Commercial Partnerships Director

We are seeking a seasoned, highly driven business development professional to help accelerate the commercialization and sale of high-value sponsorship assets across the Southeastern Conference, Big Ten Conference, and other Power Four properties. These opportunities include naming rights, jersey patches, field and court logos, and other premium inventory.
This is a collaborative, team-based sales role with a strong emphasis on prospecting and pipeline development. The Director will partner closely with property General Managers and internal teams to identify, develop, and secure high-value partnerships while providing strategic guidance throughout the sales process. The ideal candidate brings strong business development instincts, a consultative approach, and a team-first mindset, with the ability to create customized solutions that deliver meaningful results for major brand partners.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
Proactively identify and pursue new business opportunities using data-driven prospecting tools.
Develop and sell integrated marketing solutions across the full suite of Learfield assets, including naming rights opportunities and other premium sponsorship assets, including jersey patches, field logos, court logos, and emerging inventory.
Cultivate and maintain strategic partnerships with national and regional brands, leveraging the ability to negotiate and finalize business contracts while ensuring seamless execution and fulfillment in collaboration with both local properties and the Partnership Management team.
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.
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.
Identify and evaluate emerging market opportunities, sponsorship trends, and innovative inventory offerings that create value for university partners and brand clients.
Build and maintain strong relationships with local property teams and key internal stakeholders to support partnership growth and organizational objectives.
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.
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.