Learfield is seeking a motivated Associate NIL Business Development Manager to help grow and manage Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) partnerships at one of our university properties. This role supports new business development and activation of NIL campaigns that connect brands with student-athletes in meaningful, compliant ways.
As part of the property team, the Associate NIL Business Development Manager will be responsible for prospecting, pitching, and brand partner NIL activation, while serving as an NIL expert to educate partners and internal teams on trends and best practices. The role reports to the General Manager and works closely with both property and Athletic Department staff.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
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Develop and pitch NIL partnership concepts that connect brands with student-athletes through compelling proposals, presentations, and tailored activations that leverage university IP.
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Serve as an NIL subject-matter expert, providing sales materials and best-practice guidance to support property sales teams and brand partner discussions.
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Ensure flawless execution of NIL campaigns by coordinating with internal stakeholders (Partnerships, Athletics, Legal/Compliance, Activation)
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Participate in partner and student-athlete meetings, NIL activations, representing Learfield and the university in a professional and relationship-driven manner.
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Manage and track NIL sales activity, including prospect development, contract execution, and activation performance using CRM and reporting systems.
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Contribute to campaign reporting and renewal strategy, including recaps, performance summaries, and recommendations for future NIL engagement.
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Stay current on NIL policies, NCAA and state regulations, and industry trends, translating updates into actionable strategies for the property and partners.
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Cultivate strong relationships with student-athletes, athletic department personnel, and brand partners to foster collaboration and long-term partnership success.
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Build and maintain strong relationships with local, regional, and national clients as well as university partners, athletic department staff, and internal stakeholders—serving as a trusted representative of both Learfield and the university.
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Meet or exceed defined NIL sales targets and key performance indicators
Minimum Qualifications:
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2+ years of experience in sponsorship sales, NIL partnerships, marketing, or related business development roles, preferably in sports, entertainment, or agency environments
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Demonstrated ability to develop and present sales ideas, build relationships, and support business development efforts
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Strong communication, presentation, and organizational skills with high attention to detail
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Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, client-focused environment
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Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience with CRM or sales tracking tools
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Comfortable spending 50% or more of time outside the office meeting with prospects, attending NIL activations, and engaging with partners
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Familiarity with NIL policies, NCAA compliance, and state-level regulations
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Availability to work evenings and weekends as needed for partner events, game days, and student-athlete engagements
Preferred Qualifications:
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Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, sports management, or a related field
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Knowledge of NIL best practices, influencer marketing, or brand partnership strategy
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Understanding of Learfield’s multimedia rights model and NIL program integration
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Experience supporting digital or social media strategies, with an understanding of content performance and engagement across platforms
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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.
