Manager, WNBA & Group Accounts

About Pivot

PIVOT Agency is a comprehensive sports marketing firm that bridges the gap between brands and culture. We create strong connections among consumer brands, athletes, sports, arts, causes, business, and media. Our mission is to consistently provide top-tier expertise, always focusing on our clients' success. Our vision is to lead the sports and entertainment agency sector by delivering a strategic array of diverse, top-quality client services.

We uphold several core values: Excellence in delivering impeccable service and memorable experiences; Trust built through transparency, reliability, and genuine client care; Collaboration that drives us to work seamlessly with clients from major decisions to details; and Innovation, as we continually explore new solutions and industry trends to stay ahead.

Role Summary

The Manager for WNBA & Group Accounts will play a pivotal role in shaping the vision and strategy for PIVOT Travel. This position demands a clear communicator who prioritizes existing clients while contributing to future growth initiatives for WNBA and other group accounts. Ideal candidates possess comprehensive knowledge of travel agency sales and logistics related to client services. Responsibilities encompass sales, client onboarding, sourcing, contract management, daily operations, and financial and analytical oversight of group travel.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify new prospects in group and individual travel sectors.
• Support team members with daily operations including client communication and coordination between hotels and clients.
• Define event needs with clients, including stay dates, accommodation specifications, meeting spaces, concessions, and special requests.
• Understand client budgets and requirements for each occasion.
• Strategically select hotels and prepare detailed reports for opportunities.
• Negotiate hotel proposals to secure optimum rates and favorable concessions aligned with client preferences.
• Process contract requests and modifications efficiently.
• Execute final contract agreements between clients and hotels.
• Utilize Salesforce to manage sales pipelines, track opportunities, and compile data.
• Assist clients with additional travel services such as commercial and charter flights, ground transportation, car rentals, and other related needs.
• Develop and maintain strong partnerships with hotels, NSOs, and clients.
• Manage last-minute client requests and changes promptly.
• Collect feedback and resolve issues encountered during stays in liaison with clients and hotels.
• Report weekly on progress and updates to the Senior Vice President of Pro Sports & Group Accounts.
• Collaborate with Travel Division finance on commission reports, pick up data, and hotel support documentation.

Success Criteria

• Achieve or exceed individual and departmental revenue aims for travel clients.
• Demonstrate commitment to PIVOT Agency and its clients.
• Communicate effectively with leadership regarding sales activities and revenue forecasts.
• Keep travel clients informed of new developments and industry news.
• Work cooperatively with colleagues and senior leadership towards company goals.
• Exhibit sound judgment and uphold company values both internally and externally.

Qualifications

• Strong drive and resilience to manage multiple high-priority projects in a rapidly changing environment.
• In-depth familiarity with major hotel brands such as Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, and IHG.
• Advanced negotiation capabilities.
• Comprehensive understanding of all travel components including hotels, air travel (commercial and charter), ground transportation, rentals, and catering.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to manage diverse client and hotel relationships.
• Outstanding verbal, written, and presentation communication skills.
• Experience with CVENT, Salesforce, Microsoft Office, and Google Suite.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Sports Management, Marketing, or a related field.
• Three to five or more years' experience in sales, marketing, business development, third-party or hotel industry, or team operations roles.
• Expertise in group and hotel logistics from both business and competitive perspectives.
• Established network of industry relationships and existing business portfolio.
• Meticulous attention to detail, strong organization, and efficiency.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

This position operates remotely from a home office in a typical business setting. It requires frequent use of a computer and participation in voice or video calls. Tasks involve prolonged periods of sitting, computer use, and vocal communication. Physically, activities include sitting, standing, talking, hearing in person or by phone, and typing.

Employment Practices

PIVOT Agency embraces diversity and equal opportunity principles, ensuring all employees and applicants are evaluated solely on merit, qualifications, and capabilities. We enforce a strict non-discrimination policy regarding race, color, religion, nationality, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, veteran status, and other protected categories.