Manager, Partnership Strategy - University of Alabama

Key Responsibilities

• Oversight of activation for a portfolio of property-level partners, ensuring timely and strategic execution of all sponsorship elements.
• Management and development of a small on-site team, which may include a coordinator, property assistant(s), and/or part-time staff.
• Regular coaching, feedback, and performance support to direct reports, promoting a culture of accountability and collaboration.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with sponsors, university stakeholders, and cross-functional teams.
• Cooking and coordinating digital, social, signage, hospitality, and experiential assets across internal and external stakeholders.
• Overseeing activation timelines, asset tracking, deliverable documentation, and partner communications.
• Supporting the development of year-end recaps and contributing to renewal planning alongside sales leaders.
• Ensuring all execution aligns with Learfield standards, contract requirements, and university guidelines.
• Absorbing and assisting 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.

Benefits

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.