Strategic GM University Athletics Partnerships

Learfield; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Learfield seeks a seasoned General Manager to lead a premier sports property in Nashville, overseeing sponsorship strategy and a high-performing team. You will drive revenue, cultivate executive relationships, and manage multi-platform campaigns with a focus on long-term university partnerships.

You will partner with campus leadership and Learfield stakeholders to ensure alignment with branding, financial goals, and enterprise objectives while delivering exceptional activation experiences.

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.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary liaison between Learfield and the university's Athletics Department, Vanderbilt Enterprises, Athletic Director, and senior leadership, fostering trusted, strategic relationships.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with university partners, athletic department staff, and internal stakeholders—serving as a trusted and respected representative of both Learfield and the university.
• Lead the execution and optimization of the school's multimedia rights agreement, ensuring alignment with institutional values, branding, and long-term goals.
• Oversee a local team that may include both individual contributors and people managers, providing direction, mentorship, and development opportunities.
• Drive revenue growth by setting strategic direction for sponsorship sales and guiding the pursuit of high-value, multi-platform partnerships.
• Build and manage a portfolio of regional and national corporate sponsors, ensuring client satisfaction and long-term retention.
• Collaborate with university stakeholders and Learfield teams (e.g., integrated marketing, research, digital, legal) to develop and deliver innovative, value-driven campaigns.
• Own property-level financial planning, including annual budgeting, forecasting, and performance analysis tied to revenue and profitability targets.
• Serve as the face of the partnership at key campus and community events, elevating the visibility and impact of Learfield’s collaboration with the university.
• Champion a high-performance, team-first culture by modeling accountability, adaptability, and collaboration across both local and enterprise teams.
• Identify and pursue new revenue opportunities that drive innovation, business expansion, and alignment with the university’s evolving priorities.

Skills

Sponsorship sales

Sports marketing

Stakeholder management

Marketing strategy

Data-driven decision-making

Communication skills

Leadership / people management

Budgeting & financial analysis

Event activation / experiential

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Learfield seeks a seasoned General Manager to lead a premier sports property in Nashville, overseeing sponsorship strategy and a high-performing team. You will drive revenue, cultivate executive relationships, and manage multi-platform campaigns with a focus on long-term university partnerships.

You will partner with campus leadership and Learfield stakeholders to ensure alignment with branding, financial goals, and enterprise objectives while delivering exceptional activation experiences.