Executive Director of Name Use and Trademark Licensing

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive strategic plans for trademark licensing and name use aligned with Stanford's institutional objectives
• Lead trademark portfolio optimization and strategic policy development across university functions
• Align policies, processes, and communications across trademark licensing and name use functions
• Collaborate with senior leadership to establish trademark strategy that supports Stanford's mission and revenue objectives
• Present strategic initiatives and recommendations to senior leadership
• Direct all aspects of Stanford's trademark licensing program in partnership with external licensing agent CLC
• Partner with campus community on complex licensing negotiations and strategic partnership development
• Oversee product approval processes and ensure quality standards align with Stanford's trademark standards
• Drive licensing revenue performance analysis and growth planning across product categories and distribution channels
• Develop and manage annual operating budget and multi-year strategic planning for licensing programs
• Ensure compliance with industry labor standards, corporate social responsibility requirements, and institutional values
• Identify and develop new licensing opportunities and revenue streams

Name Use Strategy & Protection

• Establish and enforce comprehensive policies for internal and external use of Stanford's names, logos, and trademarks
• Collaborate across campus partners on strategic name use governance and approval processes for university departments, student organizations, and external entities
• Cook with Office of General Counsel on trademark registrations, renewals, and complex enforcement matters
• Monitor and direct institutional response to unauthorized use of Stanford marks, including infringement cases in coordination with Office of General Counsel
• Serve as senior institutional liaison for complex name use approvals and policy interpretations
• Work collaboratively with University Communications to ensure name use policies support broader brand strategy

Strategic Partnership & Stakeholder Management

• Manage strategic corporate partnerships and sponsorship agreements involving Stanford's trademarks
• Partner closely with the Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation (DAPER) on strategic and policy decisions related to student-athlete Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreements, athletic sponsorships, and sports-related licensing initiatives
• Serve as the primary liaison to bring broader university perspective and institutional implications to DAPER's trademark and licensing decisions, ensuring alignment with university-wide policies and strategic objectives while supporting DAPER's unique needs and goals
• Collaborate with Stanford Medicine Brand Management team on trademark initiatives requiring coordination
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with major licensees, sponsors, peer institutions, and industry organizations
• Serve as primary liaison with external licensing agent and other strategic vendors
• Represent Stanford in senior-level industry forums and professional organizations

Leadership & Operations

• Provide direct supervision, strategic direction, and professional development to Trademark Licensing Associate
• Establish operational procedures, performance metrics, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Lead cross-functional collaborations with University Communications, Athletics, General Counsel, Student Affairs, Alumni Relations, and other key stakeholders
• Drive process innovation and efficiency improvements across trademark functions
• Represent Stanford as senior spokesperson for trademark and licensing matters at industry conferences