Senior Director, Central Events

Job Description:

Professional pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States, and the PPA Tour is at the center of it. We're looking for a driven, experienced leader to own the full commercial and marketing operation for our Central Events - a portfolio that includes the Pickleball World Championships, the biggest event on the tour. This is a rare opportunity to build something, lead a team, and make a direct impact on the growth of a sport that's rewriting the playbook on fan engagement and live events.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the Central Pod sales and field marketing team day-to-day


• Own the full revenue target across sponsorship, tickets, and registrations, with commission earned on sponsorship deals closed and upsells of premium hospitality and sponsorship packages


• Personally prospect and close sponsorship deals at the local and regional level


• Own the full P&L for the Central Pod, commission is earned by achieving and exceeding defined profitability and upsell targets across sponsorship and hospitality packages


• Activate your marketing team to drive awareness, promotion, and on-site fan experience


• Report on pipeline, performance, and projections to senior leadership


• Build partnerships with local pickleball clubs, facilities, and community organizations to drive registrations


• Represent the PPA Tour brand in your markets with professionalism and energy

Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience working in sports required.


• Proven track record in sales (sponsorship, tickets, or both).


• Experience in live events, sports leagues, or entertainment is a strong plus.


• Experience leading and developing a sales or marketing team.


• Strong closer - you know how to build a pipeline and move it forward


• Self-starter who doesn't need to be managed


• Understanding of pickleball is a plus.


• Excellent communicator with your team, with sponsors, and with leadership


• Schedule requirement: Ability to work non-traditional hours in non-traditional settings, including some nights, weekends, and holidays, and able and willing to travel to off-site events, etc., as needed.


• Location Requirement : Be willing to relocate to Dallas, Texas.