Position Summary:The Manager, Partnership Activation is responsible for the execution, coordination, and day-to-day management of corporate partnership agreements for University of South Florida Athletics. This position serves as a primary liaison between corporate partners, their agencies, and internal stakeholders to ensure successful activation, fulfillment, and client satisfaction. The role supports partnership revenue retention and growth through effective service, engagement, and operational execution.
Minimum Qualifications:- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in sports management, business administration, marketing, or a related field.
- Minimum of one (1) year of experience in corporate partnerships, sponsorship sales, or related field.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong organizational, communication, and client service skills.
Preferred Qualifications:- Experience in collegiate athletics, professional sports, or multimedia rights organizations.
- Familiarity with CRM systems and partnership tracking tools.
- Experience supporting partnership activation, client service, or event execution.
Working at USF\n
With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF's rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida's best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state's 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
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About USF \n
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF's Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu .
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Compliance and Federal Notices\n
This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
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Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws :
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The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.
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Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
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Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.
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Equal Employment Opportunity\n
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.
Essential Functions:- Serves as a primary point of contact for assigned corporate partners, ensuring effective communication and successful activation of partnership agreements.
- Coordinates and manages all aspects of partnership implementation and fulfillment, including intellectual property rights, game day and in-market activations, digital/social/print media, hospitality, and special events.
- Collaborates with internal departments and campus partners to align partnership deliverables with organizational priorities and partner objectives.
- Assists in the development of marketing proposals, presentations, and renewal materials for corporate partners.
- Prepares and communicates project timelines, creative specifications, artwork requirements, and implementation deadlines to ensure timely execution.
- Maintains accurate records of partnership activities, deliverables, and client interactions within the CRM system.
- Monitors and manages budgets related to partnership execution and activation activities.
- Prepares and processes documentation related to partnership implementation, including year-end recap reports and performance summaries.
- Supports partnership renewal and upsell efforts in collaboration with leadership and sales staff.
- Facilitates ongoing client engagement through meetings, calls, and written communication, identifying opportunities to enhance partner value.
- Coordinates and executes client-related events, including planning, logistics, and on-site management.
- Oversees ticketing and hospitality fulfillment, including scheduling, distribution, and event logistics for corporate partners.
- Represents University of South Florida Athletics in a professional manner with internal and external stakeholders.
- Travels as required for Athletics events, client meetings, and partnership-related activities.
- Performs other duties as assigned to support the success of the Corporate Partnerships unit and Athletics department.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:- Knowledge of partnership activation processes, marketing principles, and client service best practices.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with attention to detail and deadlines.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Ability to problem-solve and adapt in a dynamic, event-driven environment.