Title: EVP of Revenue & Chief Commercial Officer

Reports to: President & CEO 

Department: Executive

Apply: www.therscfirm.com

About the Role

The EVP of Revenue & Chief Commercial Officer will be a trusted advisor to the President & CEO by bringing a strategic, proactive, and analytical approach to all facets of the Club’s revenue and business development.  An emphasis will be placed on innovation, prospecting, securing, and renewing partnerships with the local, national, and global brands, as well as identifying new revenue streams that are complimentary to and enhance the Chicago Bears brand. The candidate will be required to lead their teams in creating compelling and innovative narratives for partners to activate their message and brand, maximizing visibility, activation of consumer retention, and ROI.   The candidate must be well-versed in establishing KPIs and incorporating data analytics.

This role is responsible for driving new categories of commercial growth both in market and internationally. Building forward-thinking strategic plans for the sports business will be critical.  The candidate will be tasked with driving revenue and energizing assigned departments while creating and sustaining a professional and exceptional high-achieving culture of excellence, a sense of urgency, and accountability. The candidate must also be a leader and advocate for team development, fostering cohesiveness and collaboration across the organization. Best practices must be regularly cultivated, focusing on a culture of continuous improvement.

The candidate will be expected to raise the performance and sophistication of the team’s business portfolio through an evaluation of the overall commercial strategy and the capabilities of the existing team. The candidate must demonstrate strong business, sales, and relationship development acumen coupled with an innovative mindset.  Organic revenue growth is expected, and it will be the central component to drive results while continuously aligning with the organizational vision and culture.

Departments of oversight: Corporate Partnerships, Partnership Activation, Ticket Sales & Service, Ticket Operations, Suite Sales & Service.  Areas of oversight: Retail partner, food and beverage partner, international growth & activation, sports betting, fan empowerment, stadium development project.

This position is located at both our downtown Chicago office and team headquarters in Lake Forest, IL   Must be able to work every home and away game.  Local, national, and international travel is required as needed throughout the year.

Who We Are

As one of the founding franchises of the NFL, family is at the core of who we are. We are different from other companies. Our people represent a vast array of cultural backgrounds, human experiences, and perspectives, and we believe they, collectively and as authentic individuals, are our greatest resource. Our working environment is one where your talent and contributions are valued by the organization and the community. We believe every person matters, and we can collectively achieve success through integrity, respect, a team-first mentality, open communication, and trust.

Our Commitment To Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

The Chicago Bears organization continues to deepen its commitment to establishing an inclusive, equitable work environment that reflects the diversity within our communities and fan base. We value, respect, and appreciate diversity at all levels, on and off the field, and are guided by a vision of success that includes integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion into our club’s DNA and culture. As such, we recognize the additional hurdles marginalized communities may face when applying for a job. Don’t meet every requirement for the role but feel you have many of the skills needed? Please apply! Our culture is rooted in providing the resources needed for all staff to succeed, including job-specific training. We want you to help us achieve our goals and to be part of one of the most storied franchises in all sports.

Responsibilities

Revenue Strategy, Planning, and Data Analytics

• Evaluate, build, and execute strategic sales plans that maximize revenue and challenge the organization while aligning with the Chicago Bears values.
• Drive revenue growth across all areas of oversight.
• In collaboration with Business Strategy/Analytics and Finance, develop and implement a comprehensive sponsorship valuation/pricing strategy, inventory management, and relationship management/renewal plan. Monitor market dynamics and adjust pricing strategies accordingly.
• Identify new revenue streams and market opportunities to drive growth while reducing operating expenses and identifying efficiencies and synergies that lead to tangible economic value creation.
• Analyze market trends, customer and sponsor needs, and competitive landscape to inform revenue strategies.
• Use KPIs and advanced metrics to drive results and provide informed recommendations and effective decision-making.
• Serve as a key company spokesperson on partnership-related matters, communicating regularly and effectively with all relevant stakeholders.
• Oversee external vendors (retail, F&B), including vendor selection, pricing, and timelines.
• Drive and create a culture of innovation within the organization, the connection with the city of Chicago, and at a new stadium.

