Global Football Innovation Academy · 3 weeks ago
Head of Partnerships & Business Development
Houston, TX
Full-time
Onsite
Director/ExecutiveGlobal Football Innovation Academy is one of the fastest-growing youth soccer organizations in Texas, focused on creating a community with social and business impact. They are seeking a business development leader to drive sponsorships, strategic partnerships, and fundraising initiatives across their platforms.
Sports
Responsibilities
Lead and execute sponsorship strategy for GFI across sports, education, events, and community initiatives
Secure corporate sponsors and strategic partners at local, regional, and national levels
Design and lead fundraising campaigns for GFI’s non-profit entities (corporate giving, foundations, high-net-worth individuals, events, and grants)
Develop new business opportunities beyond sponsorships (brand partnerships, co-branded initiatives, events, naming rights, experiences, etc.)
Build and manage a strong pipeline of partners and sponsors
Represent GFI in high-level networking environments, business forums, and community events across Houston
Work closely with executive leadership on long-term growth strategy and revenue diversification
Structure and manage sponsorship packages, proposals, and partnership agreements
Track performance, ROI, and long-term value of partnerships
Qualification
Required
Based in Houston (mandatory) with a strong local network
Proven experience in business development, partnerships, sponsorships, or fundraising
Existing relationships within corporate, philanthropic, sports, education, or community ecosystems
Strong commercial mindset with the ability to close deals
Comfortable operating at both strategic and execution levels
Entrepreneurial, proactive, and results-driven
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
Preferred
Experience working with or alongside non-profit organizations is a strong plus
Benefits
Competitive base salary
Highly attractive variable compensation tied directly to: Sponsorship revenue, Fundraising performance, New business generated
Significant career growth opportunity: Potential evolution into a senior leadership role, Direct impact on the growth and visibility of the organization, Ability to shape long-term partnerships and community legacy in Houston
Company
Global Football Innovation Academy
A youth soccer club dedicated to the holistic development of players.
Founded in 2023
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase