Sponsorship Activation Manager - Partnerships & Strategy

Learfield; Chapel Hill, Northern (NC, KY); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Life Insurance

Flexible Paid Time Off

Parental Leave

20 Paid Holidays

401(k) + Match

Short/Long Term Disability

Job summary

Learfield is seeking a Manager of Partnership Strategy to lead sponsorship activation at university properties. You will manage day-to-day fulfillment, lead a small on-site team, and ensure partner deliverables are executed with excellence to support university goals.

You will work with internal teams, vendors, and university contacts to fulfill activation across digital, social, in-venue, broadcast, and experiential platforms, while mentoring staff and delivering measurable results.

Qualifications

• 6+ years in sponsorship activation, marketing, or account management.
• Proven ability to coach and develop direct reports.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Oversee activation for a portfolio of property-level partners.
• Manage and develop a small on-site team.
• Provide regular coaching and feedback to direct reports.
• Build relationships with sponsors, university stakeholders, and cross-functional teams.
• Coordinate digital, social, signage, hospitality, and experiential assets.
• Oversee activation timelines, asset tracking, and partner communications.
• Contribute to year-end recaps and renewal planning with sales leaders.
• Ensure execution aligns with Learfield standards and university guidelines.
• Assist with partner hosting, game day operations, and event logistics.

Skills

People leadership

Relationship building

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in marketing/communications/sports management

Tools

Microsoft Office

CRM tools

Job description

Learfield is seeking a Manager of Partnership Strategy to lead sponsorship activation at university properties. You will manage day-to-day fulfillment, lead a small on-site team, and ensure partner deliverables are executed with excellence to support university goals.

You will work with internal teams, vendors, and university contacts to fulfill activation across digital, social, in-venue, broadcast, and experiential platforms, while mentoring staff and delivering measurable results.