Commercial Director

Minneapolis, MN

About Minneapolis City SC

For a decade, Minneapolis City SC has been one of the leading pre-professional clubs in the United States. Community-focused and supporter-built, the Crows are a 501c3 non-profit platform that helps local players and coaches to elevate. The club competes in USL League Two, last season making it to the last eight in national playoffs (out of 144 teams), and delighting the fans who watch the club play at Augsburg University’s Edor Nelson Field in downtown Minneapolis.

The Position

Minneapolis City SC is seeking a Commercial Director to lead the organization’s business and commercial operations. The primary focus of this role will be driving revenue through sponsorship and ticket sales, along with overseeing game-day operations, community engagement, and fan experience. This position requires a passionate, motivated, and results-driven leader who can build strong relationships with corporate partners and fans to establish a thriving club.

The Commercial Director will work closely with club leadership, front-office volunteer staff, and the Minneapolis community to grow the team’s presence and ensure a sustainable and profitable operation.

Roles and Responsibilities

Revenue & Business Development

• Sponsorship Sales & Partnerships:
  • Develop and execute a comprehensive sponsorship sales strategy to secure partnerships with local businesses.
  • Identify and engage potential sponsors through networking, direct outreach, and relationship-building efforts.
  • Create and sell customized sponsorship packages, including stadium signage, digital advertising, promotional nights, and community programs.
  • Maintain strong relationships with current sponsors while continuously seeking new partnership opportunities.
  • Work closely with the marketing team to ensure sponsor activations are seamlessly integrated into promotions and game-day experiences.
  • Track and report sponsorship sales performance, ensuring all contractual agreements are fulfilled.
• Ticket Sales & Fan Engagement:
  • Develop and implement a ticket sales strategy focused on maximizing attendance for all home games.
  • Lead group sales efforts by targeting businesses, schools, youth sports organizations, and community groups.
  • Oversee season ticket, mini-plan, and single-game ticket sales campaigns, utilizing promotions, direct sales, and digital marketing efforts.
  • Build and maintain relationships with season ticket holders, ensuring top-tier customer service and engagement.
  • Train and oversee sales interns to ensure they are achieving individual and team sales goals.
  • Create ticket packages and pricing strategies that align with market demand and revenue goals.
  • Develop community outreach programs to introduce the team to new audiences and potential ticket buyers.
• Additional Revenue Streams:
  • Identify and develop new revenue opportunities, including merchandise sales, concessions, and special events.
  • Collaborate with the operations team to implement game-day promotions, theme nights, and giveaway campaigns that drive ticket sales.
  • Partner with food & beverage providers to optimize revenue generation through concession sales.
  • Explore non-game day revenue opportunities.

Game Day & Event Operations

• Oversee all aspects of game-day operations to deliver an exciting and seamless experience for fans, players, and sponsors.
• Ensure proper staffing, including bringing on and managing seasonal game-day interns for tasks like ticket taking, promotions, and set-up/tear down support.
• Work closely with operations to ensure the facility is game-ready, including seating, concessions, signage, and entertainment areas.
• Supervise sponsor activations, ensuring contractual obligations are met and maximizing sponsor visibility.
• Manage pre-game, in-game, and post-game logistics, including working with the sporting team to ensure home team, visiting team, and referees are set.
• Analyze game-day operations for efficiency improvements and implement new strategies as needed.

Community & Public Relations

• Serve as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for the team, fostering strong relationships with businesses, civic organizations, and community leaders.
• Represent the team at networking events, corporate meetings, and civic organizations to promote sponsorships and ticket sales.
• Develop and execute a community engagement plan that includes charitable partnerships, school programs, and outreach initiatives.
• Coordinate with local media outlets, including television, radio, and print, to ensure strong coverage of the team and its events.
• Oversee the execution of community programs, including youth clinics, player appearances, and charitable initiatives.
• Work with marketing and social media teams to increase brand awareness and engage with fans online.

Team & Staff Management

• Develop and oversee internship programs, ensuring young professionals gain valuable experience while contributing to team operations.
• Maintain clear and open communication between front-office volunteers, game-day interns, and leadership to align goals and expectations.
• Conduct regular staff meetings to ensure alignment and effectiveness across all departments.

General Team Responsibilities

• Game Day & Event Availability: Expected to be available for all home games and team events, including weekends and holidays.
• Office Hours: Expected to be working and available during business hours, with additional time as needed during the season.
• Stadium & Event Setup: Assist in pre-season, in-season, and post-season facility preparation for senior team and Futures activities.
• Other Duties as Assigned: Contribute to the overall success of the organization in any capacity needed.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Experience in sales, sponsorship, and business development (sports industry preferred).
• Strong ability to build relationships and close deals with corporate partners and ticket buyers.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Passion for sports and a commitment to delivering an outstanding fan experience.

Benefits & Compensation

• Monthly retainer (for ongoing strategy, coordination, reporting, and scheduled game-day/community support) plus uncapped 20% commission on net new cash received.

• Tail & In-Flight Deals: Commissions remain payable on deals (a) fully executed before termination or (b) in late-stage pipeline at termination and subsequently closed within an agreed tail period (e.g., 90 days), provided the Contractor’s material involvement is documented.

  Expenses: Out-of-pocket marketing or travel costs require pre-approval in writing; otherwise presumed included in Contractor compensation.