Business Development Manager Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Kentucky
Kentucky's business development manager roles are concentrated in Louisville and Lexington, where companies like Humana, Ashland, and Kindred Healthcare actively hire for growth-focused positions. The state's manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics sectors generate consistent demand for experienced business development talent, making it a viable market for international professionals seeking visa sponsorship.
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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 Manager Job Roles in Kentucky
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Search Business Development Manager Jobs in KentuckyBusiness Development Manager Jobs in Kentucky: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies in Kentucky sponsor visas for business development managers?
Louisville-headquartered companies including Humana, Kindred Healthcare, and Tempur Sealy have histories of H-1B visa sponsorship for professional roles. Lexington's growing technology and advanced manufacturing sectors also include employers who have filed Labor Condition Applications for business development positions. Sponsorship availability varies by role, headcount, and hiring cycle, so researching individual employer LCA filings through the Department of Labor is the most reliable approach.
Which visa types are most common for business development manager roles in Kentucky?
The H-1B is the most common visa for business development managers, provided the role requires at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related field such as business administration, marketing, or a similar specialty. The L-1B and L-1A are relevant for international professionals transferring within a multinational company. Australian citizens may also qualify for the E-3 visa, which follows a similar process but has its own annual allocation and no lottery.
Which cities in Kentucky have the most business development manager sponsorship jobs?
Louisville generates the highest volume of business development manager opportunities in Kentucky, driven by its concentration of healthcare, logistics, and financial services employers. Lexington is the second-largest market, with activity in technology services and manufacturing. Northern Kentucky, near the Cincinnati metro area, also sees demand from employers in distribution, insurance, and professional services who regularly hire across state lines.
How to find business development manager visa sponsorship jobs in Kentucky?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically by visa sponsorship availability, so you can search for business development manager roles in Kentucky without sifting through positions that don't offer sponsorship. The platform is designed for international professionals and surfaces roles from employers who have demonstrated willingness to sponsor work visas, which is particularly useful in a state like Kentucky where sponsorship-active employers are concentrated in specific industries and cities.
What should international business development managers know before pursuing roles in Kentucky?
Business development manager roles must qualify as specialty occupations under H-1B standards, meaning the position must typically require a bachelor's degree in a specific field rather than any general degree. Kentucky's prevailing wage requirements are set by the Department of Labor and reflect regional market rates, which differ from coastal markets. Employers in Louisville and Lexington who regularly hire internationally tend to have established HR processes for sponsorship, making them more straightforward partners for international candidates.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored business development manager 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.