Sales and Business Development

• Lead the sales team and provide strategic direction to achieve sales targets.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key partners.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities, including strategic partnerships and collaborations.
• Monitor sales performance, analyze data, and implement strategies to optimize sales effectiveness.

Customer Relationship Management

• Foster strong relationships and ensure high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Ensure departments under purview are working together to develop customer retention and upselling strategies.
• Critically assess the needs of existing and new partners to determine the proper partner retention and growth strategies.
• Build relationships with department heads across the organization, including Communications, Marketing, and Football Operations, to help achieve the club’s fan, business, and community growth objectives.

Team Leadership and Management

• Recruit, mentor, develop, and manage high performing teams. This includes guiding and empowering staff while holding them accountable.
• Set performance goals, assign responsibilities, set objectives, establish priorities, provide coaching and feedback, and conduct performance evaluations.
• Foster a positive and collaborative work environment that encourages innovations and teamwork across the club.
• Ensure assigned departments manage profits and losses and regularly monitor the budget to assist with real-time financial projections.
• Demonstrate a leadership approach that promotes the core values of the club and provide leadership and guidance to cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and collaboration.
• Ensure appropriate organization structure, level of staffing, and succession planning, including a sufficient bench of talent.
• Drive adoption and integration of CRM into daily usage of all staff under purview.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field is required. Master’s, JD, or PhD preferred.
• 10+ years of professional experience leading sales or activation teams and strategy.
• Demonstrated experience in senior revenue-driving role(s).
• Ability to manage a continuous stream of overlapping projects while keeping key constituents in the loop.
• Proven leadership and team management skills, including leading large, cross-functional teams as well as effectively developing talent.
• Succinct communication skills to lead efficient, effective sales meetings with staff and prospects.
• Evidence of analytical expertise and ability to leverage data for decision-making.
• Strong technology proficiency, including Microsoft Office and CRM (salesforce).
• Proven problem-solving skills; able to analyze all information and create solutions.
• Ability to influence organizational change through communication and collaboration.
• Passion for innovation and the ability to develop and execute new ideas.
• Strong financial and business acumen.
• Must exhibit integrity and build trust inside and outside of the organization.
• Ability to work non-traditional hours in non-traditional settings, including evenings, weekends, and travel.

What We Offer

We remain committed to upholding the standard of being a first-class organization and employer of choice. Our goal is to provide quality support and a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for our most important resource, our people.

Benefits and Perks

Our full-time offerings include but are not limited to:

• Core Coverage: 100% paid premium for healthcare and dental coverage, affordable vision offerings, 100% paid premium for disability and employee life insurance coverage.
• Investments: employer-paid pension plan, 401K with matching.
• Time to Recharge: generous paid time off plus 14 paid holidays, paid time off to volunteer, paid FMLA (including paid paternity leave), and flexible work-from-home options when applicable.
• Experiences: complimentary home game tickets & parking, ability to buy tickets to away games and fan events.
• Gear: a yearly Bears gear package plus 50% off at the Bears Pro Shop.
• Wellness: FREE breakfast, lunch, snacks, and drinks, access to onsite fitness facilities and BearsFit, and complimentary Calm app access.
• Connection: social events for staff and their families, DEI Council, Employee Resource Groups, and more.

Click here for more information on our benefits.

Professional Development

We are deeply invested in the personal and professional development of each employee. Our goal is to provide each employee with the tools and guidance necessary for them to achieve their career goals. We offer complimentary LinkedIn Learning licenses, the ability to attend conferences, hear from guest speakers, participate in formal leadership training for all people managers, mentorship opportunities, and more.

The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job. Chicago Bears Football Club, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

CBFC is an Equal Opportunity Employer

City

Chicago