Senior Athletics Partnerships General Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k) + Match

Paid time off

Job summary

Learfield in Champaign, IL seeks an experienced General Manager to lead a premier sports property and serve as the primary liaison to the university’s Athletics Department. You will oversee sponsorship strategy, multi-platform partnerships, and revenue growth while guiding a high-performing team.

This senior role requires a proven track record in sponsorship sales, relationship management, and complex stakeholder coordination, with a willingness to work flexible hours to support athletic events

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive experience in sponsorship sales, sports marketing, media rights, or a related B2B revenue-generating role.
• Proven success leading high-impact teams and driving revenue growth through integrated marketing and partnership sales.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships, including executive-level university contacts and senior brand partners.
• Strong command of marketing strategy across traditional, digital, and experiential channels.
• Experience managing budgets, analyzing performance metrics, and making data-driven business decisions.
• Excellent communicator with strong presentation, relationship-building, and influencing skills.
• Ability to lead through change, coach others, and inspire collaboration in a fast-paced environment.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and business judgment.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed to support athletic events or client activations.
• Preferred: Experience with collegiate athletics or higher education.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary liaison between Learfield and the university’s Athletics Department, Athletic Director, and senior leadership.
• Build and maintain relationships with university partners, athletic department staff, and internal stakeholders.
• Lead execution and optimization of the school’s multimedia rights agreement, ensuring alignment with branding and long-term goals.
• Oversee a local team, providing direction, mentorship, and development opportunities.
• Drive revenue growth by setting strategic direction for sponsorship sales and pursuing high-value, multi-platform partnerships.
• Develop and manage a portfolio of regional and national sponsors, ensuring client satisfaction and long-term retention.
• Collaborate with university stakeholders and Learfield teams to deliver innovative, value-driven campaigns.
• Own property-level financial planning, including budgeting, forecasting, and performance analysis tied to revenue and profitability targets.
• Represent the partnership at campus and community events to elevate Learfield’s presence.
• Foster a high-performance, team-first culture through accountability, adaptability, and collaboration.
• Identify and pursue new revenue opportunities aligned with university priorities.

Skills

Sponsorship sales

Sports marketing

Media rights

Relationship management

Marketing strategy

Budgeting & analytics

Leadership & coaching

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Learfield in Champaign, IL seeks an experienced General Manager to lead a premier sports property and serve as the primary liaison to the university’s Athletics Department. You will oversee sponsorship strategy, multi-platform partnerships, and revenue growth while guiding a high-performing team.

This senior role requires a proven track record in sponsorship sales, relationship management, and complex stakeholder coordination, with a willingness to work flexible hours to support athletic events