General Manager - Vanderbilt University

LEARFIELD•Nashville, TN

About The Position

Learfield is seeking an experienced, strategic General Manager to lead a high-profile Sports Properties operation and serve as the primary liaison to Vanderbilt University’s Athletics Department. The GM stewards the university’s athletics multimedia rights agreement, manages a portfolio of corporate partners, and builds lasting relationships with university leadership. The position drives financial performance, shapes partnership strategy, and supports a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship between Learfield and the university. The GM leads a high-performing team that may include individual contributors and people managers, oversees day-to-day property operations, guides sponsorship strategy, and champions integrated marketing solutions aligned with university goals and Learfield’s objectives. The role collaborates with regional leaders, corporate stakeholders, and campus decision-makers to deliver results and strengthen the partnership.

Requirements

10 or more 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 communication, 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 for athletic events or client activations.

Nice To Haves

Experience working directly with or within collegiate athletics or higher education.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary liaison between Learfield and the university’s Athletics Department, Vanderbilt Enterprises, the Athletic Director, and senior leadership.
Build and maintain strong relationships with university partners, athletic department staff, and internal stakeholders.
Lead the execution and optimization of the school’s multimedia rights agreement in alignment with institutional values, branding, and long-term goals.
Oversee a local team, providing direction, mentorship, and development opportunities.
Set strategic direction for sponsorship sales and guide the pursuit of high-value, multi-platform partnerships to drive revenue growth.
Build and manage a portfolio of regional and national corporate sponsors, supporting client satisfaction and long-term retention.
Collaborate with university stakeholders and Learfield teams, including integrated marketing, research, digital, and legal, to develop and deliver campaigns.
Manage property-level financial planning, including annual budgeting, forecasting, and performance analysis tied to revenue and profitability targets.
Represent the partnership at campus and community events.
Promote a high-performance, team-first culture through accountability, adaptability, and collaboration.
Identify and pursue new revenue opportunities that support innovation, business expansion, and the university’s evolving priorities.