Business Development & Partnership Manager - Sports Vertical

ABOUT CHEDDAR UP:
Leads the group payments market in North America, empowering tens of thousands of organizers and millions of payers to streamline how they collect payments and information. We are a fun, tight-knit team that is inspired everyday by the group organizers we serve. We’re a fast-growing tech company with opportunities for growth and offer great flexibility in terms of hours and location.
Our mission is to provide simple, robust tools that enhance group organizers’ productivity so they can save time, do more, and support and grow their communities. If you’re driven by mission, eager to learn, and enjoy making a difference, Cheddar Up is the place for you.
POSITION SUMMARY:
As the Business Development &
Partnership Manager forthe Sports Vertical, you will focus particularly within youth and high school sports teams, leagues, associations, and related entities. This includes:
Youth Sports Organizations:
Little leagues, youth soccer clubs, AAU teams.
High School Sports:
Athletic departments, booster clubs, high school sports teams.
Leagues:
Regional leagues, national leagues, amateur leagues.
Associations:
National governing bodies, regional sports associations, coaches associations.
Related Entities:
Sports camps, training academies, sports event organizers.
This position focuses on identifying and developing new business opportunities to grow Cheddar Up’s user base, forging strategic partnerships, and maximizing revenue potential. You will leverage your industry knowledge, networking skills, and business acumen to establish and nurture relationships with key stakeholders in the sports sector across the United States.
In this role, you will collaborate closely with the marketing and growth team to learn the team’s partnership playbook, identify and research target organizations, conduct cold outreach, and craft targeted lists and campaigns to break through to prospects. You will quickly become an expert on the Cheddar Up platform, understanding its value proposition to effectively demo the product to potential partners.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Business Development:
Identify and pursue new business opportunities within the youth and high school sports vertical.
Develop and execute strategic plans to achieve growth targets and expand market presence.
Conduct market research to identify trends, competitive landscape, and potential partners.
Partnership Management:
Establish and maintain strong relationships with sports organizations, clubs, and other relevant entities.
Navigate prospect conversations to get in front of key decision makers ultimately resulting in executed partnership agreements that drive mutual value.
Collaborate with partners to launch the partnership and ensure they drive awareness of Cheddar Up across their organizations.
Manage ongoing relationships with partners by providing regular updates on new features, sending new collateral, and seeking referrals. Ensure partners are continuously engaged and supported to maximize the value of their partnership with Cheddar Up.
Revenue Generation:
Develop and manage a business development pipeline, ensuring timely outreach, follow-up, and conversion of leads.
Achieve revenue targets through effective partnership and business development strategies.
Monitor and analyze partnership performance to identify areas for improvement and growth.
Strategic Collaboration:
Work closely with internal teams including marketing, product development, and customer support to align efforts, maximizing partner impact and customer satisfaction.
Provide feedback and insights to help shape product development and enhance service offerings.
Collaborate with the marketing and growth team to identify and research target organizations, conduct cold outreach, and create targeted lists and campaigns.
Product Expertise:
Quickly become an expert on the Cheddar Up platform, learning its features and value proposition.
Conduct product demos for potential partners, highlighting the platform's benefits and capabilities as it relates to the prospective partner’s specific ideal use cases.
Industry Engagement:
Identify industry events and/or sponsorships that are in line with Cheddar Up’s target market and ROI goals within the youth and high school sports industry.
Represent Cheddar Up at sports-related industry events and conferences to network and identify new opportunities as applicable.
Stay updated on industry trends and developments to inform business strategy and maintain a competitive edge within the sports vertical.
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, or related field.
Relevant Experience &
Market Knowledge:
At least 3-5 years of experience in business development, sales, or partnership management, with a strong preference for candidates who have worked within the sports industry, especially in youth and high school sports.
In-depth understanding of and passion for the youth and high school sports industry in the United States.
Technical Skills:
Proficiency in GSuite and CRM software like Zoho CRM is a plus.
Familiarity with digital payment platforms and online collection tools such as Cheddar Up is advantageous.
Strong analytical skills and familiarity using KPIs to track success.
Personal Skills:
Demonstrates ambition, collaboration, and a results-oriented mindset. Must be comfortable working in fast-paced environments and possess excellent problem-solving skills and adaptability.
Ability to work independently with a high level of accountability.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
Benefits
COMPENSATION &
BENEFITS:
Salary Range:
$70,000-$80,000 per year, depending on prior relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Competitive salary and access to healthcare, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) savings plan
Flexible paid time off
Remote-first culture with extensive in-office flexibility