Brand Licensing Director — Strategic IP & Partnerships

UCLA; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

The Director of Brand Management and Licensing at UCLA provides strategic leadership for trademark licensing and brand protection across the university, overseeing staff and coordinating with campus partners to expand monetization opportunities while safeguarding UCLA's intellectual property.

Working with Athletics, Strategic Communications, Development, and General Counsel, the director negotiates licensing agreements, enforces brand standards, and ensures compliance with university policy,

Qualifications

• Extensive leadership experience in licensing, brand management, or related functions.
• Experience negotiating complex contracts and commercial agreements.
• Experience developing strategic partnerships and managing external stakeholders.
• Experience leading programs with significant financial and reputational impact.
• Experience in higher education, athletics licensing, or public sector environments is preferred.
• Expert knowledge of trademark licensing principles and brand protection strategies.
• Strong understanding of trademark law, licensing contracts, compliance, and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for UCLA's brand management and licensing programs.
• Oversee trademark enforcement, licensing operations, and revenue-generation initiatives.
• Collaborate with campus leadership, Athletics, Strategic Communications, Development, and General Counsel.
• Negotiate complex licensing relationships and monitor program performance.
• Lead organizational change and drive enterprise-wide brand governance.

Skills

Leadership

Trademark licensing

Contract negotiation

Partnership development

Financial analysis

Strategic planning

Stakeholder management

Change management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree (Preferred)

Job description

The Director of Brand Management and Licensing at UCLA provides strategic leadership for trademark licensing and brand protection across the university, overseeing staff and coordinating with campus partners to expand monetization opportunities while safeguarding UCLA's intellectual property.

Working with Athletics, Strategic Communications, Development, and General Counsel, the director negotiates licensing agreements, enforces brand standards, and ensures compliance with university policy,