General Manager - University of Illinois

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary liaison between Learfield and the university's Athletics Department, Athletic Director, and senior leadership, fostering trusted, strategic relationships. Build and maintain strong relationships with university partners, athletic department staff, and internal stakeholders-serving as a trusted and respected representative of both Learfield and the university.

Lead the execution and optimization of the school's multimedia rights agreement, ensuring alignment with institutional values, branding, and long-term goals. Oversee a local team that may include both individual contributors and people managers, providing direction, mentorship, and development opportunities.

Drive revenue growth by setting strategic direction for sponsorship sales and guiding the pursuit of high-value, multi-platform partnerships. Build and manage a portfolio of regional and national corporate sponsors, ensuring client satisfaction and long-term retention.

Collaborate with university stakeholders and Learfield teams (e.g., integrated marketing, research, digital, legal) to develop and deliver innovative, value-driven campaigns. Own property-level financial planning, including annual budgeting, forecasting, and performance analysis tied to revenue and profitability targets.

Serve as the face of the partnership at key campus and community events, elevating the visibility and impact of Learfield's collaboration with the university. Champion a high-performance, team-first culture by modeling accountability, adaptability, and collaboration across both local and enterprise teams.

Identify and pursue new revenue opportunities that drive innovation, business expansion, and alignment with the university's evolving priorities.

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.

Pay and benefits

Experience working directly with or within collegiate athletics or higher education. Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university. Pay Transparency: The approximate national base pay range for this position is $150,000 to $185,000. 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 on 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 minimum federal, state, and local wage/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.