Director of Branding and Licensing

University of Oklahoma Athletics Department is looking for a highly organized, self-motivated, enthusiastic member to join the Stakeholder/External Relations team as the Director of Branding and Licensing. This position will oversee and protect the integrity of University of Oklahoma branding and licensing and contribute to revenue-generation practices within athletics.

Essential Functions:

• Report to the Executive Associate Athletic Director/External and collaborate with the rest of the Stakeholder/External Relations team on innovative, creative, revenue-generating, brand-boosting ideas.
• Develop, coordinate short and long-term marketing, financial activities and programs related to the university’s licensing program and contributing to increased royalties YOY.
• Ideate, pursue, and promote opportunities that increase OU’s brand affinity and exposure.
• Explore current trends related to NIL and be an active member of the NIL working group to enhance NIL and branding opportunities for OU student-athletes and stakeholders while maintaining OU’s brand standards.
• Develop and grow relationship with key stakeholders including campus departments, licensees, retailers and multimedia rights partner, licensing agent.
• Analyze royalties and other reports to set and guide the licensing program’s strategic plan and to produce reports for senior administration.
• Coordinate with OU’s licensing agent CLC on the following: Constantly creating and maintaining new marketing programs every year (College Colors Day, Holiday Cheer, Declaration Days, #1 Oklahoma Fan, Rock Your Colors, etc.), quarterly license renewals/review of licensees, marketplace enforcement.
• Serve as the primary contact for the official retail operation for the University (currently operated by Fanatics).
• Create, implement and adhere to trademark usage guidelines to protect the university’s image and reputation.
• Monitor OU’s trademark portfolio (make adjustments when needed in collaboration with University Legal Counsel).
• Oversight and approval of all internal University use of branding (departmental and student requests for apparel and novelty items from officially licensed vendors).
• Develop and negotiate terms for licensing-related contracts (one-time requests, video requests, photography requests, Jimmie Austin MOU, Fanatics, CLC, Nike Jordan, Primary Apparel partner).
• Maintain a working knowledge of industry trends and attend tradeshows and conferences.
• Develop and negotiate terms for licensing-related contracts.
• Monitor the marketplace for unauthorized trademark usage.
• Serve as the primary contact for the official retail operation for the University.
• Attend and lead the Trademark Advisory Committee.
• Oversee and develop licensing support staff.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Education: Bachelor Degree AND

• 36 months of experience in licensing, sports business, or a related field.

Equivalency/Substitution:  Will accept 48 months of related experience in lieu of the Bachelor’s degree for a total of 84 months related experience.

Skills:

• Communicate and interact effectively, respectfully and appropriately with diverse populations in the Department, the University, and the Community.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills with colleagues, student-athletes, coaches, and administrators.
• Handle multiple tasks in a high stress environment.
• Ability and willingness to work some nights and weekends.
• Efficiently operate a personal computer and associated software (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.)

 Departmental Preference: 

• Graduate Degree
• Experience working with contracts

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to engage in repetitive motions
• Grasp objects with fingers or hands
• Speak, including expressing oneself or exchanging information with others
• See, including color, depth perception and clarity.

Supervision: One graduate assistant

Special Instructions: If you are selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy.  To view the policy, visit  https://hr.ou.edu/Policies-Handbooks/TB-Testing

Diversity Statement: The University of Oklahoma is committed to achieving a diverse, equitable, and inclusive university community by recognizing each person’s unique contributions, background, and perspectives. The University of Oklahoma strives to cultivate a sense of belonging and emotional support for all, recognizing that fostering an inclusive environment for all is vital in the pursuit of academic and inclusive excellence in all aspects of our institutional mission.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, and health care services that the University operates or provides.