Business Development Manager, Partnerships & Events
We operate under the mission of “Energizing people through sports and technology.”
Our business includes consulting and marketing services powered by a diverse network of professional talent both in Japan and internationally, as well as the provision of technology solutions.
We strive to continuously create new excitement and enjoyment within the Japanese sports industry, delivering meaningful and valuable experiences.
We are looking for individuals who share a strong passion for sports and are eager to work with us to drive our business forward and help shape a better future for sports in Japan.
Job Description
◎ Position Overview
Sporta Japan Corporation is a US-Japan sports business agency headquartered in New York City. We sit at the intersection of American sports culture and Japanese business, producing premium events, building cross-border partnerships, and creating sports marketing programs that connect top brands, athletes, and audiences across both markets.
Recent work includes producing "A Night of Legends," a bilingual talk show in NYC featuring Hideki Matsui and Shinji Okazaki, leading US sports business inspection programs for Japanese corporate partners (SMBC, JMA, Shimizu Construction), and developing partnership platforms with athletes and rights holders across the NBA, MLB, NWSL, and beyond.
We are hiring a Business Development Manager to lead our US-side partnerships and event business as we scale toward our next phase of growth. This is a high-visibility role with direct exposure to the CEO and senior leadership, ideal for someone who wants to build their career at the crossroads of US sports, global brands, and live event production.
◎ Responsibilities
-
Lead business development efforts for sports marketing partnerships across the US market
-
Source, pitch, and close sponsorship and partnership opportunities with US brands, agencies, and rights holders
-
Drive new business for Sporta's event business — including bilingual talk shows, brand activations, athlete appearances, and corporate inspection programs
-
Build and maintain relationships with US sports organizations (pro teams, leagues, athletes, agencies, venues)
-
Develop pitch materials, proposals, and commercial structures for partnership and event opportunities
-
Represent Sporta at industry events, client meetings, and on-site activations
-
Collaborate cross-functionally with our events, content, and operations teams to ensure successful client delivery
-
Maintain pipeline visibility and provide regular reporting to leadership
◎ Required Qualifications
-
3+ years of experience in business development, sponsorship sales, partnerships, or sports marketing
-
Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
-
Demonstrated ability to build relationships with brand-side decision-makers, agencies, or rights holders
-
Comfort working independently in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
-
Authorization to work in the United States
◎Preferred Qualifications
-
Existing network within US sports (teams, leagues, agencies, athletes, venues, brand sponsors)
-
Experience in event production, brand activation, or live entertainment
-
Interest in or experience with US-Japan cross-border business
-
Japanese language ability (any level welcomed; not required)
◎Employment Type
Full-Time
◎Location
In-office, Manhattan NYC (575 5th Avenue)
◎Compensation
$70,000–$110,000 base salary + performance-based commission, commensurate with experience
◎Benefits
PTO
◎Travel
Occasional domestic and international travel
◎Start date
Flexible