The Opportunity

The Account Executive, Development will generate revenue through the development and sale of marketing partnerships for properties associated with the Memphis Grizzlies, including FedExForum, Grind City Media, the Memphis Hustle (NBA G League), and Grizz Gaming (NBA 2K League), as well as Grizzlies opportunities, as appropriate. They will identify prospects, build a pipeline, and negotiate deals across multiple industries and businesses. By focusing on the client’s marketing objectives and business goals, the candidate will create partnership packages that are customized, relevant, integrated, and flexible, and serve to affect the behaviors and perceptions of the client’s target markets.

In This Role You Will

• Meet (and exceed) all personal revenue goals through the development and sale of marketing partnerships for Grind City Media, Memphis Hustle (NBA G League), Grizz Gaming (NBA 2K League), and Memphis Grizzlies as appropriate.
• Manage all phases of the new and renewal business development process (identification, research, outreach, qualification, discovery, ideation, proposal, negotiation, and closing), collaborating with the activation team to maximize the opportunity for all prospects in their pipeline.
• Identify potential partners, initiate professional outreach, and qualify prospects to determine fit and capacity.
• Conduct a comprehensive needs analysis to diagnose the gap between the client’s current state and desired future state.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to create partnerships that leverage deep business insights to align with client objectives, communicate relevant brand attributes, and engage target markets.
• Construct creative, customized, themed and comprehensive proposals that follow a compelling narrative with a value proposition that delivers on a potential partner’s marketing objectives.
• Build a partnership business case for new prospects and current partners. This includes presentation building, scripting and pitching.
• Successfully negotiate and close marketing partnerships that will drive measurable results for partners, enhance the fan experience, and maximize revenue for the company.
• Use Salesforce/KORE CRM System with regularity to input contacts, track activities, build deal sheets and project revenue against personal goals.
• Collaborate with analytics team to optimally utilize audience and fan segmentation (YouGov, Scarborough), lead generation and prospecting tools (SponsorUnited, LinkedIn Sales Navigator), sponsor impact studies, social media reporting (MVPindex), etc.
• Assist activation team in the planning, execution, and measurement of partnerships.
• Identify upsell opportunities amongst existing clients.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for prospective and existing partners.
• Host partners at a variety of events.
• Maintain office organization and assume other duties as assigned.

The Experience You Will Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, advertising, or related discipline and/or sufficient work experience in the sports marketing/sales, advertising, and/or events industries.
• Possess key character traits of empathy, entrepreneurial spirit, multi-track thinking and curiosity.
• High level of business acumen, creative problem-solving abilities, and professionalism.
• Strong presentation skills and experience creating and delivering executive-level presentations.
• Six (6) months’ experience using CRM and MS Office software.
• Capacity to work a varied schedule to include evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed, as well as multi-task in a fast-paced environment and willingness to travel.
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written), relationship-building abilities, and attention to detail.
• Tremendous teamwork and collaborative spirit coupled with the ability to work independently.
• An endlessly positive attitude, openness to learning, superior work ethic, enthusiastic mindset, and self-starter mentality.

Physical/Cognitive:

With or without accommodation:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift at least 15 pounds at a time.
• Ability to read, write, and interpret information.
• Ability to use hands to manipulate, handle, and feel.
• Must possess visual activity, i.e.: close, distance, and color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Continuous stretching, standing, and walking, including up and downstairs.
• Ability to reach, lift, stoop, bend, push, pull, twist, sit, and climb.

Nice to Have:

• Knowledge of sports and entertainment, specifically NBA basketball.

What We Offer

At the Memphis Grizzlies, we strive to support our team members through all stages of life with robust and attractive benefits, financial and wellness options and great perks. In addition to offering a competitive salary, we have other great benefits and perks.

Keeping You Healthy

• Industry leading health coverage
• Short and Long-term disability
• Team Member and Dependent Life Insurance
• Group Voluntary Benefits
• Wellness programs through EAP and Headspace

Discounts and Perks

• Matching 401(k)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Team Store Discounts
• Happy Hours and other fun activities
• Qualified parking and game night meals
• NBA Sponsored Discount Programs
• Employee Referral Bonuses
• Employee Recognition Programs

Taking Time Off

• Generous Paid Time Off
• Holiday Pay
• Paid Parental Leave

Memphis Basketball LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to treating all applicants and team members fairly based on their abilities, achievements and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other classification protected by law.