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

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee activation for a portfolio of property-level partners, ensuring timely and strategic execution of all sponsorship elements.
• Manage and develop a small on-site team, which may include a coordinator, property assistant(s), and/or part-time staff.
• Provide regular coaching, feedback, and performance support to direct reports, promoting a culture of accountability and collaboration.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with sponsors, university stakeholders, and cross-functional teams.
• Coordinate digital, social, signage, hospitality, and experiential assets across internal and external stakeholders.
• Oversee activation timelines, asset tracking, deliverable documentation, and partner communications.
• Support the development of year-end recaps and contribute to renewal planning alongside sales leaders.
• Ensure all execution aligns with Learfield standards, contract requirements, and university guidelines.
• Assist with partner hosting, game day operations, and event logistics.

Minimum Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in sponsorship activation, marketing, or account management—preferably in sports or entertainment.
• Experience managing direct reports with a proven ability to lead, coach, and develop others.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously.
• Confident communicator with excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Proven track record in campaign execution across digital, in-venue, and experiential channels.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and basic planning/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.
• Experience working on-site at a sports property or with a university partner.
• Familiarity with the multimedia rights landscape in collegiate athletics.

Additional information

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.