NIL Partnership Solutions Manager - West Virginia University

Learfield is seeking a proactive, relationship-driven NIL Partnership Solutions Manager to lead the day-to-day activation of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) partnerships on campus. This role connects brands with student-athletes through impactful campaigns while supporting traditional sponsorship activations.

In this role, you’ll serve as the lead activation contact for NIL partners, coordinating integrated marketing campaigns across digital, social, in-venue, and broadcast platforms. You’ll also lead collaborations with sales and university NIL teams to develop creative NIL concepts, craft compelling partner proposals, and translate brand objectives into impactful student-athlete activations.

The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, takes initiative to solve problems, and excels at communication, creativity, and strategic execution. You’ll also support partner renewals and mentor junior staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the activation of NIL campaigns for a portfolio of partners, managing all aspects of campaign execution, compliance, and fulfillment.
• Serve as the primary liaison between brand partners, student-athletes, and university stakeholders.
• Manage all NIL logistics — including athlete coordination, content approvals, deliverable tracking, and payment processing — to ensure flawless and timely execution of NIL and sponsorship activations.
• Collaborate with creative, digital, events, and university compliance teams to ensure NIL campaigns are engaging, compliant, and strategically aligned.
• Lead NIL recaps, performance reporting, and renewal discussions; contribute to strategic planning for NIL and sponsorship accounts.
• Mentor coordinators and game day staff on NIL campaign execution and industry best practices.
• Identify process improvement opportunities and support adoption of NIL-specific tools, platforms, and workflows.
• Represent the property at brand partner meetings, student-athlete sessions, and university events.
• Ensure all NIL and sponsorship activity aligns with Learfield’s brand, contractual obligations, NCAA/state NIL legislation, and university standards.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 6+ years of experience in sponsorship activation, NIL partnerships, influencer marketing, account management, or event marketing—preferably in sports or entertainment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex NIL and sponsorship projects independently.
• Strong communication, organization, and project management skills across different stakeholder groups.
• Proven success in executing athlete-driven or influencer-style campaigns.
• Experience interpreting NIL contracts and managing deliverables across digital, social, experiential, and in-venue assets.
• High attention to detail and accountability for results.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other planning or CRM tools.
• Ability to work evenings/weekends as needed for game days, NIL activations, and events.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, sports management, or a related field.
• Knowledge of the multimedia rights landscape in collegiate athletics.
• Experience mentoring junior team members or overseeing activation processes.
• Understanding digital and social media best practices within NIL and influencer marketing.
• Experience developing or supporting content strategies for social media, with a clear sense of what drives engagement across different platforms.
• Familiarity with creative production elements such as graphic design, motion graphics, photography, and social storytelling.
• 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.