Business Development Manager

About the Role

Join the Portland Trail Blazers team at the Rose Quarter as a Business Development Manager, where we focus on more than basketball by pursuing excellence both on and off the court. We value pioneers and innovators who challenge norms, value inclusivity, and wish to contribute to the spirit of Rip City.

In this role, you will be responsible for identifying and securing new commercial partnerships by aligning the goals of potential partners with the influence and reach of the Trail Blazers brand, our fan base, and media platforms. Your approach will be research-driven and insight-focused, creating partnership concepts that emphasize brand strategy, audience engagement, storytelling, and measurable business impact rather than just selling assets.

Primary Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain relationships with brand marketers and agencies through consistent communication and interaction at networking events and Trail Blazers games.
• Manage a pipeline of potential partners from initial research to proposal creation, negotiation, and contract completion across designated business sectors.
• Conduct in-depth discovery discussions with prospects to grasp their business needs, target demographics, and marketing goals, to tailor compelling partnership opportunities.
• Collaborate with internal departments such as Commercial Strategy and Partnership Marketing to build insightful, integrated partnership concepts.
• Develop custom presentations and proposals that vividly demonstrate strategy, creativity, and storytelling to bring ideas to fruition.
• Present partnership strategies to senior stakeholders, aligning Trail Blazers resources with partner brand objectives.
• Coordinate cross-functionally with Marketing, Community Relations, Ticketing, Premium Services, Events, Digital, Content, Finance, and Technology teams to ensure executable partnership programs.
• Maintain accurate records of prospecting activities and pipeline status using KORE CRM, providing regular progress updates and identifying support requirements.
• Stay abreast of current marketing trends, consumer behavior, emerging platforms, and developments in sports, entertainment, and culture to inspire innovative partnership strategies.

Candidate Profile

• Experience in business development, marketing, brand strategy, partnership marketing or activation, agency account management, or related fields.
• Strong grasp of marketing fundamentals, including brand positioning, audience targeting, storytelling, campaign planning, and evaluation.
• Ability to understand marketers’ goals and translate them into persuasive partnership propositions.
• Excellent written, verbal, and visual communication skills capable of creating compelling presentations.
• Confident relationship builder who interacts effectively with clients, agencies, and internal teams.
• Intellectual curiosity with an eagerness to learn about various industries and business challenges.
• Commercial awareness and drive to develop skills in prospecting, negotiation, and deal closure.
• Strong organizational abilities to juggle multiple projects, prospects, and deadlines.
• Proven teamwork skills, able to cooperate across departments and disciplines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM software usage capability.
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and travel as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Insight into how brands develop strategy, allocate budgets, and assess partnerships.
• Experience in sports, entertainment, media, partnerships, or experiential marketing.
• Background in creating or managing integrated partnerships involving digital, socialmedia, content, events, and hospitality.
• Direct collaboration experience with brand marketers or agencies.
• Exposure to revenue-generating responsibilities such as pitching, negotiation, or prospecting.
• Knowledge of measuring partnership performance against marketing and commercial objectives.
• Aspirations to build a career in partnerships and business development.

Additional Information and Policies

Employment offers are contingent upon successful background checks, and we fairly consider applicants with criminal histories. The Portland Trail Blazers are committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity, welcoming individuals regardless of race, religion, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or other protected attributes. Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process upon request.

Compensation and Benefits

• Annual starting salary of $100,000.
• Competitive healthcare benefits.
• Retirement savings program.
• Paid maternity and parental leave.
• Flexible paid time off including three weeks vacation plus eleven holidays.
• Wellness programs.
• Tuition reimbursement opportunities.
• Complimentary parking and discounted public transit passes.
• Discounted and free tickets to events.
• Continuous learning and professional development.