Business Development Sales Manager

SARAH GIBBONS SHOAFF

216-***-**** Lakewood, OH 44107 ***********@*****.***

SALES, MARKETING, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

SPONSORSHIP AND CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP PROFESSIONAL

PROFILE

Energetic, motivated, persuasive, successful sales and business development professional with over 20 years of experience in sales and corporate partnerships. Skilled in nurturing and maintaining client and business relationships, negotiation, closing sales and exceeding revenue goals. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with a commitment to providing outstanding service. A vibrant leader and strong team player with proven ability to adapt to diverse environments.

Areas of Expertise: Consultative Sales Negotiation Business Development

Corporate Partnerships Problem-solving Time Management

Professional Development Cold Calling Client Management

Media Sales Manager, Sales and Customer Success

July 2021 to October 2023 BioCentury, Inc. Redwood City, CA

Generated over $1.5 million in sales revenue

Managed all company-wide prospecting, cold calling and closings

Made multiple sales calls, zoom meetings and in-person conferences to secure new business

Maximized bundling / packaging opportunities with subscription products

Developed media kits, editorial calendars, promotional campaigns, and website landing pages

Managed all prospects and sales opportunities through the Company’s CRM system

Collaborated with prospective corporate clients to enhance efficient marketing strategies

Respond to and monitor all RFPs and sponsorship/advertising inquiries

Created and managed the advertising schedule for advertisers and sponsors

Generated a pipeline of more than 200 new potential corporate clients/members

Managed client deliverables and value-added products; provided ROI metrics

Assistant Director, Corporate Relations

May 2018 to July 2021 Case Western Reserve University Cleveland, Ohio

Responsible for identification, cultivation and solicitation of targeted group of local and national corporations for gifts, contracts and sponsorships. Managed 30 corporate partners with committed gifts for a total of $500,000

Developed strategies to build strong relationships with corporate partners, including working with the president, provost and university relations

Created and implemented social marketing strategy for department, including marketing plan and working with internal partners

Developing strategic marketing, fundraising and operations plan for CWRU’s National Youth Sports Program’s 50th Anniversary

Membership Development Director

2015 to April 2018 EDGE Cleveland, Ohio

Responsible for developing and implementing new strategies to gain new members and retain current ones. Increased membership by 27%

Developed relationships and understand the needs of member companies to help create meaningful programs

Developed strategic plan for expanding corporate sponsorship program, improving member benefit offerings, and increasing overall membership

Manager, Investor Development and Sponsorship

2013 to 2015 Greater Cleveland Partnership/COSE Cleveland, Ohio

Responsible for the new sales efforts for Greater Cleveland Partnership memberships and sponsorship

Managed a book of business of Greater Cleveland Partnership members, primarily in Northeast Ohio's mid-market, company size 10M-250M in revenues

Met with over 128 prospects and closed 38 new members resulting in a 30% close rate

Managed the Corporate Partnership/Sponsorship process, from cold calling to closing sale; exceeding sponsorship revenue goal by 9%

Senior Manager, Advertising and Sponsorship

2008 to 2013 Greater Cleveland Partnership/COSE Cleveland, Ohio

Closed business with more than 100 new clients and a 24% increase in revenue in a challenging advertising market

Project Manager for COSE’s new Membership Development strategy roll-out, a six-week intense research project that included managing a four-person team, research and development of new membership tiers. Presented project to COSE’s board, who approved implementation

Advertising Sales Rep, COSE Update Magazine

June 2004 to January 2008 Greater Cleveland Partnership/COSE Cleveland, Ohio

Increased sales by 96%. Developed proposals and secured advertising commitments for over 200 clients

Maintained strong client relationships resulting in a retention rate of 60% of advertisers

Internet Products Manager, Business to Business Publications

January 2003 to June 2004 Penton Industry Media Cleveland, Ohio

Increased sales by 71%

Responsible for the content updates of three web sites, a sales staff of 11 and marketing planning initiatives for $850,000 (inflation adjusted) in annual revenue

Account Manager, Professional Trade Show Division

May 2001 to January 2003 Penton Industry Media Cleveland, Ohio

Managed two trade shows, including directing security, decorators, caterers, floor employees, and exhibitors. Increased sales by more than 25% in 2002

Marketing and Sales Assistant, Healthcare Furniture Manufacturer

May 1997 to May 2001 DVI, Inc. Cleveland, Ohio

Responsible for sales management

Education - Capital University, Columbus, OH December 2001, GPA 3.6/4.0, Cum Laude

Bachelor of Arts, Communications

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