Vice President & General Manager - University of Alabama

Vice President & General Manager

LEARFIELD is seeking a visionary and influential Vice President & General Manager to lead one of our most visible Sports Properties and serve as the primary liaison to the university's Athletics Department. This highly strategic role is responsible for overseeing the comprehensive multimedia rights partnership, cultivating senior relationships across the university, and driving innovative, high-impact sponsorships that elevate both the Learfield brand and the school's athletic mission.

In this role, you will lead a seasoned team of leaders, navigate complex stakeholder environments, and shape the long-term success of a marquee property. You'll serve as the external face of the partnership and an internal thought leader across the enterprise. This role is designed for a senior-level GM with strong executive presence, deep experience in sports partnerships, and a proven ability to drive growth at the intersection of business, relationships, and collegiate athletics strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary executive liaison to university leadership, building strong relationships and driving strategic alignment between Learfield and the university.
• Lead the execution and ongoing evolution of the multimedia rights partnership, ensuring alignment with long-term business objectives and institutional priorities.
• Oversee and develop the property leadership team, driving accountability, operational excellence, and overall business performance.
• Set the vision and strategy for property growth, including revenue generation, partnership innovation, client satisfaction, and long-term success.
• Lead business planning and financial performance, including P&L ownership, budgeting, forecasting, and achievement of key business goals.
• Support and elevate strategic sponsorship relationships by delivering integrated marketing solutions across digital, broadcast, in-venue, experiential, and premium assets.
• Partner closely with regional leadership and enterprise support teams to drive cross-functional collaboration and enhance overall partnership performance.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, inclusion, and high performance through strong leadership and team development.
• Serve as a senior ambassador for the property, representing Learfield with university partners, clients, and industry stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 12+ years of progressive experience in sponsorship sales, sports marketing, media, or related fields, with a strong track record of delivering results in high-impact, revenue-driving roles.
• 5+ years of people leadership experience, including coaching and developing senior-level talent and overseeing multi-functional teams.
• Demonstrated success managing complex partnerships and influencing senior stakeholders at the university, brand, and enterprise level.
• Deep understanding of integrated marketing strategy, including digital, social, broadcast, in-venue, and experiential platforms.
• Strong financial acumen, with experience owning a full P&L, setting strategic budgets, and driving property-level profitability.
• Exceptional communication, collaboration, and executive presence — able to lead through influence and navigate a highly visible, fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to prioritize effectively and manage multiple initiatives.
• High integrity, sound judgment, and a people-first leadership mindset.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience working with or within collegiate athletics or higher education.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university.

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.