Manager, Business Development at National Women's Soccer League – New York, New York

The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) is one of the fastest-growing professional sports leagues in the U.S., powered by 16 clubs and a deep roster of the world’s best players, and built on record-shattering fan, media and commercial growth. Now in its 13th season, the league’s momentum continues to accelerate, with viewership and attendance numbers growing rapidly, social media fandom on the rise, team valuations massively increasing and new top sponsors investing in the NWSL brand.

This unprecedented growth in audience, media reach, and franchise value reflects the NWSL’s expanding fan base and increasing dominance in the sports-media landscape and popular culture. The future of the NWSL is now — and we’re looking for world-class talent like you to help us continue the momentum.

The Manager, Business Development will drive new corporate partnership revenue for the NWSL by identifying, cultivating, and closing strategic, multi-year partnerships aligned with league priorities and long-term growth.

This is not a transactional sales role. We are looking for someone who combines disciplined prospecting with insight-led storytelling, someone who can build holistic, mutually beneficial brand partnerships that integrate across media, events, digital, and community platforms and deliver real value on both sides.

This role will report to the Senior Director, Partnerships and collaborate closely with Partnership Solutions, Marketing, Media, and Strategy teams to bring compelling opportunities to market.

New Revenue Generation

• Proactively identify, prospect, and close new corporate partnerships across priority growth categories.
• Build and manage a disciplined pipeline aligned with annual and multi-year revenue targets.
• Lead the full sales cycle from outreach and discovery through pitch, negotiation, and contract execution.

Strategic Category Development

• Develop deep expertise in assigned categories, identifying whitespace opportunities and long-term brand targets.
• Align prospecting with league tentpoles, emerging platforms, and commercial priorities.
• Position partnerships as integrated investments (not media buys) to drive higher-value, longer-term commitments.

Insight-Led Sales Storytelling

• Work with the Partnership Solutions team to develop customized, data-informed proposals that connect partner business objectives to NWSL assets and platforms.
• Translate league growth metrics, audience insights, and cultural momentum into compelling commercial narratives.
• Ensure all proposals reflect the league's standards around brand alignment, investment value, and long-term partnership structure.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Marketing, Broadcast, Events, Legal, Finance, and Community teams to ensure opportunities are both innovative and executable.
• Support broader department initiatives including sales materials, category strategy, market research, and industry engagement.

Pipeline & Forecast Management

• Maintain accurate pipeline reporting and revenue forecasting.
• Track category movement, prospect engagement, and deal velocity to inform ongoing strategic adjustments.

• 4+ years of progressive experience in sponsorship sales, partnership development, or business development within sports, media, or adjacent industries.
• Proven track record of generating new business and closing multi-year partnerships.
• Experience selling integrated marketing platforms across media, digital, experiential, and content.
• Strong commercial instincts with the ability to balance strategic thinking and disciplined execution.
• Confident communicator comfortable leading senior-level brand conversations.
• High degree of ownership, accountability, and self-direction.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple complex deal cycles simultaneously.

• Existing network of brand and/or agency relationships.
• Experience selling purpose-driven or community-based initiatives.
• Knowledge of high-growth categories including health & wellness, fintech, CPG, consulting, or emerging brands.
• Experience working within a league, team, or rights-holder commercial organization.
• Genuine enthusiasm for women's sports and belief in the NWSL's role in the broader cultural landscape.

In addition to working in an incredible, inclusive, and committed-to-diversity culture, we offer:

• Competitive Compensation: $95,000 - $110,000 (Salary is contingent upon candidate qualifications and functional business needs).
• Time & Flexibility: Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO), sick days, and an end-of-year office closure.
• Hybrid Work Model: Three days in-office and two remote days per week.
• Robust Health Coverage: Medical, Dental, Vision, and Mental Health benefits for employees and dependents.
• Financial Future: 401k with employer match and safe harbor contributions.
• Additional Perks: Commuter benefits, Short/Long-Term Disability, Gym On-Site, Life Insurance, and Voluntary Pet Insurance.

The NWSL is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We celebrate diversity and are deeply committed to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for all employees. All employment decisions—including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, compensation, and termination—are made without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process due to a disability, you may contact us at careers@nwslsoccer.com.