Business Development & Growth Associate

Overview

Job: Business Development & Growth Associate
Location: Waco, TX (In-Person)
Reports to: CEO
Stage: Early-Stage, Private-Investor Backed
Start Date: August 1, 2026

Schedule: Full-time, exempt position. Work hours may vary based on business needs, priorities, and project deadlines. This role requires a high level of ownership, accountability, and flexibility in a fast-paced startup environment.

Expires on February 19, 2026.

Company Overview

Side Coach Sports is a youth sports technology company that connects college athletes with youth athletes for private lessons while building purpose-built software for university athletic programs to manage camps and related operations.

Founded by former Division I athletes, Side Coach Sports exists to expand access to elite coaching, empower college athletes to monetize their expertise, and provide universities with technology that saves time and improves operational efficiency. The company is backed by a private investor and is in a fast-moving phase of growth.

Side Coach Sports is hiring a Business Development & Growth Associate to work directly with the CEO and own key components of the company’s go-to-market strategy, partnerships, and growth execution.

This role is designed for a high-performing, self-directed professional who exercises independent judgment, manages complex initiatives, and contributes directly to business strategy. The position plays a critical role in shaping how Side Coach Sports acquires partners, grows its athlete ecosystem, and scales its operations.

Go-To-Market & University Partnerships

• Develop, refine, and execute go-to-market strategies for university partnerships and athlete growth
• Identify priority market segments, partnership targets, and growth opportunities
• Make independent decisions regarding outreach strategy, sequencing, and positioning
• Own assigned go-to-market initiatives from planning through execution and evaluation
• Lead partnership development efforts with university athletic programs
• Negotiate partnership structures, onboarding plans, and rollout timelines
• Serve as a primary relationship owner for designated university partners
• Evaluate partner feedback and determine appropriate strategic or operational responses
• Design and oversee athlete acquisition and onboarding strategies
• Establish standards, processes, and best practices for athlete engagement
• Make judgment calls regarding prioritization, resource allocation, and platform readiness

Cross-Functional Leadership & Business Operations

• Act as a strategic generalist across sales, marketing, operations, and partnerships
• Identify gaps, inefficiencies, and opportunities across business functions
• Recommend and implement process improvements
• Support leadership planning and long-term growth initiatives

Decision-Making Authority

• Exercise independent judgment on matters of significance to the business
• Make recommendations and decisions that materially impact growth, partnerships, and operations
• Prioritize initiatives and allocate effort without day-to-day supervision
• Represent Side Coach Sports externally with partners and stakeholders

This is a full-time, exempt position. Work schedules are determined by business needs and individual responsibility for outcomes rather than fixed hourly requirements. The role may require flexibility in work hours, including extended hours during critical business periods, to meet company objectives.

Employment Classification

This position is classified as exempt under applicable federal and Texas wage and hour laws and is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Qualifications & Requirements

Required

• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects or initiatives independently
• Strong judgment, problem-solving skills, and decision-making ability
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Comfort working directly with external partners and senior stakeholders
• Proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint or equivalent tools

Preferred (Not Required)

• Experience in go-to-market, partnerships, operations, or growth roles
• Familiarity with startups, athletics, or technology-enabled platforms
• Experience working in ambiguous,…