Senior Manager, NIL Partnership Strategy - University of Texas

LEARFIELD•Austin, TX

About The Position

Longhorn Sports Properties is seeking an experienced and strategic Senior Manager of NIL Partnership Strategy to lead the execution and management of NIL campaigns across a broader portfolio at one of our university properties. In this role, you'll oversee a team of NIL activation professionals, drive cross-functional coordination, and serve as a key liaison between Learfield and university stakeholders. You’ll play a hands-on role in delivering meaningful outcomes for partners, while also shaping the strategy, tools, and team culture that support long-term success. This position manages NIL partnerships across multiple tiers of value and complexity, ensuring flawless fulfillment across digital, social, in-venue, broadcast, and experiential channels. As a senior member of the property team, you’ll provide leadership to direct reports, contribute to renewal and upsell strategy, and play a critical role in aligning Learfield’s execution with university goals. This is an ideal opportunity for a thoughtful, people-first leader who thrives in a fast-paced, client-focused environment and enjoys elevating others.

Requirements

8+ years of experience in sponsorship activation, client services, or brand marketing—preferably in NIL, sports, entertainment, or agency settings.
Proven experience leading teams and managing direct reports in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment.
Strategic thinker with strong execution skills and the ability to manage complex partner portfolios.
Excellent communication, organization, and cross-functional leadership skills.
Demonstrated ability to lead and influence both internal teams and external stakeholders.
Strong understanding of partnership fulfillment across digital, social, in-venue, and experiential channels.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management/CRM tools.
Availability to work evenings and weekends as needed for game days, client events, and university engagements.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, communications, sports management, or related field.
Experience managing client relationships across multiple sponsorship tiers.
Familiarity with the multimedia rights landscape in collegiate athletics.

Responsibilities

Work alongside the Director of NIL Revenue & Activation to support the strategic planning, activation, and fulfillment of NIL campaigns involving student-athlete talent across integrated brand partnerships.
Collaborate with the sales team to ideate and execute campaigns that connect student-athlete content and experiences with key sponsorship objectives.
Serve as the NIL execution lead, overseeing athlete coordination, content timelines, deliverables, and campaign approvals in alignment with university compliance and Learfield guidelines.
Manage and coach a team that includes the Manager of NIL Partnership Activation and NIL Partnership Solutions Coordinator by providing feedback, mentorship, and performance support.
Track and report on NIL performance, including content reach, engagement, and partner KPIs, and incorporate results into partnership recaps and renewal strategies.
Support strategic planning and renewal discussions for key accounts in collaboration with sales leadership.
Identify process improvement and support the growth of NIL programming by developing scalable activation models, toolkits, and storytelling frameworks that highlight student-athlete impact.
Represent Learfield in high-visibility partner meetings, university engagements, and game day operations.
Ensure all execution aligns with contractual terms, university brand standards, and Learfield policies.