Director, NIL Revenue & Activation - Ohio State University

Ohio State Sports Properties is seeking an entrepreneurial revenue leader to head Buckeye Sports Group and build the commercial future of one of the most powerful brands in college athletics. This builder's role focuses on growing new revenue streams (memorabilia, merchandise, experiences, events, direct‑to‑consumer commerce) and building & executing all NIL deals and activations across the athletics portfolio. The Director of Buckeye Sports Group will own a P&L‑minded growth agenda, turning Ohio State’s brand equity and passionate national fanbase into durable revenue, architecting channels, partnerships, and platforms that convert demand into sales while overseeing an NIL function that executes deals end to end. Responsibilities Revenue Generation & Commercial Growth (Primary) Own and grow Ohio State’s emerging revenue verticals, building each into a scalable, repeatable business. Design and operate direct‑to‑consumer and eCommerce channels, and lead the selection, implementation, and optimization of the commerce technology ecosystem. Use first‑party fan data and analytics to drive acquisition, conversion, retention, and lifetime value, optimizing the funnel with a test‑and‑learn discipline. Identify and launch monetizable products and experiences that convert fan passion into revenue. Set revenue targets, manage the unit’s P&L and budget, and allocate resources for maximum return. NIL Activation & Fulfillment (Secondary) Partner with the Ohio State University Athletic Department for overall NIL strategy and activation needs across all sports. Oversee the end‑to‑end NIL function: opportunity sourcing, contracting, clearinghouse/College Sports Commission approval, activation, fulfillment, and student‑athlete compensation. Ideate and pitch integrated NIL+MMR deals to partners, build and maintain trusted relationships with student‑athletes, agents, and brand partners, and develop a strategic NIL plan across all 36 sports. Leadership & Industry Lead and develop a high‑performing, cross‑functional team spanning commerce, marketing, and NIL operations. Stay ahead of industry shifts, commerce and fan engagement trends, NIL deal activity, state/federal legislation, and represent Ohio State in the LEARFIELD corporate working group. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Sports Management, or a related field preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. 10+ years in revenue generation, eCommerce/DTC, or commercial growth, with a proven record of building and scaling new revenue streams, ideally including team leadership. Hands‑on experience operating an eCommerce/DTC business, launching new ventures in competitive DTC categories, P&L ownership, and a data‑driven, test‑and‑learn approach to growth. Prior NIL experience preferred. Sharp negotiator and relationship‑builder with outstanding communication skills, strategic creative operator with a bias for action. 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), 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. Equal Employment Opportunity Race Color Sex Gender identity Sexual orientation Religious practices and observances National origin Pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions Protected veteran or spouse/family member of a protected veteran Disability #J-18808-Ljbffr 100 LEARFIELD