Job Title: Manager – Business Development
Reports to: Executive Director
Organization Overview
Running USA is the leading trade organization for the running industry in North America and hosts the nation’s preeminent industry conference annually. Through education, research, data collection and establishment of best practices, Running USA is committed to supporting and facilitating growth, diversification, and excitement in running communities everywhere. We promote networking and idea-sharing between event organizers, sponsors, vendors, and athletes. Running USA is a member of a global alliance of organizations focused on the betterment of the worldwide running community, including the Running Industry Alliance and European Athletics.
Job Purpose
The Manager of Business Development will be responsible for creating and selling new membership opportunities, as well as identifying assets to deliver to new and existing sponsors. The person in this role will be the main point of contact for members, ensuring the delivery of all member benefits and working to enhance to the organization’s existing membership offerings. They will also serve as the primary contact for all sponsors, ensuring that all agreed upon deliverables are received by both parties. This is a customer-facing role, and the Manager of Business Development must develop and maintain relationships with members, sponsors and other industry partners.
Full-Time ⌧ Exempt ⌧ Remote ⌧
Duties and Responsibilities
● Lead recruitment and retention of all members across different membership tiers
● Ensure tracking and delivery of all membership benefits
● Track all membership end dates so that renewals and/or needed tier adjustments are handled in a timely fashion
● Identify lapsed members and develop strategies to return them to active status
● Establish and facilitate conversation in membership peer groups
● Lead sponsor recruitment and retention, and assist with sponsor management, for all Running USA events and initiatives, including but not limited to Running Industry Conference, Global Runner Survey, Industry Meetups and webinars.
● Ensure timely fulfillment of all deliverables
● Manage monthly invoicing
● Attend and execute initiatives during Running USA Industry Annual Conference
● Be prepared to represent Running USA at key events (including but not limited to New York City Marathon, Boston Marathon, Chicago Marathon) and conferences (may include RRCA, TRE, RIA, ERBC)
● Attend and present at two in-person and two virtual Board of Directors meetings each year
● Manage data in HubSpot and other platforms, ensuring accurate reporting and metrics
Qualifications/ Requirements
● Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines while working in a fast paced environment
● Experience supporting events, activations and team operations
● Excellent communication (verbal and written), people and networking skills
● Ability to manage and interpret data
● Proven ability to build, cultivate and maintain long-term sponsor and partner relationships
● Experience negotiating sponsorship agreements and managing contract deliverables
● Ability to identify new partnerships and revenue opportunities
● Skilled in stakeholder communication across executive, corporate and team environments
● Strong client service mindset with proactive problem solving skills
● Strong planning, organizational and follow-up skills
● Risk assessment and contingency planning abilities[EG3.1]
● Knowledge of Google Workspace and HubSpot
● Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access Outlook)
Education/Experience
● Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Marketing, Communications, Sports Management, Business Development, or Membership Management
● Minimum of 3 years of experience supporting/producing running events or related businesses
● Self-motivated with the ability to work independently
● Working knowledge of the endurance sports industry
Working Conditions/Physical Requirements
● Must possess high level of professionalism and executive presence
● Moderate walking, standing, and/or climbing, heavy lifting and carrying, bending, kneeling and reaching. Work both inside and outside.
● Ability to travel to all Running USA Conference(s) and other events as required
● Adaptable and resilient in high-pressure environments
● The employee may be asked to occasionally lift and/or move up to 70 pounds
Compensation: Target salary of $60,000 per year
Application Process: Interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter to humanresources@runningusa.org