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

Learfield is seeking a Manager of Partnership Strategy to lead sponsorship activation and team execution at one of our university properties. This individual is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day fulfillment of corporate sponsorships, managing a small on-site team, and ensuring partner deliverables are executed with excellence. This role is essential to building strong client relationships and advancing university goals through flawless execution.

In this role, you’ll manage a portfolio of partners and serve as the primary escalation point for activation needs, while also providing day-to-day leadership to direct reports. You’ll work closely with internal teams, vendors, and university contacts to ensure all partnership elements are fulfilled across digital, social, in-venue, broadcast, and experiential platforms. This is an ideal opportunity for a motivated people leader who enjoys mentoring others, solving problems, and delivering visible results in a fast-paced environment.

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.

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.