Account Executive, Group Sales

Portland Thorns Account Executive, Group Sales

Founded in 2012, Portland Thorns FC have set the standard for fan support and on-field success in women's soccer since its inaugural 2013 season. One of the world's most supported women's soccer clubs, Portland has led the league in attendance for eight seasons and set a new club playoff attendance record last year with 25,218 fans supporting Thorns FC in the 2023 semifinal match at Providence Park. Thorns FC have won the NWSL Championship a league-record three times (2013, 2017, 2022) and finished as runners-up in 2018. The club has made the postseason a league-high nine times and has won the NWSL Shield in 2016 and 2021.

The Role

The Portland Thorns are seeking a dynamic Account Executive, Group Sales to join our Ticket Sales & Service team, responsible for generating new business for the organization through the sale of the Portland Thorns group ticket packages, premium and non-premium seats, suites, and other ticketing products. It is an incredible opportunity to grow your sports sales and service career with a team committed to professional development and success.

What You'll Be Up To

• Develop and execute group sales strategies to achieve and exceed group sales revenue targets.
• Make sales calls from category lists to area organizations and follow-up as necessary.
• Generate new business through face-to-face appointments, virtual appointments, self-prospecting and outbound calls & emails.
• Sell group ticket products to a wide range of clientele, including but not limited to, companies, individuals, youth sports organizations, schools & colleges, charitable organizations, soccer fans, and non-soccer fans.
• Develop and maintain an accurate database of leads, contacts, and prospects for ongoing communication and relationship management.
• Manage and grow a book of business year-over-year.
• Monitor industry trends and best practices to continually enhance the group sales strategy and offerings.
• Collaborate with the ticket sales team to align group sales strategies with broader ticketing initiatives.
• Work closely with the ticket operations team to ensure successful group experiences.
• Perform "game day" responsibilities, including entertaining clients and fulfilling large group events and theme night commitments.
• Attend team and community events for purpose of maximizing sales opportunities
• Coordinate with other departments to organize and implement large group/theme nights.
• Provide outstanding and professional customer service to clients to exceed expectations and build relationships.
• Proactively create opportunities for new business with existing customers.
• Other duties as assigned.

What It Takes To Be A Thorn

• Bachelors degree preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of sales experience in sports/entertainment and/or hospitality industry preferred, with experience in B2C and B2B sales.
• Comfort with making outbound cold calls.
• Strong work ethic, coachability, competitiveness, and a positive attitude.
• Highly motivated with a passion for sales.
• A great teammate.
• Polished presentation skills, with an ability to think and react to situations confidently.
• Assertive, persistent, creative, and results-oriented.
• Understand the importance of working as a team across multiple departments.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Experience and success developing and building relationships with a creative consultative approach.
• Present themselves in a professional manner, and are able to interact with all levels of the organization.
• Ability to work weekends, nights, and holidays as dictated by events.
• Knowledge and efficiency in ticket systems functions and database management.
• Seat Geek & Salesforce experience preferred.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus.
• MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook computer skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary, base plus commission.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and wellness programs
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement
• Dynamic, collaborative and fun work environment
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact and contribute to the growth of women's soccer

If you're ready to shape the future of the Portland Thorns, send us your application. Let's make history together! We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.