Business Development Director Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Kentucky
Business development director roles in Kentucky are concentrated in Louisville's healthcare and logistics sectors, with major employers like Humana, UPS, and Kindred Healthcare actively hiring senior commercial talent. Lexington's growing tech and life sciences scene adds further opportunity. International candidates pursuing visa sponsorship will find the most openings with large multinationals and healthcare systems headquartered in the state.
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Get Access To All JobsJOB SUMMARY
The Senior Director, International Sales & Business Development is responsible for developing and executing international sales and business development strategies that expand the Churchill Downs and Kentucky Derby brand across targeted global markets. This role drives international revenue growth through strategic partnerships, market expansion, and relationship management with global clients, agencies, and high-net-worth individuals.
Working closely with the SVP, Sales & Strategy and executive leadership at Churchill Downs Racetrack and Churchill Downs Incorporated, this position identifies new business opportunities, develops market-specific growth strategies, and represents Churchill Downs internationally to strengthen brand awareness and deliver long-term international ticket sales growth as well as commercial / partnership revenue expansion.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
International Business Development & Market Expansion
- Lead international business development initiatives to drive revenue growth in ticketing and partnerships, and expand the Churchill Downs and Kentucky Derby brand.
- Identify and evaluate new international market opportunities through market research and competitive analysis.
- Develop and execute market expansion plans, including market entry strategies, product positioning, and growth objectives.
- Identify opportunities to increase international market presence and long-term business growth.
International Sales & Revenue Growth
- Develop and execute international sales strategies that achieve revenue and pipeline objectives.
- Build and manage relationships with international clients, agencies, and high-net-worth individuals.
- Drive lead generation, sales campaigns, and business development initiatives across target markets.
- Provide accurate sales forecasting, pipeline reporting, and performance analysis.
Strategic Partnerships & Market Representation
- Cultivate strategic partnerships with international agencies, distributors, and key stakeholders.
- Represent Churchill Downs at international trade shows, conferences, and industry events.
- Foster cross-cultural relationships that strengthen the Churchill Downs brand and support market expansion.
Business Operations & Market Execution
- Execute international sales and business development initiatives that expand the Kentucky Derby and Churchill Downs brand while driving international ticket sales and commercial revenue growth.
- Adapt sales strategies and business approaches to meet the cultural, regulatory, and logistical needs of each market.
- Ensure compliance with international trade regulations, corporate policies, and risk management practices.
- Monitor performance and recommend opportunities to improve operational effectiveness and market growth.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
REGULATORY
Ability to obtain and maintain a Kentucky racing license and successfully complete all applicable background check requirements.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor's degree in Business, International Business, Sports Management, Hospitality Management, or a related field required; Master's degree preferred.
- 8–10 years of progressive experience in international sales, business development, strategic partnerships, or a related commercial leadership role.
- Demonstrated success developing new markets, driving revenue growth, and managing complex international sales pipelines.
- Experience negotiating and managing strategic partnerships with global clients, agencies, or distributors.
- Experience working with premium clientele, luxury hospitality, sports, entertainment, or destination marketing organizations preferred.
- Strong understanding of international business practices, market expansion strategies, and cross-cultural relationship management.
- Experience utilizing CRM platforms, sales analytics, and forecasting tools to drive business performance.
- Ability to travel internationally and work evenings, weekends, and major events as business needs require.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Strategic business development and relationship management
- International sales and market expansion expertise
- Executive presence with exceptional communication and negotiation skills
- Strong analytical, financial, and business acumen
- Cross-cultural communication and relationship-building skills
- Ability to influence, collaborate, and build partnerships across diverse stakeholders
- Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, CRM platforms, and sales reporting tools
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS
- Extended periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Regular use of a keyboard and mouse for typing and navigating software.
- Viewing a computer screen for prolonged periods.
- Ability to manipulate paperwork, including filing, sorting, and organizing.
- Moving within the office environment to attend meetings, use office equipment, or interact with colleagues.
- Occasional lifting of office supplies or paperwork (up to 20 pounds).
- Speaking and listening to colleagues and clients in person, over the phone, or via video conferencing.
- Working in a climate-controlled office environment with moderate noise levels.
- Performing repetitive tasks such as data entry or document preparation.
- Working under artificial lighting conditions typical of an office environment, which may include fluorescent or LED lighting.
- Role is onsite five days a week at the Louisville, KY Churchill Downs Racetrack.
- Evening, weekend, and holiday work may be required during racing meets, Derby season, and international travel.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.
JOB SUMMARY
The Senior Director, International Sales & Business Development is responsible for developing and executing international sales and business development strategies that expand the Churchill Downs and Kentucky Derby brand across targeted global markets. This role drives international revenue growth through strategic partnerships, market expansion, and relationship management with global clients, agencies, and high-net-worth individuals.
Working closely with the SVP, Sales & Strategy and executive leadership at Churchill Downs Racetrack and Churchill Downs Incorporated, this position identifies new business opportunities, develops market-specific growth strategies, and represents Churchill Downs internationally to strengthen brand awareness and deliver long-term international ticket sales growth as well as commercial / partnership revenue expansion.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
International Business Development & Market Expansion
- Lead international business development initiatives to drive revenue growth in ticketing and partnerships, and expand the Churchill Downs and Kentucky Derby brand.
- Identify and evaluate new international market opportunities through market research and competitive analysis.
- Develop and execute market expansion plans, including market entry strategies, product positioning, and growth objectives.
