Corporate Sponsorship Sales & Business Development Representative
About Keels & Wheels Keels & Wheels Concours d’Elegance is a nationally recognized annual exhibition celebrating exceptional classic automobiles and antique boats, held at Lakewood Yacht Club in Seabrook, Texas. As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, Keels & Wheels has contributed nearly $2 million to charitable causes throughout its history. The 31st annual Concours will take place April 24–25, 2027. The Opportunity We are looking for a salesperson who can generate new business, not a fundraising administrator. Keels & Wheels seeks a motivated, confident, results-oriented sales professional to develop new corporate sponsorships, advertising relationships, and commercial partnerships. This is primarily an outbound sales position requiring prospecting, cold calling, relationship development, presentations, negotiation, and closing. The successful candidate will work directly with the Chairman of the Board, with access to organizational leadership when appropriate to help develop and close business opportunities. This position offers an opportunity for a successful salesperson to earn significant additional compensation based on performance. Primary Responsibilities Identify and actively pursue new corporate sponsors and commercial partners throughout Greater Houston. Conduct regular outbound prospecting through telephone calls, email, networking, and personal meetings. Establish relationships with business owners, marketing executives, and corporate decision-makers. Present and sell available corporate advertising, promotional, hospitality, and commercial partnership opportunities. Identify and pursue potential presenting or title sponsors in coordination with the Chairman. Negotiate and close commercial sales agreements within approved guidelines. Develop new business relationships beyond the organization's existing sponsor base. Maintain accurate records of prospects, proposals, communications, and sales commitments. Provide concise weekly reports on sales activity, pipeline development, agreements, and collected revenue. Assist with commercial sponsor renewals and long-term business relationships as assigned. Major philanthropic fundraising and charitable gift solicitation will remain the responsibility of the Chairman and Board of Directors.
Qualifications
Required Demonstrated success in sales, business development, advertising sales, or related commercial activities. Confidence making unsolicited telephone calls and initiating relationships with prospective customers. Strong prospecting, presentation, negotiation, and closing skills. Ability to communicate effectively with business owners and senior corporate executives. Self-motivation, persistence, and the discipline to work independently. Experience in a performance-oriented sales environment. Strong organizational skills and consistent follow-through. Preferred Corporate sponsorship, advertising, event marketing, or business-to-business sales experience. Established relationships within the Greater Houston business community. Experience selling to automotive, marine, financial services, luxury goods, or related industries. Familiarity with nonprofit events or community partnerships. An interest in classic automobiles or boating is welcome but not required.
Compensation
This position is structured for a sales professional motivated by performance and the opportunity to generate substantial additional earnings. Compensation includes Guaranteed hourly base: $15–$18 per hour, depending on qualifications. New commercial sales commissions: Target range of 15%–20% of eligible collected sales revenue. Commercial renewal commissions: Generally 5% of eligible collected renewal revenue. Additional incentives may be established for exceptional commercial sales performance. Commission eligibility and payment terms will be defined in a written compensation agreement. Charitable donations and philanthropic gifts are excluded from percentage-based commissions. The position requires approximately 15–20 hours per week, with scheduling flexibility. The initial employment period will be evaluated over six months, with the opportunity for continued employment based on results. Performance Expectations Success will be evaluated primarily by the representative's ability to develop and close new commercial business. Performance measurements will include Consistent outbound sales activity. Qualified new prospects and decision-maker contacts. Sponsorship presentations and proposals. New commercial agreements secured. Revenue collected from eligible commercial sales. Development of a sustainable new-business pipeline. Pay: $62,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year Work Location: Remote