Director, Premium Sports Partnerships

100 LEARFIELD; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Health Savings Account

Life Insurance

Paid time off

401(k) match

Short/Long term disability

Parental Leave

20 paid holidays

Job summary

Learfield, the leading college athletics media and technology partner, seeks a seasoned business development leader to accelerate sponsorship sales across the Big Ten and other major properties. You will prospect, package, and close premium assets (naming rights, jersey patches, field and court logos) while partnering with university leaders and internal teams.

Ideal candidates bring 8+ years in sponsorships or related BD roles, a consultative selling approach, and a proven ability to deliver

Qualifications

• Eight or more years of experience in business development, sponsorship sales, partnerships, or related roles within sports, media, or entertainment.
• Demonstrated success securing high-value partnerships and navigating complex stakeholder environments.
• Strong understanding of higher education institutions, particularly collegiate athletics and campus branding.
• Demonstrated success collaborating across departments and with external partners.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Willingness to travel regularly and work flexible hours to support university schedules.

Responsibilities

• Proactively identify and pursue new business opportunities using data-driven prospecting tools.
• Develop and sell integrated marketing solutions across the full suite of Learfield assets, including naming rights opportunities and other premium sponsorship assets.
• Cultivate and maintain strategic partnerships with national and regional brands, negotiating contracts and ensuring seamless execution with local properties and the Partnership Management team.
• Serve as a strategic resource to university and sales teams by developing asset positioning, valuation, packaging, and monetization strategies.
• Coach field teams throughout the partnership development process to strengthen prospecting, negotiation, and activation efforts.
• Provide thought leadership on collegiate sponsorship trends, premium inventory monetization, and partnership best practices.
• Identify and evaluate emerging market opportunities and inventory offerings to create value for university partners and brand clients.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local property teams and internal stakeholders to support growth.
• Represent Learfield at industry conferences, campus meetings, client presentations, and other key events.
• Travel regularly to meet with university stakeholders and advance strategic initiatives (approximately 30–50%).

Job description

Learfield, the leading college athletics media and technology partner, seeks a seasoned business development leader to accelerate sponsorship sales across the Big Ten and other major properties. You will prospect, package, and close premium assets (naming rights, jersey patches, field and court logos) while partnering with university leaders and internal teams.

Ideal candidates bring 8+ years in sponsorships or related BD roles, a consultative selling approach, and a proven ability to deliver