Houston Texans
Senior Director, Ticket Sales
Houston, TX
Reports to Senior Vice President, Marketing, Communications & Ticketing
Background:
Founded in 2002, the Houston Texans became the 32nd franchise of the National Football League, marking the return of professional football to Houston after the city’s previous team, the Oilers, relocated in 1997. Now led by principal owner, Chairman and CEO Cal McNair, and Team President Greg Grissom, the mission of the Texans is to create and maintain the most valuable and respected professional sports franchise in the world. To achieve this mission, the team operates with three key imperatives:
Win Championships
Create Memorable Experiences
Do Great Things for Houston
Since its inception, the Texans have consistently been ranked in the top 20 of the Forbes World’s Most Valued Sports Teams list. Since their inaugural season, the Texans have steadily built a competitive team, achieving multiple playoff appearances and seven (7) division championships within the AFC South. Notably, the team reached the playoffs for the first time in 2011, and in subsequent years, the Texans have consistently been a strong contender in the league.
In addition to their on-the-field success, the Houston Texans have built a legacy of fostering talent and leadership within their organization while maintaining a strong presence in the Houston community. Central to their identity is the “Texans Vision,” a commitment to Be Champions In Every Way By Cultivating Excellence And Fearlessly Evolving. This philosophy fuels their dedication to each other and their fans, solidifying their status as a premier franchise in professional sports. As they continue to grow and evolve, the Texans remain steadfast in their pursuit of sustained success in the NFL, both on and off the field.
The Texans’ home, NRG Stadium, has also played host to numerous high-profile special events, including two Super Bowls in 2004 and 2017 (XXXVIII, LI), the NCAA Basketball Final Four in 2011 and 2016, and the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship game. NRG Stadium is also home to the Texas Kickoff Classic, the Texas Bowl, and numerous annual international soccer events, such as the Gold Cup and Copa America, operated by the Texan's sister company Lone Star Sports & Entertainment. Finally, NRG Stadium is also home to the world-famous Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. It is part of the larger NRG Park, including a convention center, arena, and domed sports stadium.
The City of Houston is the nation’s fourth largest city and has one of the youngest, fastest growing, and most diverse populations anywhere in the world. One in four of the region’s 7 million residents are foreign-born. Today, Houston ranks as the second fastest-growing major metro area in the U.S., seeing its largest population increase in the past six years. Houston's vibrant culture and diversity make it a top destination for talent, further bolstered by its affordability—boasting the third-lowest living costs among the most populous U.S. metro areas, 5.3% below the national average and 23.4% below other major metros. Houston’s diverse economy is most known for its energy expertise and is home to the world-renowned Texas Medical Center.
Houston, the largest city in Texas and the fourth largest in the United States, is a vibrant, diverse, and rapidly growing metropolitan hub known for its dynamic economy, rich cultural heritage, and diverse communities. As a global leader in industries such as energy, healthcare, aerospace, and manufacturing, Houston offers a wide range of professional opportunities and is home to a thriving arts scene, world-class dining, and an abundance of recreational options. The city's strategic location near the Gulf of Mexico makes it a key center for international trade and commerce. Houston is also recognized for its innovative spirit, commitment to sustainability, and emphasis on community development, offering a unique environment for employees to grow, thrive, and make an impact.
Any interested candidates should contact TurnkeyZRG directly.
Contacting the Houston Texans will only delay consideration of your qualifications.
Position Summary:
The Sr. Director of Ticket Sales holds the top position within the Ticket Sales Department, reporting to the SVP of Marketing, Communications, and Ticket Sales. They will be responsible for leading the sales organization, motivating/managing the teammates, and achieving annual sales goals. They will be a sophisticated leader and revenue generator, with experience leveraging sales strategies and motivating sales and retention staff to create a best-in-class fan experience. Lastly, they will create a department and culture of positivity and comradery, while still delivering a proactive, outbound sales effort to drive revenue and attendance for the club.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Sales Functions
Oversee teams, including Business Development (Season Ticket Sales), Group Sales (Group Tickets), Inside Sales (Season Ticket and Group Ticket Sales), and Event Sales (Stadium Special Events)
Collaborate daily with Membership Services, Ticket Operations and Business Intelligence teams who are not part of this organization
Team Leadership
Recruit, build, lead, and develop a diverse and high-performing Ticket Sales department
Establish performance and accountability metrics that enable all employees to thrive in a manner consistent with the Texans values.
Develop employee engagement/team building plan
Hold weekly sales meetings to review performance, key priorities, upcoming initiatives
Create and implement sales training and development curriculum for Ticket Sales staff.
Retain top performers and coach/improve employees in need of development
Business Leadership
Develop annual sales plan (topline and by product)
Develop annual revenue plan in collaboration with Business Intelligence organization
Develop annual staffing plan and roles/responsibilities based on business needs
Develop annual compensation plan (sales target commission, bonus opportunities, incentives)
Required Skills & Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree from a four-year accredited college or university required.
Minimum 6+ Years of experience managing sales teams
Experience working in sales with professional sports team or college athletics strongly preferred
Strong organizational and time management skills with ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks
Superior communication skills, collaborative with ability to develop strong relationships across multiple departments
Must be enthusiastic, creative, and able to think both strategically and tactically
Ability to read & isolate data into reports
Excellent attention to detail and an ability to produce high-quality, accurate work within designated deadlines.
Ability to maintain confidential and/or proprietary information.
Ability and desire to demonstrate a positive, winning attitude and a strong work ethic in the performance of all job responsibilities.
Proficiency in use of Microsoft Office software applications.
Occasional travel related to job duties and responsibilities.
Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 lbs.
Must be able to talk, stand, walk, sit, drive, bend, and squat as necessary.
TurnkeyZRG’S Commitment:
At TurnkeyZRG, we do not just accept differences—we celebrate and support it. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, genetic information, marital or partnership status, military or veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. TurnkeyZRG is an equal opportunity employer and workplace, and we encourage applicants of all backgrounds & communities to apply.
TurnkeyZRG’S Practice Leader:
James Jordan - Director, Revenue
James Jordan joined TurnkeyZRG in early 2023 in the role of Director, Marketing Partnerships, focused on corporate partnership recruiting. Mr. Jordan has made an immediate impact, placing partnership executives at organizations including the Golden State Warriors, LA Chargers, LaLiga, the Laver Cup, and more. Prior to joining TurnkeyZRG, James garnered valuable experience on both the strategy side and sales side of the corporate partnership business and has represented marquee teams and venues including the LA Rams (NFL), LA Chargers (NFL) and SoFi Stadium & Hollywood Park (Los Angeles, CA).
Jamie Spencer - Managing Director, Revenue
Jamie Spencer most recently served as Executive Vice President of Revenue for the Chicago Blackhawks, where he was responsible for all functions of revenue including Ticket and Membership Sales, Corporate Partnerships, Retail, Amateur Hockey, and Fifth Third Arena Operations (Chicago Blackhawks Community Rink). Jamie guided the revenue department out of the COVID-19 pandemic and brought a new cultural philosophy to revenue that helped shape an incredibly successful model that focused on the idea that selling tickets and caring for fans is an all-organization initiative – a mindset that helped the Blackhawks set a new all-time regular-season gate revenue record last season and drove nearly a 90% increase in retail revenue over the last three years. Additionally, he set the foundation for a “fewer, bigger, better” approach to corporate partnerships and launched several new youth hockey initiatives, including the Blackhawks Arena Network, Rivalry Series, and first-ever NIHL Youth Hockey Championships at the United Center.