Director of Corporate Partnerships & Business Development

Position Summary

Director of Corporate Partnerships & Business Development
Department of Athletics

Position Summary

Southeast Missouri State University is seeking a motivated and results-oriented Director of Corporate Partnerships & Business Development to grow business-to-business revenue opportunities for SEMO Athletics.

Reporting to the Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Operations with a dual-reporting relationship to University Advancement, this position is responsible for generating revenue through corporate sponsorships, business-focused ticket sales, corporate outings, Alumni Magazine advertising, sponsorship inventory management, and corporate partnership execution.

The successful candidate will be a proactive seller, strong relationship builder, creative problem solver, and detail-oriented professional who creates value for corporate partners while advancing sustainable revenue growth for SEMO Athletics.

Primary Responsibilities

• Identify, prospect, cultivate, pitch, negotiate, and secure corporate sponsorships, advertising opportunities, corporate ticket packages, and other business-to-business revenue opportunities
• Develop and manage relationships with corporate partners to support satisfaction, retention, renewals and revenue growth
• Sell advertising in the University’s Alumni Magazine, as standalone opportunities or as part of integrated corporate partnership packages
• Manage SEMO Athletics sponsorship and advertising inventory, including availability, pricing, category exclusivity, contracts, renewals, fulfillment requirements, and partner activation needs
• Coordinate sponsorship activation and fulfillment in collaboration with athletics department and campus partners to ensure corporate partnership agreements are executed accurately, professionally, and on schedule
• Support Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and revenue sharing initiatives by identifying business opportunities, managing available NIL-related inventory or concepts, supporting student-athlete fulfillment, and coordinating with appropriate Athletics, University, and compliance staff
• Support fundraising events, home athletic events, and other external engagement revenue-generating initiatives
• Utilize Raiser’s Edge NXT, Paciolan/PacFund, and other systems to manage prospects, document sales activity and partner communication, monitor inventory, forecast revenue and measure performance
• Represent SEMO Athletics at home athletic events, select away athletic events, fundraising and donor functions, community and University events, and regional engagement opportunities, including evenings, weekends, and occasional travel
• Ensure all revenue-generation and activation activities are conducted in accordance with University policies, NCAA rules, conference regulations, state laws, and contractual obligations.
• Maintain a valid driver's license
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of SEMO Athletics and University Advancement priorities

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Two or more years of experience in sales, business development, sports marketing, athletics external operations, fundraising, or another relationship-based sales or business development field
• Knowledge of intercollegiate athletics and the business of sports marketing and sponsorships
• Demonstrated ability to prospect, build relationships, present opportunities, negotiate agreements, close sales, and provide follow-up service
• Demonstrated ability to manage client relationships, deliver excellent customer service, and support retention efforts
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including proposal development, presentations, correspondence, and reporting
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, initiative, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to develop creative sponsorship, advertising, ticket sales, and revenue-generating opportunities
• Ability to work collaboratively with a variety of audiences, including Athletics and University leadership, coaches, staff, donors, alumni, volunteers, business partners, and campus colleagues
• Ability to use CRM systems, ticketing platforms, Microsoft Office, presentation software, or similar technology
• Ability to work frequent evenings and weekends, and travel occasionally as required
• Commitment to NCAA rules compliance, University policies, confidentiality, and ethical standards
• Possess a valid driver’s license

Required Information & Deadline

Application Deadline: To ensure full consideration, application materials must be received by July 31, 2026.  The position is available immediately and will remain open until filled.

To Apply: Complete the online application by clicking on the APPLY button at the top of the page. You must submit the following for your application materials to be complete.

• Letter of interest addressing all position qualifications
• Current resume
• Names and contact information of three professional references may be asked for later, if not previously submitted