Program Development Manager

About RISE Events

RISE Events is one of the fastest-growing youth sports event operators in the Southeast, hosting premier basketball and volleyball tournaments, leagues, and showcases. With thousands of teams participating annually, our mission is to deliver high-quality, professionally run events while building long-term relationships with clubs and programs across the region.

Position Overview

RISE Events is seeking a Program Development Manager to support the continued growth and expansion of our events portfolio.

This role is centered around relationship-building, team recruitment, and operational support, ensuring that our events remain club-focused, organized, and high-quality as we scale.

You will play a key role in strengthening partnerships with basketball and volleyball programs while helping drive participation across tournaments, leagues, and showcases.

Key Responsibilities

Program & Team Development
• Build and maintain strong relationships with basketball and volleyball club programs
• Conduct outreach to recruit teams for RISE Events (tournaments, leagues, showcases)
• Maintain consistent communication with programs throughout the season
• Follow up post-event to gather feedback and strengthen long-term partnerships

Expansion & Growth Support
• Assist with outreach in targeted expansion markets
• Support team recruitment for new events, cities, and facilities
• Help build participation pipelines for future tournaments and leagues

Event Operations Support
• Assist with recruiting and coordinating scorekeepers and event staff
• Support site managers during tournaments and leagues
• Serve as an on-site resource and point of contact for coaches and teams

Marketing & Communication
• Assist with posting event graphics and updates across RISE Events social platforms
• Share real-time updates, highlights, and results during events

What We’re Looking For
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Passion for youth sports (basketball and/or volleyball preferred)
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple events and timelines
• Self-starter with a growth mindset and attention to detail
• Willingness to work weekends during event operations

Why Join RISE Events:
• Be part of a rapidly growing sports events brand
• Direct impact on event growth and expansion into new markets
• Opportunity to build meaningful relationships across top club programs
• Hands-on experience in both business development and event operations
• Work closely with leadership on high-level growth initiatives

Compensation & Benefits
• Base salary: $40,000 – $46,000, commensurate with experience
• Performance-based bonus opportunities tied to event growth and participation
• Opportunity for increased responsibility and advancement as RISE Events expands

Qualifications
• Program Planning and Event Coordination skills, including the ability to manage logistics, timelines, and resources efficiently
• Relationship-building experience, including strong communication skills to engage with coaches, teams, sponsors, and partners
• Budget management and financial oversight abilities to ensure cost-effective and profitable program execution
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills, with a track record of developing creative solutions in high-pressure situations
• Experience in youth sports, particularly basketball and volleyball, is a plus
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills with attention to detail
• Proficiency in relevant event management software and tools
• Bachelor's degree in Sports Management, Event Planning, or a closely related field is preferred