Associate, Partnership Activation | Northwestern University

THE PROJECT

Northwestern University and Ryan Field Foundation LLC have entered into a long-term partnership agreement with a Legends-JMI Sports joint venture to oversee corporate partnerships for the New Ryan Field and Northwestern Athletics’ multi-media rights opportunities. The New Ryan Field will be a state-of-the-art $850M sports and entertainment venue set to become a landmark for college football and Chicago. The project, with the majority funded by the Ryan Family without public investment, will set a new standard in college athletics, transforming the stadium model into a year-round community asset. Scheduled to open in 2026, the new Ryan Field promises to bring a world class student athlete, fan, and community experience to college sports. Once completed, it will not only host Northwestern football but also serve as the premier concert venue in the Chicago area as well as a leading destination for national events, youth sports championships, and additional opportunities, creating an unparalleled community hub, truly “Chicago’s Big Ten Stadium.”

As the exclusive partner for Ryan Field and Northwestern Athletics, the JV will be responsible for engaging national and regional businesses with a unique and integrated sponsorship platform centered on the premier facility in all of college football in addition to relationships with the world class University.

JMI Sports

JMI Sports is a leading media rights and venue development company providing management of collegiate multimedia rights, sponsorship sales agency representation, and highly regarded project management expertise to the development of collegiate and professional sports facilities. The company serves to maximize each client’s economic potential through customized initiatives, from marketing and branding solutions to facility design strategies that bring each client’s vision to fruition. JMI Sports manages an impressive list of signature collegiate multimedia rights partnerships including, the University of Kentucky, Clemson University, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Pittsburgh, Harvard University, and joint-venture properties of the University of Georgia and Columbia University (with Learfield IMG College), and University of Notre Dame (with Legends).

JMI Sports also represents several high-profile conferences including the Ivy League, the Mid-American Conference, the Mountain West Conference, the Southern Conference, and the Patriot League. Additionally, JMI Sports serves as third-party sales representation for premier venues and events including Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center and the Penn Relays. Celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2021, JMI Sports was founded by CEO Erik Judson and technology entrepreneur John Moores, former owner of the San Diego Padres.

THE ROLE

Primary responsibilities include the execution of contractually promised assets to corporate partners with an overarching goal to encourage continued patronage of partners through renewals while serving as an extension of the sales representative.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Execute and fulfill contractually obligated assets for corporate partners
• Serve as a liaison  between corporate partners, property staff, and the Athletic Department
• Maintain strong relationships with partners through regular communication and proactive support
• Track and manage contracted inventory assets
• Develop proof of performance reports highlighting successful asset delivery
• Contribute to the ideation, development, and execution of partner promotions and campaigns
• Oversee events and on-site execution
• Intern management
• Assist with gameday operations, including corporate hospitality, tickets, and in-game promotions, and sponsor activations
• Manage activation timelines and deliverables across multiple partners and sports
• Represent the University sports property, the University, Legends Global and JMI Sports in a professional manner
• Ensure all revenue-generating activities and operations comply with local, state, and federal laws, as well as all NCAA and conference rules and regulations
• Build strong understanding of all University Legends Global and JMI Sports business units and offerings in order to leverage new business areas, leads, and categories
• Other job-related duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty with energy and enthusiasm. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Strong focus on atten