Director of Sports Tourism – Visit Manhattan, Kansas

Position Title: Director of Sports Tourism

Organization: Visit Manhattan, a division of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce

Location: Manhattan, Kansas

Reports To: Executive Director of Visit Manhattan

Position Overview

The Sports Tourism Director leads Visit Manhattan’s sports tourism strategy, positioning Manhattan as a premier destination for athletic events, tournaments, and sports-related travel. This role is responsible for recruiting, supporting, and retaining sporting events that drive overnight visitation, generate economic impact, and enhance the overall visitor experience. Through strategic sales efforts, community collaboration, and relationship-building with sports rights holders and event organizers, the Sports Tourism Director plays a key role in advancing the destination’s tourism goals and competitive standing.

Key Responsibilities

Sports Tourism Development

• Develop and implement a comprehensive sports tourism strategy aligned with Visit Manhattan’s mission, economic impact goals, and community priorities.

• Proactively recruit new sporting events, tournaments, and competitions while strengthening long-term partnerships with existing sports rights holders, governing bodies, and event organizers.

• Identify and pursue opportunities in emerging, niche, or non-traditional sports markets that align with Manhattan’s facilities and destination assets.

• Represent Visit Manhattan at sports tourism conferences, tradeshows, sales missions, and industry events to generate leads and secure future business.

Sports Advisory Board Leadership

• Serve as the primary staff liaison and leader for the Visit Manhattan Sports Advisory Board.

• Plan and facilitate board meetings, develop agendas, guide strategic discussions, and ensure productive engagement among board members.

• Lead long-range sports tourism planning efforts, including facility development priorities, event recruitment strategies, and community-wide sports initiatives.

• Ensure board recommendations align with Visit Manhattan’s strategic plan, brand positioning, and tourism objectives.

Event Support & Stakeholder Collaboration

• Partner with local venues, hotels, university athletics, parks and recreation, and community stakeholders to support successful event execution.

• Act as a destination advocate, ensuring event organizers receive high-quality service and a welcoming experience for athletes, spectators, and families.

• Identify opportunities to enhance the athlete and visitor experience through amenities, hospitality services, and community engagement.

Marketing & Promotional Support

• Collaborate with Visit Manhattan’s marketing team to develop sports-specific marketing materials, digital content, and promotional campaigns.

• Contribute to the creation of bid proposals, sports sales collateral, website content, and social media storytelling that highlights Manhattan’s sports facilities and destination strengths.

Data, Reporting & Economic Impact

• Oversee sports tourism reporting, including lead management, booking data, event performance metrics, and economic impact analysis.

• Track and analyze sports tourism trends to inform strategic planning, investment decisions, and competitive positioning.

Preferred Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in sports management, business, tourism/hospitality, marketing, or a related field.

• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in sports tourism, event management, sports sales, or a related field.

• Demonstrated leadership experience and ability to collaborate across diverse stakeholder groups.

• Strong communication, relationship-building, and project management skills.

• Experience working with destination marketing organizations, sports tourism entities, chambers of commerce, or convention and visitor bureaus preferred.

• Familiarity with sports governing bodies, event rights holders, athletic facilities, or venue operations preferred.

• Experience using CRM systems and economic impact measurement tools preferred.

• Willingness and ability to work evenings and weekends as required to support sporting events.

• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel.

Core Competencies

• Strategic leadership and vision

• Sports tourism sales and relationship management

• Community collaboration and advisory board engagement

• Hospitality-focused customer service mindset

• Creative problem-solving and initiative

• Strong organizational and communication skills

About Visit Manhattan

Visit Manhattan is the official destination marketing organization for Manhattan, Kansas—The Little Apple®. As a division of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce, Visit Manhattan promotes tourism, meetings, sports, and events that drive economic growth and community pride. With Big 12 university athletics, versatile sports facilities, and a vibrant mix of dining, shopping, and entertainment, Manhattan offers an outstanding destination experience for athletes, spectators, and event organizers alike.