Senior Manager, NIL Partnership Strategy - University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Job description

Tar Heel Sports Properties is seeking an experienced and strategic Senior Manager of NIL Partnership Strategy to lead the NIL execution and management of corporate sponsorships across a broader portfolio at one of our university properties. In this role, you'll oversee a team of NIL activation professionals, drive cross-functional coordination, and serve as a key liaison between Learfield and university stakeholders. You’ll play a hands-on role in delivering meaningful outcomes for partners, while also shaping the strategy, tools, and team culture that support long-term success. This position manages NIL partnerships across multiple tiers of value and complexity, ensuring flawless fulfillment across digital, social, in-venue, broadcast, and experiential channels. As a senior member of the property team, you’ll provide leadership to direct reports, contribute to renewal and upsell strategy, and play a critical role in aligning Learfield’s execution with university goals. This is an ideal opportunity for a thoughtful, people-first leader who thrives in a fast-paced, client-focused environment and enjoys elevating others. Key Responsibilities Lead the strategic planning, activation, and fulfillment of NIL campaigns involving student-athlete talent across integrated brand partnerships. Collaborate with the sales team to ensure student-athlete content, messaging, and experiences are seamlessly integrated with broader sponsorship objectives. Serve as the NIL execution lead, overseeing athlete coordination, content timelines, deliverables, and campaign approvals in alignment with university compliance and Learfield guidelines. Manage and coach a team of NIL activation professionals (coordinators, managers, interns), providing feedback, mentorship, and performance support. Track and report on NIL performance, including content reach, engagement, and partner KPIs, and incorporate results into partnership recaps and renewal strategies. Support strategic planning and renewal discussions for key accounts in collaboration with sales leadership. Identify process improvement and support the growth of NIL programming by developing scalable activation models, toolkits, and storytelling frameworks that highlight student-athlete impact. Represent Learfield in high-visibility partner meetings, university engagements, and game day operations. Ensure all execution aligns with contractual terms, university brand standards, and Learfield policies. Minimum Qualifications: 8+ years of experience in sponsorship activation, client services, or brand marketing—preferably in NIL, sports, entertainment, or agency settings. Proven experience leading teams and managing direct reports in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment. Strategic thinker with strong execution skills and the ability to manage complex partner portfolios. Excellent communication, organization, and cross-functional leadership skills. Demonstrated ability to lead and influence both internal teams and external stakeholders. Strong understanding of partnership fulfillment across digital, social, in-venue, and experiential channels. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management/CRM tools. Availability to work evenings and weekends as needed for game days, client events, and university engagements. Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, communications, sports management, or related field. Experience managing client relationships across multiple sponsorship tiers. Familiarity with the multimedia rights landscape in collegiate athletics. Understanding digital and social media best practices within NIL and influencer marketing. Experience developing or supporting content strategies for social media, with a clear sense of what drives engagement across different platforms. Familiarity with creative production elements such as graphic design, motion graphics, photography, and social storytelling. 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.