Director, Licensing

Fanatics Licensing Management (FLM) manages an impressive portfolio including collegiate powerhouses (University of Georgia, University of Kentucky, University of Miami, University of Notre Dame, University of Oregon, and University of Wisconsin) and professional properties (NFL Players Association, Major League Baseball, Major League Soccer, and Hockey Canada).

 

As part of the broader Fanatics ecosystem - a leading global digital sports platform with over 100 million fans worldwide - FLM leverages the company's vertically-integrated capabilities to maximize licensing opportunities through strategic partnerships with hundreds of licensees across apparel, hard goods, and consumer products categories.

How you will make an impact:

· Lead and mentor a team of client managers, fostering professional development and ensuring exceptional service delivery

· Serve as primary strategic contact for select high-profile clients, building trusted relationships with senior executives

· Develop and execute comprehensive strategic plans for each client, including growth strategies and category expansion

· Drive revenue optimization by identifying new opportunities, improving deal terms, and maximizing royalty compliance

· Lead quarterly and annual business reviews with clients, presenting performance metrics and strategic recommendations

· Oversee major contract negotiations for licensing agreements, renewals, and amendments

· Partner with business development to ensure new deals align with client objectives and brand standards

· Develop and implement client management best practices across FLM while allowing for customization

· Manage P&L responsibility for assigned accounts, including revenue forecasting and resource allocation

· Represent FLM and clients at major industry events as a thought leader in sports licensing

· Build relationships with key stakeholders across client organizations including C-suite executives

· Drive innovation in licensing strategies, exploring new categories, channels, and partnership models

What you will bring to the team:

· Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Sports Management, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience

· 10+ years of progressive experience in sports licensing or brand management

· Minimum 5 years of people management experience with proven team leadership

· Track record of managing major client relationships and driving significant revenue growth

· Deep understanding of sports licensing ecosystem including leagues, teams, and collegiate athletics

· Exceptional communication skills with ability to influence C-level executives

· Strong financial acumen with P&L management experience

· Strategic thinking balanced with operational execution capabilities

· Expert negotiation skills with complex, high-value deal experience

· Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM systems

· Ability to travel

Preferred Qualifications

· MBA or advanced degree

· Experience with professional sports leagues or collegiate athletic departments

· Established sports licensing industry network

· International licensing experience

· Digital commerce and D2C strategy background

· NIL and collegiate athletics knowledge

· Change management track record

 

At Fanatics, we value transparency and honesty. If you don’t meet every single requirement, that’s okay – we still want to hear from you! We believe in the power of diverse experiences and talents. If you’re excited about the role and confident that you can contribute, don’t hesitate to apply. We’re genuinely interested in how your unique skills and perspective can help us build something amazing together.

 

The salary for this position is between $140,000 and $220,000 per year, in compliance with NYC and Atlanta salary transparency requirements. This range reflects the expected compensation based on qualifications, experience, and location. In addition to the salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) plan with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Professional development opportunities

Flexible work arrangements

For more, see www.benefitsatfanatics.com

We are committed to providing a supportive and inclusive work environment. 

Fanatics is building a leading global digital sports platform. We ignite the passions of global sports fans and maximize the presence and reach for our hundreds of sports partners globally by offering products and services across Fanatics Commerce, Fanatics Collectibles, and Fanatics Betting & Gaming, allowing sports fans to Buy, Collect, and Bet. Through the Fanatics platform, sports fans can buy licensed fan gea