Houston First recognizes and appreciates the importance of cultivating an environment that nurtures talent; is equitable and values different perspectives and backgrounds; and, above all, is respectful to everyone.

We are seeking a visionary and proactive candidate, dedicated to delivering exceptional results. Under the direction of the Chief Commercial Officer, the Vice President of Sports, Entertainment & Enterprise Services is responsible for executing the strategy, plans, and initiatives of the Sports & Entertainment and Enterprise Services units within the department.

The Vice President oversees the daily activities, functions, and personnel within their assigned units. This role involves creating, expanding, managing, and negotiating strategic business relationships and opportunities for Houston with domestic and international sports and entertainment agencies, firms, promoters, and leagues. Additionally, the VP leads the development, procurement, and execution of both existing and newly created business opportunities and growth initiatives for Houston First, while identifying new markets and opportunities aligned with the company’s mission.

The Vice President provides guidance, management, and support for all state funding matters and related requests, including evaluations, state submission requests, economic analysis, data collection, post-event settlements, reporting, and policy or operating guideline reviews related to the ETF/MERP Fund through the State of Texas Comptroller’s Office.

As assigned by the Chief Commercial Officer, the VP is responsible for executing sports and entertainment-related business activities, and related functions on behalf of the department and company. The VP also ensures strong external client and stakeholder relationships, maximizes revenue streams, optimizes facility potential, and facilitates seamless collaboration and execution between internal business units and external partners to achieve departmental and company objectives.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES☒ Supervises: Directors, Managers, Coordinators.

• ☒ Supervises: Directors, Managers, Coordinators.
• ☒ Maintain staff by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training and supervising team members.
• ☒ Plan, assign and appraise performance; rewarding and disciplining team members, addressing complaints, and resolving problems.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Serves as a senior advisor to the Chief Commercial Officer on all department matters.
• Maintains a prominent level of understanding of short-term and long-term strategic business opportunities to assist in procuring sport and entertainment events and program rights for Houston.
• Crafts professional, customized, and tailored proposals and related bid presentations (as required) that creatively and distinctly differentiate and communicate a value proposition of Houston to promoters and agencies alike.
• Delivers mutually beneficial opportunities to targeted external partners that drive revenue, profitability, and value to Houston First Corporation and the city of Houston.
• Ensures seamless internal handoff, coordination, and execution of all agreements (and related deliverables) to enable Houston First and the city of Houston to deliver first-class, professional service and support to its external clients/partners.
• Responsible for budgeting, forecasting, and performance results of the commercial enterprise department, as required (or as assigned by Chief Commercial Officer).
• Adheres to the Company’s contracting process and requirements so all HFC operating guidelines, policies, and procedures are being executed properly and effectively; including but not limited to, contract format, legal terms and requirements, internal reviews and approvals, client invoices/billing, etc.
• Responsible for detailed reporting and pertinent data collection, proper and effective use of Salesforce® (and/or other Company CRM software, systems, and tools provided), and any required assistance and/or support in connection with client recaps or post-action reports.
• Creates a strategic pipeline/target lists of viable sports and entertainment opportunities that drive revenue and economic benefits to HFC and the city of Houston.
• Maintains accurate, organized, detailed, and up-to-date records and files; including but not limited to, Development strategic plans, target lists, clients, and prospect contacts, bid and contract docs, recap reports, budgets, etc.
• Identifies, develops, and implements new business development strategies, and related opportunities, that grow revenues and profitability for the company.
• Manages and oversee of the department’s Development and Research staff, and related unit functions and responsibilities, that ensures internal and external operating alignment, cross-departmental collaboration, and effective communication and execution to meet its assigned goals/objectives.
• Leads cross-functional teams to develop and execute new initiatives.
• Monitors market trends, analyzes industry trends and competitive landscape, and provides competitor analysis as required.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Chief Commercial Officer.
• Meets and exceeds assigned department goals

• Bachelor’s degree in business studies or related field, preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in business development, sales, revenue generation, and/or marketing preferred.

• Capacity to understand “big picture” strategic objectives while managing and negotiating tactical executions at multiple levels.
• Advanced written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain outstanding client relationships – at the most senior levels and implementation level.
• Ability to respond quickly and effectively to clients’ needs and issues.
• Ability to strategically conceptualize, develop and implement value-add opportunities that build client engagement, and provide a foundation to drive business growth to clients/partners.
• Professional appearance and one that demonstrates a strong work ethic and a positive, can-do attitude.
• Professional who is dependable, flexible, and able to pivot and adjust, as required quickly and effectively.
• Exceptional ability to organize work and tasks; attention to detail and excellent follow-through.
• Ability to work and thrive in a fast-paced environment and execute effectively against multiple projects and deadlines.
• Ability to take initiative, anticipate needs, exercise independently, and make sound judgment.
• Must be self-motivated and have strong analytical problem-solving capabilities.
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful business strategies.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills
• Must be self-motivated, able to work independently, and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Manage confidentiality without exception.
• Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint
• Well-versed,  knowledgable, and understanding of all ETF/MERP matters, including state funding submission requirements that allow Houston First, and its local community partners, to achieve its desired results and adhere to all company and state policies and procedures.

• ☒ No major sources of discomfort; normal office environment
• ☒ Must be able to travel and occasionally; work long or irregular hours as required