General Manager, Sponsorship & Revenue – Valparaiso Athletics

About Van Wagner College

Van Wagner College is a leading strategic multimedia rights holder and campus marketing partner. Utilizing a solutions-based, holistic sales approach, we deliver critical resources and revenue-generating opportunities to our university and conference partners across the United States.

About the Role

Help drive revenue and build meaningful corporate partnerships for Valparaiso University through Van Wagner. This role is ideal for a sales professional who wants ownership of a sponsorship portfolio and the opportunity to make a direct impact on partner growth.

As a representative supporting Valparaiso University, the General Manager will build and maintain strong relationships with local and regional businesses, the campus community, and the athletics department.

This role is embedded within the University and serves as a key liaison between Valparaiso Athletics and its corporate partners. The General Manager will represent the University’s brand in all external interactions and ensure partnership initiatives align with institutional priorities and market opportunities.

You will be responsible for driving revenue through corporate partnerships, growing existing sponsor relationships, and identifying new business opportunities that enhance the program’s visibility and value.

The role requires a balance of strategy and execution, including building proposals, closing deals, and delivering high-quality sponsorship experiences.

Why This Role Stands Out

• Direct access to university leadership and key decision-makers

• Ability to build a local and regional sponsorship portfolio from the ground up

• Hands-on involvement in game day activations and fan experience

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Oversee overall revenue generation and cost containment for the business operation

• Build and maintain relationships with local and regional businesses, campus stakeholders, and the athletics department

• Develop and execute an annual business plan to maximize revenue, brand exposure, and partner value

• Manage expenses according to an approved annual budget

• Lead sponsorship sales efforts, from prospecting through closing

• Serve as the primary point of contact for current sponsors, growing and extending partnerships

• Prepare and present high-quality, story-driven PowerPoint proposals

• Negotiate and close new sponsorship agreements

• Oversee sponsorship fulfillment across platforms, including TV, radio, digital, social media, print, and in-venue activations

• Collaborate on game day execution, including sponsor activations and hospitality

• Track pipeline, activity, and reporting in Salesforce

• Provide proof-of-performance reporting and insights to partners

• Maintain strong relationships with university leadership and key stakeholders

What We’re Looking For

• Experience in sales, marketing, sponsorships, or partnership development

• Proven ability to close sponsorship or partnership deals

• Comfort operating in a quota-driven, revenue-focused role

• Excellent communication and presentation skills (PowerPoint proficiency required)

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

• Energetic, self-motivated, and results-driven mindset

• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays

• Proficiency in Salesforce, Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, and Excel

• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record

Compensation

• Base salary range: $80,000 – $100,000, commensurate with experience

• Opportunity for additional performance-based incentives

Why Van Wagner May Be Right for You

• A strong, people-first culture built on trust with our clients, team members, and partners, while delivering real business results

• Competitive salary and paid time off

• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance

• 401(k) plan

Own revenue. Build partnerships. Represent Valparaiso University with Van Wagner—we want to hear from you.

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