Business Development Manager - Sports Marketing

At Keywords, we are using our passion for games, technology and media to create a global services platform for video games and beyond. Our aim is to become the “go to” provider of technical services.

We enable leading content creators and publishers to leverage our expertise and capacity across the lifecycle of interactive content. In so doing we empower our clients to remain lean and agile, and to focus on creating the most engaging experiences.

Keywords is trusted and relied upon by many of the world’s leading video game companies to work alongside them during concept, development and live operations by leveraging the breadth and depth of our industry leading service lines every step of the way. www.keywordsstudios.com

Keywords Studios is seeking a results-driven Business Development Manager to accelerate the growth of our Engage service line across North America. Reporting to the Head of BD, you will be responsible for identifying, prospecting, and closing high-value creative and marketing partnerships with major Sports clients, including professional leagues, franchises, sports broadcasters, and global athletic brands.

The ideal candidate possesses a deep network within the Sports industry and an expert ability to articulate our "Engage" value proposition: delivering world-class creative marketing, social strategy, and fan engagement solutions through our integrated global network of specialized agencies.

Key Responsibilities

• Revenue Generation: Drive new business growth by identifying and securing multi-service creative and marketing contracts within the Sports sector.

• Strategic Prospecting: Build and maintain a robust pipeline of Tier-1 clients, focusing on marketing and digital / social directors within major sports leagues (e.g., NFL, NBA, MLB, MLS), international federations, athletes and sports-centric streaming platforms.

• Solution Selling: Articulate the full suite of "Engage" services—including Creative Production (hype reels, broadcast graphics, digital content), Social & Influencer Marketing, PR & Outreach, and Strategy & Insight.

• Pitch Leadership: Lead the end-to-end sales process, from initial outreach and chemistry meetings to complex RFP responses and final contract negotiations.

• Integrated Collaboration: Work closely with our internal network of specialized service providers to craft bespoke, integrated solutions for global sports brands and organizations.

• Market Intelligence: Stay ahead of industry trends in digital sports marketing, fan monetization, and athlete-led content to position Keywords as an innovative, essential partner.

• CRM Management: Maintain meticulous records of sales activity and forecasting within Salesforce to ensure transparency across the global BD team.

• Experience: 5+ years of proven success in business development or senior account management within the Sports, Esports, or Sports-focused Creative Agency sectors.

• Industry Network: A strong existing portfolio of contacts within North American sports leagues, teams, athletes and sports-media marketing departments.

• Service Expertise: Deep understanding of the sports creative production lifecycle, fan-base social ecosystems, and the athlete-influencer landscape.

• Social Media: Strong understanding of social media and influencer marketing, ROI and metrics is required.

• Communication: Exceptional presentation and storytelling skills; ability to "sell the dream" while remaining grounded in technical feasibility.

• Commercial Acumen: Strong negotiation skills with a track record of meeting or exceeding multi-million dollar annual sales targets.

• Autonomy: A self-starter capable of operating effectively in a remote/hybrid environment across North American time zones.

• Availability: Willingness to travel frequently for client meetings, major sporting events, and internal site visits.

The salary range for this position is $100,000+ with bonus opportunity depending on experience.

Keywords Studios is dedicated to following a well-established Equal Opportunities Policy. We endeavor to create a workplace, which provides for equal opportunities for all employees and potential employees.

Note to Recruitment Agencies

Please be advised that Keywords Studios does not consider unsolicited resumes, or any form of contact initiated by unauthorized third parties, including recruitment or placement agencies, unless a pre-existing, valid agreement is in place. Any fees incurred by unauthorized third parties will not be compensated by Keywords Studios. 

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Keywords Studios is committed to fair and ethical hiring practices. We expect candidates to conduct themselves with honesty and to participate in all applications and interviews independently, presenting their own knowledge and experience. Candidates should refrain from using AI assistance or third-party tools or services that could influence, capture, or otherwise interfere with the authenticity of the assessment process.

Role Information: EN

Studio: Keywords Studios

Location: Americas, United States, Los Angeles

Area of Work: Marketing

Service Line: Engage

Employment Type: Full Time, Permanent

Working Pattern: Hybrid