Director, Sales Development

RAJ SPORTS

RAJ Sports, led by Alex Bhathal and Lisa Bhathal Merage, focuses on investment opportunities in sports and sports-related properties, drawing on the Bhathal family’s multi-generational experience and relationships in the industry. The firm seeks to leverage the power of sports to affect broader social and economic change through a variety of business and philanthropic strategies. Its deep experience in professional sports operations and large-scale real estate developments that create thriving community centers positions the firm to deliver valuable assets that will support further growth for the players, staff, and fans.

In 2013, the Bhathal family became investors in the Sacramento Kings (NBA); subsequently building the platform to include the Sacramento River Cats (MiLB), Stockton Kings (NBA G‑League) and several sports-anchored real estate developments. The 2024 acquisitions of Portland Thorns (NWSL) and the WNBA Portland expansion team represent a milestone for the city of Portland and place it at the epicenter of growth for women’s sports.

RAJ Sports is launching the first Sales Development Program in professional sports that is solely dedicated to supporting multiple women’s sports franchises, creating a pathway for aspiring sports business professionals to launch and advance their professional career in Portland, The Global Epicenter of Women’s Sports. Reporting to the EVP, Commercial Strategy & Business Development, the Director, Sales Development is responsible for recruiting, hiring, training, and leading a team of entry‑level Sales Representatives.

This team is tasked with selling all Portland Fire and Portland Thorns ticket products, including full and partial season plans, group packages, premium hospitality, and single‑game suites.

The ideal candidate is a proven sales leader who is driven by results with a demonstrated record of high performance, collaboration, and staff development. While this role will primarily focus on developing and managing the Sales Development Team, they will also play a key role in shaping ticket sales strategies, campaign execution, and ongoing department business planning. This position works collaboratively with the Ticket Sales and Service leadership teams for the Fire and Thorns to ensure alignment with organizational goals and to drive the continued growth and success of RAJ Sports ticket sales initiatives across its women’s sports portfolio.

• Recruit, hire, train, and manage a team of 6‑12 Sales Representatives.
• Establish a culture built on hard work, professional development, and results.
• Build and maintain relationships with local and national universities and professional networks to develop a pipeline of sales talent.
• Provide oversight to ensure staff sales efforts align with RAJ Sports ticketing strategies and meet revenue goals for the Fire and Thorns.
• Conduct regular one‑on‑one meetings to review activity, sales pipelines, and results, providing consistent coaching and feedback.
• Maintain a visible presence on the sales floor to monitor activity and provide real‑time guidance.
• Participate in client meetings to support Sales Representatives in advancing and closing sales opportunities.
• Manage scheduling, workflow, and day‑to‑day operations of the Sales Development Team.
• Achieve or exceed established sales and performance metrics.
• Lead regular department‑wide sales trainings to promote consistency in sales process and collaboration.
• Partner with Ticket Sales, Service, and Operations leadership to identify strategies for growth and efficiency.
• Partner with Marketing and Business Intelligence leadership to plan and execute sophisticated data‑driven sales campaigns to position Sales Representatives for successful sales outreach.
• Partner with People & Culture leadership to establish recruiting, hiring standards, and ongoing staff development strategies.
• Assist with the execution of various sales and service events to support business objectives.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree required or experience in lieu of a degree.
• 3‑5 years of experience in ticket sales in…