Athletics Partnerships Director — Revenue & Growth

LEARFIELD; Champaign (IL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401(k) + Match

Parental Leave

Paid Holidays

Job summary

Learfield seeks an experienced leader to manage sponsorship sales and university partnerships, driving revenue through integrated campaigns across traditional, digital, and experiential channels.

You will oversee a local team, collaborate with university stakeholders and Learfield teams, and guide strategy to maximize value for sponsors while aligning with campus priorities and events.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive experience in sponsorship sales, sports marketing, media rights, or related B2B revenue role.
• Proven success leading high‑impact teams and driving revenue growth.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships including executive-level partners.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary liaison between Learfield and university Athletics Department and senior leadership.
• Lead execution and optimization of the school’s multimedia rights agreement.
• Oversee a local team, providing direction, mentorship, and development opportunities.
• Drive revenue growth by setting strategic direction for sponsorship sales and partnerships.
• Build and manage a portfolio of regional and national sponsors with long-term retention.

Skills

Sponsorship sales

Sports marketing

Media rights

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Marketing strategy

Budgeting & analytics

Communication & presentation

Collaboration

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Learfield seeks an experienced leader to manage sponsorship sales and university partnerships, driving revenue through integrated campaigns across traditional, digital, and experiential channels.

You will oversee a local team, collaborate with university stakeholders and Learfield teams, and guide strategy to maximize value for sponsors while aligning with campus priorities and events.