Northeastern University
Boston, Massachusetts, Licensing Manager – Marketing About the Opportunity We are seeking to hire an experienced Licensing Manager to join our team and become an integral part of driving Northeastern’s overall brand presence. In this role, you will lead, influence, and collaborate with partners to identify, define, and create opportunities to drive growth for the brand, while also overseeing the governance & protection of our licensed assets. This role will be critical in bringing new ideas to the team to build a strategic licensing and merchandising presence. A little bit about our team: We are a small but mighty team that is nimble, proactive, and not shy to find and secure opportunities for our university partners.
We are looking for a Brand evangelist and trail blazer, a manager experienced in both deals rooted in traditional licensed product, and in growing beyond core licensing to include collaborations, campaigns, etc. You will be the main contact for licensors and will assure that marketing campaigns satisfy both Northeastern and licensing partner goals. This role will be collaborating with the entire team in varied capacities and across the diverse ecosystem that includes multiple global campuses in London and Toronto. You will be the key liaison actively soliciting and pitching new business to grow and diversify the licensee base congruent to the university and revenue target goals, and responsible for closing new deals including preparation of deal memos and leading final negotiation in close cooperation with legal and finance departments.
The position is based on the Boston campus with the option of one remote day per week. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Collaborate with marketing leadership on the development of licensing strategies and implementing operational policies and procedures. Oversee all licensing activities, inclusive of the management and authorization of the University-owned trademarks. Drive new brand licensing business opportunities for Northeastern, by developing and executing strategic licensing programs for new and existing clients.
Develop and manage ongoing relationships with major brand licensees, ensuring the successful implementation of these partnerships. Manage and guide vendors who are responsible for brand use, including creative agencies, company merchandising, managing contractual compliance by maintaining detailed records of all licensed contracts, terms, and obligations. Work in collaboration with the office of General Counsel to ensure the University name and marks are properly protected by state and federal trademark registrations and meet corporate social responsibility requirements. Develop a deep understanding of the licensing and merchandise business in higher education Research product categories, pitching prospects, negotiating deal terms/contracts, and reporting financial program results.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s degree and a minimum 5 years of relevant experience. 5+ years of experience in the collegiate licensing industry. Experience originating, developing, and managing complex marketing programs from scratch, in highly matrixed organizations, with a proven ability to lead and work as a team. Strong leadership, communication, relationship development and collaboration skills. Creative problem solver with a balance of EQ and IQ, knows how to assess situations, and is a good judge of knowing when to stand ground or find compromise.
Exceptional organizational skills including attention to detail, and the ability to multi-task and time manage in a constantly changing environment. Able to work independently with a ‘can do’ attitude; using data and insights to formulate and execute a self-driven engagement plan across the marketing funnel. Confident, open, and flexible in your workstyle and can build and maintain healthy working relationships internally and externally, as a representative of the team. An unwavering spirit of optimism, collegiality, curiosity, and humility.
Experience in higher education is not needed, nor it is desired. Familiarity/Experience with the following a plus: Experience working with licensing partners Experience in a high-volume and fast paced global organization preferred. Experience working in a collaborative team and working directly with cross functional team (e.g., writers, designers, developers) and senior management. Visual communications channel capabilities, and writing/editing skills a strong plus.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES STRATEGY 40% Lead the development of the licensing strategy for the University Run regular strategy and review sessions, as needed Drive new brand licensing business opportunities for Northeastern, by developing and executing strategic licensing programs for new and existing clients. Lead the planning and execution of annual campaigns and long-term programs for increasing the exposure of licensed products in the consumer marketing place locally and nationally, all while growing the consumer demand. Evaluate product lines for quality and liability exposure, marketing ability and distribution strategies, financial performance, along with the industry reputation of prospective licensees. Research product categories, pitching prospects, negotiating deal terms/contracts, and reporting financial program results.
RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT 30% Manage relationships with key university groups, inclusive but not limited to the University Bookstore, college and athletics marketing teams. Manage retail relationships, helping position those retailers for success. Lead communication between the University, Licensing Agent, Licensee, and Distributors/Retailers to promote the increase in sales resulting in revenue return to the institution. Maintain lines of communication with peers, industry leaders, associations and media concerning issues that affect collegiate licensing.
GOVERNANCE 30% Manage the design approval process – monitor the use of all marks and provide feedback or approval. Interpret policies, guidelines and procedures concerning trademark use by the university, licensees, businesses, and individuals. Monitor CLC’s administrative process of licensing vendors and quarterly reporting. Work in collaboration with the office of the General Counsel to ensure the University name and marks are properly protected by state and federal trademark registrations and meet corporate social responsibility requirements.
Position Type General Administration Additional Information Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer. Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.
Northeastern University is an equal opportunity employer, seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff. Northeastern values and celebrates diversity in all its forms and strives to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. To learn more about Northeastern University’s commitment and support of diversity and inclusion, please see www.northeastern.edu/diversity .
To apply, visit https://northeastern.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/careers/job/Boston-MA-Main-Campus/Licensing-Manager—Marketing_R116053 Copyright 2022 Jobelephant.com Inc. All rights reserved. Posted by the FREE value-added recruitment advertising agency jeid-9772d44e255e0744ac96ec91c6be9397
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