Executive Director of Name Use and Trademark Licensing

Executive Director of Name Use and Trademark Licensing Redwood City, CA, United States (Hybrid) Executive Director of Name Use and Trademark Licensing provides leadership and operational oversight for Stanford University’s comprehensive trademark licensing and name use programs. The position unifies and advances Stanford’s approach to protecting and leveraging the university’s trademarks while ensuring policy compliance, maintaining trademark integrity, and driving revenue growth. Key Responsibilities Leadership & Program Development (25%) Develop and implement comprehensive strategic plans for trademark licensing and name use aligned with institutional objectives Lead trademark portfolio optimization and strategic policy development across university functions Align policies, processes, and communications across trademark licensing and name use functions Collaborate with senior leadership to establish trademark strategy supporting mission and revenue objectives Partner with University Communications to ensure name use policies enhance overall brand management strategy Analyze market trends and competitive landscape to identify growth opportunities and best practices Present strategic initiatives and recommendations to senior leadership Trademark Licensing & Revenue Management (25%) Direct all aspects of trademark licensing program in partnership with external licensing agent CLC Partner with campus community on complex licensing negotiations and strategic partnership development Oversee product approval processes and ensure quality standards align with trademark standards Drive licensing revenue performance analysis and growth planning across product categories and distribution channels Develop and manage annual operating budget and multi‑year strategic planning for licensing programs Ensure compliance with industry labor standards, corporate social responsibility requirements, and institutional values Identify and develop new licensing opportunities and revenue streams Partner with University Communications to ensure name use policies support broader brand strategy Serve as senior institutional liaison for complex name use approvals and policy interpretations Strategic Partnership & Stakeholder Management (25%) Manage strategic corporate partnerships and sponsorship agreements involving trademarks Partner closely with the Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation (DAPER) on strategic and policy decisions related to student‑athlete Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreements, athletic sponsorships, and sports‑related licensing initiatives Collaborate with Stanford Medicine Brand Management team on trademark initiatives requiring coordination Build and maintain strategic relationships with major licensees, sponsors, peer institutions, and industry organizations Represent Stanford in senior‑level industry forums and professional organizations Leadership & Operations (5%) Provide direct supervision, strategic direction, and professional development to Trademark Licensing Associate Establish operational procedures, performance metrics, and continuous improvement initiatives Lead cross‑functional collaborations with University Communications, Athletics, General Counsel, Student Affairs, Alumni Relations, and other key stakeholders Drive process innovation and efficiency improvements across trademark functions Represent Stanford as senior spokesperson for trademark and licensing matters at industry conferences Required Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Law, or related field. JD, MBA, or other advanced degree preferred. Experience: Minimum 8‑10 years of progressive leadership experience in trademark licensing, intellectual property management, or brand strategy. Proven success managing licensing programs with annual revenues of $1M+ and track record of revenue growth. Strategic & Leadership Competencies: Develop and implement strategic plans with measurable business outcomes Lead teams and cross‑functional initiatives Negotiate and manage relationships with senior executives and external partners Communicate effectively and present to diverse stakeholders Drive process innovation and organizational improvement Technical & Industry Expertise: Knowledge of trademark law, licensing regulations, and intellectual property protection Experience with complex licensing agreements and revenue optimization Understanding of higher education governance, athletics operations, and institutional decision‑making processes Financial management experience including budgeting, revenue analysis, and strategic planning Knowledge of digital brand management and emerging licensing technologies Preferred Qualifications: Experience in higher education trademark licensing or university business operations Knowledge of NCAA regulations, NIL requirements, and athletics partnership structures Experience working with external licensing agents and managing vendor relationships Background in corporate partnerships or business development Industry recognition and professional involvement in trademark licensing community Expertise in cross‑functional collaboration and building consensus among diverse stakeholders Ability to navigate ambiguous situations and make strategic decisions with incomplete information Experience managing complex, multi‑stakeholder environments with competing interests and institutional constraints Key Performance Indicators: Licensing revenue growth and program expansion Effective trademark protection and brand integrity maintenance Strategic partnership development and stakeholder satisfaction Cross‑campus collaboration and policy alignment Process efficiency and innovation implementation Benefits and Working Conditions 18+ PTO days per year Health benefits start when you start Flexible work options $6,000+ annual tuition and training assistance 403(b) plan Mental health and wellness programs Free and discounted commuter transportation Occasionally work evenings and weekends Pay range: $206,749 – $228,000 per annum Legal Notice Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job. #J-18808-Ljbffr Stanford University