LEARFIELD · 3 months ago
Senior Manager, NIL Partnership Strategy - University of Texas
Austin, TX
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
8+ years expLEARFIELD is seeking an experienced and strategic Senior Manager of NIL Partnership Strategy to lead the execution and management of NIL campaigns across a broader portfolio at one of their university properties. In this role, you'll oversee a team, drive cross-functional coordination, and serve as a key liaison to ensure meaningful outcomes for partners while aligning execution with university goals.
Brand MarketingHigher EducationMarketingSponsorshipSportsTicketing
Responsibilities
Work alongside the Director of NIL Revenue & Activation to support the strategic planning, activation, and fulfillment of NIL campaigns involving student-athlete talent across integrated brand partnerships
Collaborate with the sales team to ideate and execute campaigns that connect student-athlete content and experiences with key sponsorship objectives
Serve as the NIL execution lead, overseeing athlete coordination, content timelines, deliverables, and campaign approvals in alignment with university compliance and Learfield guidelines
Manage and coach a team that includes the Manager of NIL Partnership Activation and NIL Partnership Solutions Coordinator by providing feedback, mentorship, and performance support
Track and report on NIL performance, including content reach, engagement, and partner KPIs, and incorporate results into partnership recaps and renewal strategies
Support strategic planning and renewal discussions for key accounts in collaboration with sales leadership
Identify process improvement and support the growth of NIL programming by developing scalable activation models, toolkits, and storytelling frameworks that highlight student-athlete impact
Represent Learfield in high-visibility partner meetings, university engagements, and game day operations
Ensure all execution aligns with contractual terms, university brand standards, and Learfield policies
Qualification
Required
8+ years of experience in sponsorship activation, client services, or brand marketing—preferably in NIL, sports, entertainment, or agency settings
Proven experience leading teams and managing direct reports in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment
Strategic thinker with strong execution skills and the ability to manage complex partner portfolios
Excellent communication, organization, and cross-functional leadership skills
Demonstrated ability to lead and influence both internal teams and external stakeholders
Strong understanding of partnership fulfillment across digital, social, in-venue, and experiential channels
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management/CRM tools
Availability to work evenings and weekends as needed for game days, client events, and university engagements
Preferred
Bachelor's degree in marketing, business, communications, sports management, or related field
Experience managing client relationships across multiple sponsorship tiers
Familiarity with the multimedia rights landscape in collegiate athletics
Benefits
Medical
Dental
Vision
Health Savings Account
Life Insurance and Other Insurance Plans
Flexible Paid Time Off (minimum 10+ days annually)
Including Parental Leave
20 Paid Holidays
401(k) + Match
Short/Long Term Disability
Company
LEARFIELD
Learfield empowers businesses and universities by connecting big brands to the excitement, passion, tradition and fun of college sports. It is a sub-organization of Learfield Communications.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$150M2023-09-13Private Equity· $150M
Leadership Team
David A Hubbard
Senior Vice President
Pat Fagan
Senior Vice President
Recent News
Sports Business Journal
2026-01-17
Sports Business Journal
2026-01-07
Sports Business Journal
2025-12-24
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