Corporate Partnership Solutions Manager - University of Southern California

Job description

Learfield is seeking a relationship-driven Corporate Partnership Solutions Manager to join our Sports Properties team and oversee the day-to-day activation of corporate sponsorships on campus. This role will sit at the local property while also supporting Corporate Sales efforts, including the activation and execution of national partnership deals. This role manages a more complex portfolio of partners, with increased ownership over strategic execution, creative planning, and cross-functional coordination. The right candidate brings energy, ownership, and a commitment to delivering exceptional results for our partners and university stakeholders. In this role, you’ll lead the activation of high-value sponsorship campaigns across digital, social, in-venue, broadcast, and experiential platforms. You’ll serve as the primary point of contact for a diverse group of sponsors—ensuring that every campaign element is flawlessly executed and strategically aligned. This includes close coordination with Corporate Sales and national account teams to ensure seamless execution of enterprise-level partnerships at the local level. In addition to managing internal timelines and communications, you’ll help elevate our activation function by mentoring junior team members, improving workflows, and contributing to renewal strategy. This position is ideal for someone who’s ready to take full ownership of partnership outcomes and thrives in a highly visible, fast-paced environment. Essential Duties & Responsibilities: Serve as the activation lead for a portfolio of partners, managing all aspects of campaign execution and fulfillment. Support the execution of national (corporate) partnership deals at the property level, ensuring alignment with broader enterprise objectives and standards. Establish strong client relationships through clear communication, thoughtful planning, and reliable follow-through. Build and maintain strong relationships with university partners, athletic department staff, corporate clients, and internal stakeholders—serving as a trusted and respected representative of both Learfield and the university. Oversee activation timelines, project plans, and asset delivery schedules, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. Collaborate with internal teams (e.g., creative, digital, events) and university contacts to execute integrated marketing campaigns. Partner closely with Corporate Sales, Revenue Strategy & Operations, and Partnership Management teams to ensure consistent execution, communication, and reporting across local and national initiatives. Lead partner recaps, performance reporting, and renewal discussions; contribute to strategic planning for key accounts. Serve as an activation mentor or informal lead for coordinators and game-day staff. Identify process improvement opportunities and help implement tools that enhance property-wide activation. Represent the property at partner meetings, internal planning sessions, and game-day operations. Ensure all activity aligns with Learfield’s brand, contractual obligations, and university standards. Minimum Qualifications: Typically 4+ years of experience in sponsorship activation, account management, or event marketing, preferably in sports or entertainment. Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and client relationships independently. Strong communication, organization, and project management skills. Proven success in executing multi-channel marketing campaigns. Experience interpreting contracts and managing deliverables across digital, social, signage, and in-venue assets. Collaborative mindset with an ability to influence cross-functional teams. High attention to detail and accountability for results. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other planning or CRM tools. Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed for game days and events. Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, sports management, or a related field. Knowledge of the multimedia rights landscape in collegiate athletics. Experience working across both local property teams and centralized/corporate stakeholders is strongly preferred. Posting Language: The approximate national base pay range for this position is $65,000 to $85,000. Please note that this is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Individuals may also be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus and/or sales compensation based on individual and company performance. Placement within the range may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge, skills and experience, and geographic location. The pay rate will comply with all applicable federal, state, and local wage and salary requirements. 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.