully achieve Business Development objectives, including proposals, sell sheets, digital content, recaps, etc. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Highly motivated, detail-oriented individual with at least 10 years of similar business development experience, preferably with sports IP. 

• Ability to work independently, handle multiple priorities and projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines. 

• High work capacity and passion for the job, in addition to high ethical and moral standards. 

• Highly organized and have polished and effective negotiation, communication, and presentation skills. 

• Experience with equity-based transactions and early-stage businesses.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (e.g. Excel, PowerPoint and Word).

• MBA preferred but not required. 

• Demonstrate attention to detail and ability to learn and generate new business opportunities and revenue strategies. 

• Passionate baseball fan with keen knowledge of Players is a plus.

• Travel required

Location: New York City – This is a hybrid work environment working 2 to 3 days in the office while working the rest from home. 

Salary: $250,000 to $300,000 – Salary range is determined on years of experience

The MLBPA, along with any of its current or future subsidiaries, including MLBPI, highly values a diverse and inclusive workforce. The MLBPA encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, creed, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, citizenship, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, disability, veteran status or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law. Additionally, the MLBPA will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities.