Director of Brand Activation

Director of Brand Activation

Job no: 527582
Work type: Officer of Administration
Location: Eugene, OR
Categories: Communications/Public Relations/Marketing

Department: University Communications
Appointment Type and Duration: Regular, Ongoing
Salary: $92,000 to $105,000 per year
FTE: 1.0

Application Review Begins
June 14, 2021; position open until filled.

Special Instructions to Applicants
Please submit the following with your online application:

• A cover letter that clearly describes why you would be a good choice for this job. Please include how your knowledge, skills, and abilities have prepared you for the job responsibilities and requirements outlined in this announcement. Please discuss each element completely and succinctly.
  
• A resume of your educational and professional work experience.
  
  Department Summary
  The department of University Communications is charged with telling the University of Oregon's (UO) stories to a broad range of audiences and positioning the university to succeed and thrive. The department utilizes and manages a comprehensive suite of communications tools, including public relations, branding, advertising, licensing, digital media, and more for the benefit of the university.
  
  Position Summary
  Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Marketing and Brand Strategy, the Director of Brand Activation will manage the daily operation of the university's trademark licensing program and is responsible for enhancing and executing the brand reputation of the University of Oregon. The position will help lead the brand activation efforts of the university through the development, coordination, and implementation of strategic branding and licensing initiatives; including directing, maintaining and developing licensing business initiatives. The Director will also oversee and manage agency partnerships, negotiate and manage advertising contracts, help with the ideation and implementation of marketing campaigns and oversee the day to day operations of the design team. The position must have experience in managing large teams, writing and implementing strategic marketing plans and managing budgets.
  
  The Director will manage the university's trademark portfolio to grow revenue, add value, and increase long-term brand equity, while ensuring sound protection of the integrity and use of university trademarks. The Director will serve as the primary interface with the university's licensing agency and key licensing partners, and is the primary campus contact for licensed merchandise and use of trademarks by internal parties. The position will make decisions on approvals for local licenses and oversees the licensing agency relationship including the use and approval of university trademarks, granting of new licenses, and renewal and revision of existing licenses.
  
  The Director will work closely with internal and external constituents to solidify the UO brand and streamline communications between various units on campus, included but not limited to: Athletics, Communications, Alumni, Enrollment Management.
  
  Minimum Requirements
  
• Bachelor's degree OR an equivalent combination of skills and experience.
  
• Eight years of progressive experience in product development, merchandising and/or trademark licensing.
  
• Eight years experience in strategic communications, advertising, public relations, or marketing.
  
  Professional Competencies
  
• Demonstrated competency in the supervision of professional employees and/or student staff.
  
• Demonstrated competency in publication production, website content development, advertising development, experiential marketing, design best practices and social media strategy.
  
• Demonstrated competency in contract negotiations and working closely with purchasing and contracting services.
  
• Demonstrated competency in the formulation of institutional policies and procedures and the enforcement of those policies.
  
• Demonstrated written and oral communications skills to reach target audiences and key stakeholders.
  
• Strong knowledge of federal and state trademarks law and trademark licensing procedures and principles.
  
• Demonstrated ability to work within a complex institutional setting, i.e., university, college, or similar environment.
  
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate and work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
  
• Commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity and equity.
  
• Ability to collaborate with multiple internal and external colleagues as well as third party vendors.
  
• Expertise working with licensees and retailers to activate brands regionally, nationally and internationally.
  
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, oral and written communication skills, including a high level of attention to detail and follow through skills.
  
• Demonstrated budget planning and management skills.
  
• Ability to problem-solve and troubleshoot, in addition to the ability to work independently in a dynamic team environment.
  
• Demonstrated ability to complete projects collaboratively.
  
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects, work effectively with others and to develop strategies to achieve operating goals.
  
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, licensing database applications or other similar applications.
  
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality with highly sensitive information.
  
  Preferred Qualifications
  
• Ten years or more experience in strategic communications, public relations, marketing, advertising or related field.
  
• Experience in higher education trademark and licensing and communications departments.
  
• Ten years or more experience working with third party licensing agencies, included but not limited to, Fermata, Fanatics, CLC, Learfield.
  
• Experience working with large brands such as, Columbia, Disney, and Nike preferred.
  
• Advanced Degree.
  
• Budget management experience, including project budget development and budget tracking for digital media, print media, ad campaigns, and other marketing.
  
• Strong passion for and knowledge of technology, emerging media, and digital communications.
  
  FLSA Exempt: Yes
  
  All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background inquiry.
  
  The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit http://hr.uoregon.edu/careers/about-benefits.
  
  The University of Oregon is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the ADA. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply, and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please contact us at uocareers@uoregon.edu or 541-346-5112.
  
  UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, Office of Civil Rights Compliance, or to the Office for Civil Rights. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed on the statement of non-discrimination.
  
  In compliance with federal law, the University of Oregon prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and services. The Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at http://police.uoregon.edu/annual-report.
  
  
  
  To apply, visit https://careers.uoregon.edu/en-us/job/527582/director-of-brand-activation
  
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