Business Development Program

Our teammates are at the core of what we believe in: People, Collaboration, Learning, and Excellence (PeopleCLE). We look to hire individuals who are committed to our purpose of uniting and inspiring our city through the power of team. Our mission is to win the World Series while creating a compelling fan experience.  If you believe you possess these important traits, please consider a career with the Cleveland Guardians.

PRIMARY PURPOSE: Unique development program that offers corporate partnership, premium hospitality & ticket sales experience.  This Program is designed to develop and grow the next sales & service leaders in the sports industry.  Teammates will become well-rounded experts on the multidisciplinary, revenue-generating business areas of Cleveland Guardians Baseball. Through mentorship, coaching, and hands-on experience this program provides all the necessary tools and training to become a successful, well-rounded sales executive in professional sports.

*The expected duration of this program is to begin mid-June 2025 and end in April 2026. Teammates are expected to work a 40-hour/week schedule.

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

Development & Training

• Active participation in trainings designed to learn the Cleveland Guardians' product segments, Northeast Ohio business community, fan-base, and ‘Guardians Way to Sales & Service.’
• Engage in continuous education of best sales practices through weekly meetings, mentorship, shadowing, , and experiential learning opportunities
• Become proficient in organization’s product and service offerings in addition to relevant campaigns, team updates, events, and other customer-facing opportunities for effective selling.
• Gain understanding of the Guardians’ sales and service processes in order to successfully execute sales & enhance skills throughout the duration of the program.

Sales & Service

• Generate revenue through new business development and renewing existing business across all product segments (Corporate Partnerships, Premium Hospitality, Seasons & Group Tickets) Learn & leverage strategic selling methods (face-to-face, appointments, pitches, presentations, phone calls, emails, prospecting, etc.) with a strong focus on relationship-based sales and customer retention.
• Seek new business opportunities by contacting and developing relationships with potential and current buyers utilizing ticket sales initiatives and strategic selling methods (hosting clients in a suite, sales booths, in-house events, and off-site events)
• Manage the life cycle of a sale’s process from start to finish
• Build and maintain fan and partner relationships to gain new and retain existing accounts
• Participate in departmental functions such as partner events, trips, workout days, meetings, and other special events as appropriate. Assist with ideas for New Business generation for the betterment of the team.
• Schedule appointments and generate revenue opportunities by contacting current or prospective customers.
• Make daily number of customer contacts across product segments (specific goal varies by product segment)
• Work on special projects that directly relate to revenue generating opportunities
• Follow up on all assigned incoming leads for qualification and nurturing.
• Maintain electronic records of all customers and prospects within our CRM and ticketing systems.
• Collaborate with key internal/external resources across departments.
• Attend all other sales department meetings and customer service events, as assigned.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Upcoming and/or recent graduate or equivalent work experience preferred
• Minimum 1-year work experience in sales, service, sports and/or hospitality field
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Outlook, and Excel

ROLE REQUIREMENTS:

• Desire to learn and achieve in a highly competitive sales environment
• Strategic thinking, operational discipline, collaboration, and agility to be a sales industry leader while maintaining a commitment to personal integrity
• Coachability, teamwork, strong will to succeed with a positive attitude are necessary
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, some holidays, and event nights.
• Ability to commit to the full 11-month rotational program

ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
 

• Reads, speaks, comprehends, and communicates English effectively in all communications.
• Represents the Cleveland Guardians in a positive fashion to all business partners and the general public.
• Ability to develop and maintain successful working relationships with members of the Front Office.
• Ability to act according to the organizational values and service excellence at all times.
• Demonstrated commitment to working with diverse populations and contributing to an inclusive working environment.
• Ability to walk, sit or stand for an entire shift.
• Ability to work extended days and hours, including holidays and weekends.
• Ability to move throughout all areas and levels of the Ballpark.
• Ability to work in a diverse and changing environment.
• Occasional physical activity such as lifting and carrying boxes up to 25lbs.

The Cleveland Guardians are committed to developing and maintaining an environment that embraces all forms of diversity to enrich our core values, enhance our competitive position, strengthen our impact within our community, and foster a greater sense of belonging for our employees.

In this spirit, we know studies have shown that people from historically underserved groups - including women and people of color - are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and understand that candidate may bring certain skills and experiences to the role that are not listed above, but that would add tremendous value to our organization. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our qualifications described.