General Manager - University of Louisville

Job description

Learfield is seeking an experienced and strategic General Manager (GM) to lead one of our high-profile Sports Properties and serve as the primary Learfield liaison to the university’s Athletics Department. This senior-level position is responsible for stewarding the school’s athletics multimedia rights agreement, managing an advanced portfolio of corporate partners, and cultivating lasting relationships across university leadership. The GM plays a critical role in driving financial performance, shaping partnership strategy, and ensuring a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship between Learfield and the university. In this role, you will lead a high-performing team that may include both individual contributors and people managers. You’ll oversee day-to-day property operations, guide sponsorship strategy, and champion integrated marketing solutions that align with both university goals and Learfield’s enterprise objectives. This role requires a seasoned operator with deep expertise in sponsorship sales, exceptional relationship management skills, and the ability to lead through influence and accountability. You'll collaborate closely with regional leaders, corporate stakeholders, and campus decision-makers to deliver results and elevate the partnership. Essential Duties & Responsibilities: Serve as the primary liaison between Learfield and university leadership, building trusted relationships and ensuring strategic alignment across key stakeholders . Lead the execution and ongoing optimization of the multimedia rights partnership, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities, branding, and long-term business goals . Oversee and develop the local team, providing leadership, coaching, and development opportunities while fostering a high-performance culture . Drive revenue growth by setting strategic direction for sponsorship efforts and supporting the development of high-value, multi-platform partnerships. Build and maintain strong relationships with corporate partners, focusing on client satisfaction, long-term retention, and overall partnership success . Partner with university stakeholders and cross-functional Learfield teams to deliver innovative, value-driven solutions and integrated campaigns . Lead property-level financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, and analysis tied to revenue and profitability goals . Identify and pursue new business opportunities that support innovation, long-term growth, and evolving university priorities . Serve as an ambassador for the property, representing Learfield at campus, community, and key partner events. Minimum 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. Excellent communicator with strong presentation, relationship-building, and influencing skills. Ability to lead through change, coach others, and inspire collaboration in a fast-paced environment. High level of integrity, professionalism, and business judgment. Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed to support athletic events or client activations. Preferred Qualifications: Experience working directly with or within collegiate athletics or higher education. Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university. 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.