Director Licensing Revenue and Branding in Lawrence, KS for KU Athletics

Position Summary

The Director of Licensing Revenue and Branding is responsible for overseeing the University of Kansas trademark licensing program, including overseeing all licensed merchandise, creation of new event/championship logos, ensuring state and federal regulations compliance, and investigating unauthorized use of University trademarks to recommend resolution. This position is also responsible for hitting department licensing revenue goals by working with industry leaders to creatively sell the KU brand, as well enhance student-athlete NIL opportunities through licensees.

Duties and Responsibilities of this Position:

1. Drive revenue through all aspects of the KU Licensing program and creativity with industry leaders;
2. Act as the liaison between licensees and The Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC);
3. Interpret licensing and branding policies with regard to trademark licensing for the University community, licensees, potential licensees, and the general public, working closely with the University Office of Public Affairs and the Office of General Counsel as needed;
4. Work closely with the Kansas Athletics Equipment staff on uniform design, sideline apparel, and all team related needs to ensure quality and brand guidelines are met;
5. Provide licensing information to potential licensees, University units and general public, to develop awareness for the licensing program in the form of advertising, electronic delivery of graphics files, as well as through the Kansas Athletics web site and social media channels, and to interface with the appropriate Kansas Athletics and University offices when granting interviews;
6. Coordinate the state and federal registrations of trademarks that represent the University of Kansas (working closely with the Office of General Counsel and University outside counsel);
7. Be the primary day-to-day contact and oversee Kansas Athletics’ merchandise contracts with merchandise partners and Kansas Athletics e-commerce partner(s);
8. Implement changes in the licensing program as necessary, being sure to include appropriate stakeholders on campus and with CLC;
9. Investigate reports of unlicensed merchandise and work the appropriate individuals to provide restitution to the University or to remove the unlicensed merchandise from the marketplace in an appropriate manner;
10. Represent the University of Kansas in Big 12 Conference-related licensing issues and at national and regional seminars related to trademark licensing;
11. Be part of the discussion and implementation of Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) departmental guidelines while assisting in creating enhanced opportunities for KU student-athletes to be successful with licensees and other partners;
12. Work closely with Kansas Athletics’ apparel provider and Kansas Athletics’ multi-media rights holder to ensure quality and brand guidelines are followed;
13. Assist with other areas of public affairs as assigned;
14. Other duties and responsibilities, as assigned by the Director of Athletics or their designee.

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as laptop computers and various digital devices, including, but not limited to: cell phone, printer, copy machine, and other related devices. This job requires flexibility and adaptability in schedule and the ability to perform job related duties on short notice.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to speak and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus. This position may require frequent bending, moving, lifting, and carrying material weighing up to 25 pounds; standing up to eight hours each day; and working in all weather conditions.

Travel

Occasional travel may occur with this position.

Hours of Work

This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work will vary based on the needs of the position. Early morning, evening, and weekend work maybe required.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in marketing, business, public relations or related field;
• A minimum of 3 years full-time experience in merchandising and/or licensing, brand management, or marketing
• Knowledge of trademark law, intellectual property rights, and licensing best practices;
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including the long hours, weekends and holidays, as needed;
• Strong computer knowledge;
• Possess strong presentation, organizational, and overall communications skills;
• Strong relationship-building skills with vendors, retailers, and internal stakeholders.
• Excellent organizational, negotiation, and project management skills.
• Excellent written, oral and inter-personal communication skills, and ability to work independently and work as part of a team; ability to handle multiple tasks;
• Ability to work with minimal supervision on a day-to-day basis.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in related field
• Sports Merchandising background or comparable field in college athletics or sports industry;
• Experience with a collegiate licensing agency (e.g., CLC, Affinity, Learfield);
• Experience with game-day or event production;
• Familiarity with NCAA regulations and collegiate athletic environments.
• Proven track record of growing licensing revenue and expanding brand presence.