General Manager - University of Illinois

Learfield is the leading media and technology company powering college athletics. Through its digital and physical platforms, Learfield owns and leverages a deep data set and relationships in the industry to drive revenue, growth, brand awareness, and fan engagement for brands, sports, and entertainment properties. With ties to over 1,200 collegiate institutions and over 12,000 local and national brand partners, Learfield’s presence in college sports and live events delivers influence and maximizes reach to target audiences.

With data-based solutions for a 365-day, 24/7 fan experience, Learfield enables schools and brands to connect with fans through licensed merchandise, game ticketing, donor identification for athletic programs, exclusive custom content, innovative marketing initiatives, NIL solutions, and advanced digital platforms. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed Learfield Directors’ Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.

Our people-first culture is the foundation of our business and is reflective of our approach to building meaningful relationships with our employees, partners, and fans. The company strives each day to deliver the mission statement and embody the core values that make Learfield an exciting place to work.

Powering the connection of fans to the brands and experiences they love.

Build Trust | Be Fans of One Another | Power Tomorrow | Create & Connect Communities | Have Fun

Learfield is seeking an experienced and strategic General Manager (GM) to lead one of our high-profile Sports Properties and serve as the primary liaison to the university’s Athletics Department. This senior-level position is responsible for stewarding the school’s athletics multimedia rights agreement, managing an advanced portfolio of corporate partners, and cultivating lasting relationships across university leadership. The GM plays a critical role in driving financial performance, shaping partnership strategy, and ensuring a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship between Learfield and the university.

In this role, you will lead a high-performing team that may include both individual contributors and people managers. You will oversee day-to-day property operations, guide sponsorship strategy, and champion integrated marketing solutions that align with both university goals and Learfield’s enterprise objectives. This role requires a seasoned operator with deep expertise in sponsorship sales, exceptional relationship management skills, and the ability to lead through influence and accountability.

You will collaborate closely with regional leaders, corporate stakeholders, and campus decision-makers to deliver results and elevate the partnership.

• Serve as the primary liaison between Learfield and the university’s Athletics Department, Athletic Director, and senior leadership, fostering trusted, strategic relationships.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with university partners, athletic department staff, and internal stakeholders—serving as a trusted and respected representative of both Learfield and the university.
• Lead the execution and optimization of the school’s multimedia rights agreement, ensuring alignment with institutional values, branding, and long-term goals.
• Oversee a local team that may include both individual contributors and people managers, providing direction, mentorship, and development opportunities.
• Drive revenue growth by setting strategic direction for sponsorship sales and guiding the pursuit of high-value, multi-platform…