University of Kentucky

Serves as the senior commercial and external-facing executive for UK Athletics, holding one integrated scope of responsibility across commercial strategy and external operations. Leads the department's commercial strategy and revenue growth responsibilities, working with JMIS to guide sponsorship/corporate partnerships, multimedia and licensing rights, and other commercial ventures, while also coordinating the department's brand, marketing, communications, and fan experience direction. Under the direction of the Director of Athletics and in alignment with the University’s Shared and Central Services, the CCO will work to position commercial priorities to support the department's broader mission and ensure consistent commercial execution across the enterprise.

• Lead the department's overall commercial strategy and enterprise strategy driving revenue growth with JMIS across sponsorship/corporate partnerships, multimedia rights, licensing, and other commercial ventures.
• Lead deal-sourcing, structuring, and negotiation for major commercial partnerships and rights agreements for the department.
• Set and monitor commercial performance targets, using data and analytics to evaluate deal performance and identify new revenue opportunities.
• Direct the department's brand, marketing, communications, and fan experience functions, in collaboration with the University’s Shared and Central Services.
• Ensure consistent brand messaging and a cohesive fan and stakeholder experience across all touchpoints (digital, broadcast, live events).
• Align brand and marketing strategy and resource allocation with the University’s Shared and Central Services, ensuring initiatives are integrated and non-duplicative across the enterprise.
• Establish communication protocols and shared timelines with Beyond Blue's marketing function to keep execution aligned and remove bottlenecks.
• Partner with the Director of Athletics and working with the integrated marketing and strategic communications team to align commercial strategy with the department's overall mission and revenue goals.
• Manage budgets across commercial operations and external affairs functions.
• Build, lead, and develop a multidisciplinary team spanning commercial, marketing, communications, and fan experience.
• Provide daily direction for assigned sport program as assigned.

Bachelor's degree required; MBA or related advanced degree preferred.

10+ years of progressive experience in commercial leadership, marketing, or external affairs roles, preferably in collegiate athletics, professional sports, or related industries.

Proven track record in revenue generation, sponsorship/partnership execution, and brand/marketing strategy.

Experience operating across or in coordination with a separate corporate/commercial entity (e.g., a university athletics commercial subsidiary or multimedia rights company) strongly preferred.

Strong executive presence; demonstrated ability to represent a department and its commercial subsidiary externally with media, partners, and university leadership.

Demonstrated ability to lead and align cross-functional teams spanning multiple business units.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

All experience must be paid and in the same related field.

Part‑time and PRN experience will be prorated based on hours worked per week.

Volunteer work and internships for academic credit are not counted.

n/a

A. Lifting, pushing, and/or pulling objects up to 50lbs: 1. Never
B. Lifting, pushing, and/or pulling objects over 50lbs: 1. Never
C. Standing or walking with objects up to 10lbs: 2. Occasional (50% of the time)
F. Risk of back injury from moving, lifting or positioning patients, equipment, or materials:
1. Never
G. Repetitive motion:
4. Regular (>50% of the time)
H. Working at heights above 4 feet:
1. Never
I. Working in confined spaces:
1. Never
J. Risk of injuries from use of equipment on the job: 1. Never
K. Job-related travel:
3. Intermittent (10% - 50% of the time)
L. Loud noises:
2. Occasional (