Business Development Manager - Sponsorship & Experiences

About World of Illumination

World of Illumination (WOI) is the world’s largest drive-through animated light show producer and a premier creative production house specializing in immersive holiday experiences, custom LED décor, and commercial entertainment environments. Our team brings awe-inspiring magic to life through proprietary design, engineering, and storytelling, transforming any space into a wonderland of light and sound.

Position Overview

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Business Development Manager to build and lead our sales department from the ground up. This role will be responsible for developing strategy, processes, and a high-performance team to drive B2B revenue across two core divisions:

Event House: Sponsorship sales, corporate ticketing (employee gifting, bulk sales), and private event buyouts.

Creative Production House: Sales of custom commercial LED décor, drive-through experiences, train rides, and walk-through environments.

The ideal candidate is a self-starter with a proven track record in B2B sales, preferably in live events, entertainment, brand partnerships, or themed environments.

Compensation Overview

$70,000.00 - $120,000.00+

This role offers a competitive base compensation package with strong commission earning potential.

Opportunity for Growth

This role offers genuine potential for growth within the organization. As we build out this department, you’ll have a direct hand in shaping its direction and strategy. You’ll work closely with executive leadership and be involved in high-level decision-making that directly impacts the company’s trajectory. We’re looking for someone who’s ready to grow alongside us—this role comes with clear opportunities for increased responsibility and leadership as the company continues to scale.

Key Responsibilities

Sales Department Leadership

Build and lead the internal sales department structure, including hiring and training.

Develop sales playbooks, CRM processes, and pipeline reporting tools.

Set annual sales goals and KPIs for each division.

Strategy & Business Development

Define go-to-market strategies for both the event and production house divisions.

Identify and secure new business opportunities with corporate clients, agencies, developers, and venue operators.

Collaborate with marketing and creative teams to align campaigns with revenue goals.

Client Relations & Revenue Growth

Cultivate and manage relationships with corporate buyers, sponsors, and strategic partners.

Customize pitches and proposals for sponsorship packages and large-scale immersive activations.

Lead contract negotiations and close high-value deals.

Cross-Departmental Collaboration

Work with production, operations, and legal teams to ensure feasibility and delivery of client programs.

Serve as a strategic voice in company planning and leadership discussions.

Qualifications

5 –10 years of experience in B2B sales, with at least 3 in a senior leadership role.

Demonstrated success in building or scaling a sales organization.

Proven experience selling sponsorships, large-scale activations, or creative production services.

Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.

Highly organized and detail-oriented with a strong business acumen.

Proficient in CRM software and sales analytics tools (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot, etc.).

Preferred Experience

Entertainment, events, themed attractions, or experiential marketing industries.

Corporate gifting, ticketing, or hospitality sales.

Familiarity with commercial décor or AV/LED product solutions.