- Identify opportunities to increase international market presence and long-term business growth.
International Sales & Revenue Growth
- Develop and execute international sales strategies that achieve revenue and pipeline objectives.
- Build and manage relationships with international clients, agencies, and high-net-worth individuals.
- Drive lead generation, sales campaigns, and business development initiatives across target markets.
- Provide accurate sales forecasting, pipeline reporting, and performance analysis.
Strategic Partnerships & Market Representation
- Cultivate strategic partnerships with international agencies, distributors, and key stakeholders.
- Represent Churchill Downs at international trade shows, conferences, and industry events.
- Foster cross-cultural relationships that strengthen the Churchill Downs brand and support market expansion.
Business Operations & Market Execution
- Execute international sales and business development initiatives that expand the Kentucky Derby and Churchill Downs brand while driving international ticket sales and commercial revenue growth.
- Adapt sales strategies and business approaches to meet the cultural, regulatory, and logistical needs of each market.
- Ensure compliance with international trade regulations, corporate policies, and risk management practices.
- Monitor performance and recommend opportunities to improve operational effectiveness and market growth.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
REGULATORY
Ability to obtain and maintain a Kentucky racing license and successfully complete all applicable background check requirements.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor's degree in Business, International Business, Sports Management, Hospitality Management, or a related field required; Master's degree preferred.
- 8–10 years of progressive experience in international sales, business development, strategic partnerships, or a related commercial leadership role.
- Demonstrated success developing new markets, driving revenue growth, and managing complex international sales pipelines.
- Experience negotiating and managing strategic partnerships with global clients, agencies, or distributors.
- Experience working with premium clientele, luxury hospitality, sports, entertainment, or destination marketing organizations preferred.
- Strong understanding of international business practices, market expansion strategies, and cross-cultural relationship management.
- Experience utilizing CRM platforms, sales analytics, and forecasting tools to drive business performance.
- Ability to travel internationally and work evenings, weekends, and major events as business needs require.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Strategic business development and relationship management
- International sales and market expansion expertise
- Executive presence with exceptional communication and negotiation skills
- Strong analytical, financial, and business acumen
- Cross-cultural communication and relationship-building skills
- Ability to influence, collaborate, and build partnerships across diverse stakeholders
- Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, CRM platforms, and sales reporting tools
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS
- Extended periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Regular use of a keyboard and mouse for typing and navigating software.
- Viewing a computer screen for prolonged periods.
- Ability to manipulate paperwork, including filing, sorting, and organizing.
- Moving within the office environment to attend meetings, use office equipment, or interact with colleagues.
- Occasional lifting of office supplies or paperwork (up to 20 pounds).
- Speaking and listening to colleagues and clients in person, over the phone, or via video conferencing.
- Working in a climate-controlled office environment with moderate noise levels.
- Performing repetitive tasks such as data entry or document preparation.
- Working under artificial lighting conditions typical of an office environment, which may include fluorescent or LED lighting.
- Role is onsite five days a week at the Louisville, KY Churchill Downs Racetrack.
- Evening, weekend, and holiday work may be required during racing meets, Derby season, and international travel.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.
Business Development Director Job Roles in Kentucky
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Search Business Development Director Jobs in KentuckyBusiness Development Director Jobs in Kentucky: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for business development directors in Kentucky?
Large multinationals and healthcare corporations headquartered in Kentucky are the most consistent sponsors for business development director roles. Humana, Kindred Healthcare, and Tempur Sealy in Louisville have H-1B visa sponsorship histories, as does Lexmark International in Lexington. Logistics giants like UPS and supply chain firms with Kentucky operations also sponsor senior commercial roles, though sponsorship is evaluated case by case and is never guaranteed.
Which visa types are most common for business development director roles in Kentucky?
The H-1B is the most common visa category for business development directors in Kentucky, as the role typically requires a bachelor's degree or higher in business, marketing, or a related field, meeting the specialty occupation standard. Candidates with intracompany transfer eligibility may qualify for an L-1A visa, particularly those moving into director-level roles within multinational firms. Australians may also consider the E-3 visa, which follows a similar process to the H-1B.
Which cities in Kentucky have the most business development director sponsorship jobs?
Louisville is by far the primary market for business development director roles in Kentucky, driven by its concentration of Fortune 500 healthcare companies, logistics firms, and financial services employers. Lexington is a secondary hub, supported by life sciences, technology, and the University of Kentucky's research commercialization activity. Northern Kentucky, adjacent to Cincinnati, also sees demand from companies serving the broader tristate region.
How to find business development director visa sponsorship jobs in Kentucky?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international candidates seeking visa sponsorship roles in the U.S., including business development director positions in Kentucky. You can filter by state and job title to see verified sponsorship opportunities with employers in Louisville, Lexington, and beyond. This focused approach saves significant time compared to manually screening general job postings for sponsorship eligibility, which employers rarely advertise prominently.
Are there state-specific considerations for business development directors pursuing sponsorship in Kentucky?
Kentucky does not impose additional state-level immigration requirements beyond federal standards, but employers must meet the Department of Labor's prevailing wage requirements for the Louisville or Lexington metropolitan areas when filing a Labor Condition Application. Business development director is a senior role, so employers typically document the degree requirement carefully to satisfy the specialty occupation standard. Healthcare and logistics industry experience aligned with Kentucky's major employer base strengthens candidacy.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored business development director jobs in Kentucky?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.