Chief Brand Strategy & Licensing

UCLA; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

UCLA seeks a Director of Brand Management and Licensing to provide strategic leadership for brand partnerships, trademark licensing, and brand protection across the institution. The role oversees staff and drives campus-wide strategies to protect, enhance, and monetize UCLA's intellectual property through licensing partnerships, trademark enforcement, and royalty initiatives.

The director collaborates with Athletics, Strategic Communications, Development, Student Affairs, Procurement, General

Qualifications

• Leadership experience in trademark licensing, brand management, IP, business development, licensing operations.
• Experience negotiating and administering complex contracts and commercial agreements.
• Experience developing strategic partnerships and managing external stakeholder relationships.
• Experience leading programs with significant financial, operational, and reputational impact.
• Experience within higher education or collegiate licensing programs is preferred.
• Expert knowledge of trademark licensing principles, IP management, and brand protection strategies.
• Strong understanding of trademark law, licensing agreements, compliance requirements, and risk management.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic initiatives with enterprise-wide impact.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement campus-wide strategies that protect, enhance, and monetize UCLA's IP assets through licensing partnerships and royalties.
• Lead and manage the licensing program, including contracts, enforcement, and performance monitoring.
• Negotiate complex licensing relationships and strategic partnerships with external stakeholders.
• Provide leadership for trademark enforcement efforts and brand governance.
• Collaborate with campus leadership, Athletics, Strategic Communications, Development, and General Counsel to expand market opportunities and revenue.

Skills

Leadership

Contract negotiation

Partnership development

Strategic planning

Trademark licensing

Brand protection

Financial analysis

Risk management

Stakeholder management

Higher education licensing

Communication skills

Change management

Executive collaboration

Diversity & inclusion

Education

Bachelor's Degree in related field

Master's Degree in related field

Job description

UCLA seeks a Director of Brand Management and Licensing to provide strategic leadership for brand partnerships, trademark licensing, and brand protection across the institution. The role oversees staff and drives campus-wide strategies to protect, enhance, and monetize UCLA's intellectual property through licensing partnerships, trademark enforcement, and royalty initiatives.

The director collaborates with Athletics, Strategic Communications, Development, Student Affairs, Procurement, General