Manager, Partnership Services - University of South Carolina

Learfield is seeking a Manager of Partnership Services to lead sponsorship activation and team execution at Gamecock Sports Properties. This individual is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day fulfillment of corporate sponsorships, managing a team, and ensuring partner deliverables are executed with excellence. As the activation lead for the property, this role is essential to building strong client relationships and advancing university goals through flawless execution.

In this role, you’ll manage a portfolio of partners and serve as the primary escalation point for activation needs, while also providing day-to-day leadership to direct reports. You’ll work closely with internal teams, vendors, and university contacts to ensure all partnership elements are fulfilled across digital, social, in-venue, broadcast, and experiential platforms. This is an ideal opportunity for a motivated people leader who enjoys mentoring others, solving problems, and delivering visible results in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee activation for a portfolio of property-level partners, ensuring timely, strategic execution of all sponsorship elements.
• Manage and develop a small on-site team, which may include coordinator(s), property assistant(s), and/or part-time staff.
• Provide regular coaching, feedback, and performance support to direct reports, fostering a culture of accountability, service excellence, and collaboration.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with brand partners, university stakeholders, and cross-functional internal teams.
• Serve as the primary liaison to the athletics marketing staff to ensure coordinated execution across in-venue, on-campus, and community-facing assets.
• Work closely with the Social Plus position (where applicable) to ensure digital and content-related sponsorship elements are accurately activated and delivered.
• Coordinate execution of digital, social, signage, hospitality, and experiential assets across both internal and external stakeholders.
• Oversee timelines, asset tracking, deliverable documentation, and proactive communication with partners.
• Contribute to development of year-end recaps, renewal materials, and upsell opportunities in collaboration with sales leadership.
• Ensure all activation aligns with Learfield standards, partner contracts, and university guidelines.
• Support event logistics, including partner hosting, game day operations, and campus activations.

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.

Learfield offers a full spectrum of benefits for eligible employees including Medical, Dental, Vision, Heath Savings Account, Life Insurance and Other Insurance Plans, Flexible Paid Time Off (minimum 10+ days annually), including Parental Leave, 20 Paid Holidays, 401(k), and Short/Long Term Disability. Leave benefits are consistent with state and local laws, including the Colorado Healthy 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.