Learfield Communications Inc is hiring: Partnership Manager – NIL/Influencer Mar

Partnership Manager – NIL/Influencer Marketing - University of Texas

Partnership Manager – NIL/Influencer Marketing - University of Texas

Apply locations Austin, TX time type Full time posted on Posted 3 Days Ago job requisition id R100302 Longhorn Sports Properties is looking to add a highly strategic and dynamic Partnership Manager – NIL/Influencer Marketing who will focus on navigating the property through Influencer Marketing/Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) on behalf of The University of Texas at Austin. With the pending House Settlement, university partners are looking for more revenue opportunities with the support of Learfield, their multi-media rights partner. Learfield has grown in the NIL space, adding over 15 individuals since 2021. This role will play a critical role in shaping and executing NIL strategies, collaborating with both internal and external stakeholders to create and manage high-impact marketing campaigns with Texas Athletics student-athletes.

This position requires strong business acumen, strategic problem-solving skills, and independent decision-making to align brand partnerships with the evolving NIL landscape. The Partnership Manager will support Longhorn Sports Properties with influencer marketing/NIL deal activation for brand partners including managing all inventory elements for NIL activation and delivering proof of performance to brand partners. This role will report to the Director for Partnership Services who leads the activation efforts of our LEARFIELD team embedded at the University of Texas and will work closely with the Vice President. This role will also have key relationships with the University of Texas Athletic Department staff, student-athletes/coaches, and appropriate parties.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute NIL marketing strategies in collaboration with Longhorn Sports Properties, university athletics, and corporate sponsors.
• Oversee all inventory management tracking related to influencer deals, including what has been proposed, sold, and remains available, to include weekly reports and internal meeting updates.
• Support activation of NIL deals and ensure student-athletes participate and fulfill activation obligations with brand partners at fair market value.
• Work closely with property and local brands to understand their marketing needs and develop potential marketing campaigns that can be executed with student-athletes.
• Manage sponsorship relationship with the collective including their sponsorship activation, collective partner events, sponsorship conversations with student-athletes, and other sponsored influencer events.
• Assist with Longhorn Sports Properties gameday operations, including home football games and other home events.
• Work with Texas Athletics to ensure student-athlete compliance with NIL deals is being monitored, disclosed, and reported.
• Stay informed on NIL/influencer news, including student-athlete deals across the country, legislation changes (at State and National levels), and ongoing trends. You will also participate in the LEARFIELD corporate NIL working group to share best practices and successful sales concepts across the LEARFIELD portfolio.
• Complete other sales, fulfillment, and operations responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Experience in Sports/NIL/Influencer Marketing/College Athletics and/or sponsorship is a plus, but not required.
• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university in business, sports administration, marketing, advertising, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience.
• Must be able to work 40 hours per week including home games, select sporting events, and NIL appearances and activations that occur outside of traditional work hours.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrated ability to make independent decisions and manage strategic relationships with corporate partners.
• High level of initiative, self-motivation, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong focus on quality of work and attention to detail.
• Able to lead and motivate others.
• Results-driven; willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish the goal.
• Able to develop and maintain strong relationships across many demographics.
• Strong aptitude for learning; highly curious.
• Desire to build a long-term career in sports marketing.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel).

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 (including Parental Leave), Paid Holidays, 401(k), and Short/Long Term Disability.

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.

About Us

Learfield is the leading media and technology company powering college athletics. Through its digital and physical platforms, Learfield owns and leverages a deep data set and relationships in the industry to drive revenue, growth, brand awareness, and fan engagement for brands, sports, and entertainment properties. With ties to over 1,200 collegiate institutions and over 12,000 local and national brand partners, Learfield’s presence in college sports and live events delivers influence and maximizes reach to target audiences. With data-based solutions for a 365-day, 24/7 fan experience, Learfield enables schools and brands to connect with fans through licensed merchandise, game ticketing, donor identification for athletic programs, exclusive custom content, innovative marketing initiatives, NIL solutions, and advanced digital platforms. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed Learfield Directors’ Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.

Our people-first culture is the foundation of our business and is reflective of our approach to building meaningful relationships with our employees, partners, and fans. The company strives each day to deliver the mission statement and embody the core values that make Learfield an exciting place to work.

Our Mission

Powering the connection of fans to the brands and experiences they love.

Our Core Values

Build Trust | Be Fans of One Another | Power Tomorrow | Create & Connect Communities | Have Fun