Director, Business Development, IEG Consulting Group
Company Background
IEG leads the way in sponsorship intelligence. With more than 30 years’ experience providing independent insights, evaluation and guidance, our consultants and analysts bring unparalleled perspective and proven methodology to every challenge.
We partner with top brands and properties to create fresh strategies, evaluate opportunities and maximize results. Our clients rise above their competitors, meaningfully engage audiences and achieve lasting impact.
IEG evolves new and better ways for companies and brands to partner with organizations and events throughout sports, arts, entertainment, associations and causes—for mutual benefit.
Our expertise extends beyond sponsorship to partnerships of every type: branded entertainment, strategic alliances, promotional partnerships, cobranding initiatives, strategic philanthropy, online and new media programs, as well as experiential, affinity and social marketing.
No company is as influential as IEG in establishing the sponsorship industry as an essential part of business. Shaping and defining sponsorship over three decades, we have gained an unparalleled and objective understanding of how and why the industry works. Every client we partner with enriches their industry know-how through our leadership and talent.
IEG was acquired by WPP Group plc’s media investment management operation, GroupM, in 2006, connecting us to specialty sister communications companies in media, digital and activation.
WPP is one of the world's leading communications services groups; its companies work with 336 of the Fortune Global 500; 29 of the Dow Jones 30; 60 of the NASDAQ 100; and 32 of the Fortune e-50.
WPP companies include JWT, Ogilvy & Mather Worldwide, Y&R, The Voluntarily United Group, Grey Worldwide, Bates Asia, Mindshare, MediaCom, MEC, Millward Brown, TNS, Wunderman, Hill & Knowlton, Burson-Marsteller, and Landor, among others. For more information visit WPP.com
Position Summary
IEG has an outstanding opportunity for a business development professional ready to strengthen client relationships, support growth initiatives and enter new markets. The Director of Business Development will drive new revenue to IEG by focusing on sponsorship consulting opportunities with leading sports, entertainment and cause properties and Fortune 1000 brands. He/she will champion IEG’s sponsorship consulting services and place IEG within the decision set of major properties and brands throughout North America and around the world.
Core Responsibilities
The Director of Business Development will introduce key property and brand sponsorship decision-makers to the IEG Consulting value proposition. This person will play a lead role in developing new business opportunities from his/her own relationships within the sponsorship /marketing marketplace as well as leads provided by IEG marketing initiatives and industry relationships. Specifically, the Director of Business Development will:
- Strategically Identify and Access Business Development Opportunities – Apply knowledge of marketing, the sponsorship industry and market trends to identify key prospects, obtain meetings with key decision-makers, qualify leads and build a sustainable pipeline.
- Make Things Happen – Maintain a visible presence in the marketplace, gain meetings with key decision-makers and develop meaningful business relationships with brands active in sponsorship.
- Provide Sales Leadership – Generate new business by creating relevant connection points for IEG Consulting ensuring that IEG is well represented in new business pitches and at industry networking functions.
- Serve as an Industry Expert – With each prospect, understand sponsorship, propose appropriate solutions utilizing IEG’s suite of services and apply knowledge of IEG competitive differentiators.
- Creates Compelling Proposals and/or Manages Proposal Development Process – Describe the IEG Consulting solution, value proposition and reasons to engage with IEG.
- Achieve Financial Goals – Be responsible for closing new business and meeting and exceeding sales goals.
- Create/Expand Revenue Opportunities – Identify new and relevant IEG Consulting service offerings and/or marketing opportunities.
- Build Awareness and Exude Credibility – Be responsible for keeping IEG top of mind with prospects as the “go to” company for strategic counsel, measurement and evaluation, and competitive research.
Relevant Experience & Skills
The professional we seek will possess excellent business development skills while having a solid understanding of marketing, familiarity with sponsorship and the ability to gain access to key decision-makers in the marketplace. Experience selling to senior-level representatives at properties and brands (VP Sponsorship) is preferable. The ideal candidate will possess many, if not all, of the following skills and attributes:
- Minimum of three years of sales experience with a track record of successfully selling six-figure engagements to senior-level representatives at properties and brands.
- Sponsorship industry and/or marketing industry expertise where sponsorship was part of the strategy.
- Proven track record developing and closing new business and meeting and exceeding sales goals.
- Strong negotiation, networking, time management and organizational skills.
- Strong verbal and written presentation skills including the ability to tell compelling stories and be a persuasive presenter.
- Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with colleagues and prospects building respect and trust.
- Self-starter with ability to work independently with little supervision.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word/Excel/PowerPoint/Outlook and sales databases.
- Unassailable ethics and high degree of professionalism in all aspects of conduct.
- Bachelor’s degree with a major or minor in business or a business related discipline
Please email your resume to:
Emily Rogers
Chief Growth Officer & President of IEG Consulting Group
emily.rogers@sponsorship.com
Location
Chicago, IL (applicant must currently be a Chicago resident)
Compensation
IEG offers an outstanding compensation package consisting of base salary, commission and an attractive benefits package. IEG is an equal opportunity employer.