Background: 

The Clemson Tigers are the athletic teams that represent Clemson University, located in Clemson, South Carolina. They compete as a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I level (Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) for football). Clemson competes for and has won multiple NCAA Division I national championships in football, men's soccer, and men's golf. The Clemson Tigers field twenty-one athletic teams, nine men's and twelve women's, across thirteen sports. 

Clemson was a founding member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), where it has competed since the 1953–54 season. Previously, they were a founding member of the Southern Conference from 1921 through 1953, and a member of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association from 1896 through 1921.

Any interested candidates should contact TurnkeyZRG directly.

Contacting Clemson University will only delay consideration of your qualifications.

Position Summary: 

Clemson Ventures is a new, full-service marketing agency created to generate commercial revenue as an affiliate organization of Clemson Athletics. Ventures is a re-brand and expansion of Clemson Athletics Properties Company (CAPCO), which first launched in 2021 to manage corporate sponsorships and multimedia rights for Clemson Athletics, a premier brand in college sports with a passionate fan base and unprecedented growth over the last decade. Now, with the opportunity to be a leader and pioneer in the new era of college sports, Clemson University views Ventures as a competitive advantage in its mission to compete for championships and better serve its student-athletes and university community.

While Clemson Athletics has increased its annual revenue from $83 million to almost $200 million over the last decade, it has done so without the benefit of a robust commercial strategy and infrastructure. As the industry transforms and revenue needs increase, an exciting opportunity has been created for a visionary Chief Executive Officer with sales and sports business expertise to lead the future-focused, innovative build of Clemson Ventures – “the commercial engine of Clemson Athletics” focused on brands, NIL, media and marketing. 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute the strategic vision and business plan for Clemson Ventures in alignment with Clemson University’s goals and objectives.

• Revenue Optimization: Lead the negotiation and management of sales agreements to maximize revenue and exposure for Clemson Athletics to include but not limited to sponsorships, naming rights, licensing and marketing partnerships, NIL deals, and monetization of Clemson IP and content.

• Stakeholder Collaboration & Brand Stewardship: Serve the Clemson University community and liaison with university leadership and staff to ensure all Clemson Ventures initiatives align with the values of the university.

• Team Leadership: Build, hire, retain, and lead a high-performing team, providing guidance, mentoring, and development opportunities to drive professional growth and organizational success.

• Partnership Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with corporate sponsors and key stakeholders to ensure ongoing support and engagement.

• Marketing & Brand Enhancement: Oversee the marketing and promotional strategies to enhance the visibility and brand equity of Clemson Athletics and its partners.

• Financial Oversight: Oversee the financial performance of Clemson Ventures, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting to ensure profitability and fiscal responsibility.

• Athletics Integration: Collaborate closely with Clemson University Athletics administration and coaching staff to integrate commercial strategies with athletic priorities.

• Industry Engagement: Stay current with industry trends, competitive landscape, and best practices to innovate and adapt to Clemson Venture’s strategies accordingly.

• Public Representation: Represent Clemson Ventures and Clemson Athletics in public forums, conferences, and industry events to promote the organization and expand the networking opportunities.

Candidate Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Sports Management, Marketing, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.

• Proven executive leadership experience in sports marketing, sponsorship sales, or related fields, ideally within professional sports.

• Strong understanding of revenue generation and commercialization strategies in sports, including sponsorship valuations and brand partnerships.

• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic plans, with a track record of achieving revenue targets and enhancing organizational performance.

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with diverse stakeholders including corporate executives, university leadership, and athletic department personnel.

• Financial acumen and experience in budget management, financial analysis, and reporting.

• Visionary thinker with a proactive approach to identifying opportunities and addressing challenges in a dynamic sports business environment.

• Integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to upholding the values and reputation of Clemson University.

• A willingness to travel and work irregular hours, including weekends and evenings, as required by the demands of the role.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and references at www.turnkeyzrg.com

Note: This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not exhaustive. Duties and responsibilities may be subject to change based on organizational needs and the evolution of Clemson Ventures.