Commercial Partnerships Director

We are seeking a seasoned, collaborative professional to support the strategy, commercialization, and business development of high-value collegiate sponsorship assets, including naming rights, jersey patches, field and court logos, and other premium inventory opportunities.

This role partners closely with universities and internal teams to identify, structure, and secure strategic partnerships while helping shape the commercialization strategy for some of the most valuable assets in college athletics. The ideal candidate brings a team-first mindset and enjoys coaching field teams, developing go-to-market strategies, and driving long-term revenue growth through innovative partnership solutions.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Partner with university leaders, athletic departments, general managers, and internal stakeholders to evaluate, structure, and advance naming rights opportunities and other premium sponsorship assets, including jersey patches, field logos, court logos, and emerging inventory.
• Serve as a strategic resource to university and sales teams by developing asset positioning, valuation, packaging, and commercialization strategies that maximize revenue and long-term partner value.
• Develop and implement go-to-market frameworks, sales playbooks, training programs, and field enablement tools that support consistent execution across the organization.
• Coach and support field teams throughout the partnership development process by sharing insights, strategies, and best practices that strengthen prospecting, negotiation, and activation efforts.
• Provide thought leadership and subject matter expertise on collegiate sponsorship trends, premium inventory monetization, and partnership best practices.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with university executives, athletic department leadership, and key internal stakeholders to support partnership growth and organizational objectives.
• Collaborate with sales, marketing, partnership management, legal, and leadership teams to align priorities and successfully execute strategic initiatives.
• Identify and evaluate emerging market opportunities, sponsorship trends, and innovative inventory offerings that create value for university partners and brand clients.
• Represent the organization at industry conferences, campus meetings, client presentations, and other key events.
• Travel regularly to meet with university stakeholders, support field teams, and advance strategic business development initiatives (approximately 30–50%).

Minimum Qualifications:

• Eight (8) 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.
• Experience developing training, sales enablement, or field support programs.
• Willingness to travel regularly and work flexible hours to support university schedules.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university.
• Experience in sports sponsorships, multimedia rights, NIL partnerships, or enterprise partnerships.
• Familiarity with integrated marketing solutions, including digital, experiential, and premium sponsorship assets.
• Experience with high-value sports or media inventory.

Learfield offers a full spectrum of benefits for eligible employees including Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account, Life Insurance and Other Insurance Plans, Flexible Paid Time Off (minimum 10+ days annually), including Parental Leave, 20 Paid Holidays, 401(k) + Match, and Short/Long Term Disability. Leave benefits are consistent with state and local laws, including the Colorado Health Families and Workplaces Act.

Learfield is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race; color; sex; gender identity; sexual orientation; religious practices and observances; national origin; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; status as a protected veteran or spouse/family member of a protected veteran; or disability.