About Athletes First

Athletes First is a national leader in athlete representation and marketing, dedicated to maximizing opportunities and value for our clients. Our Talent Marketing division is at the forefront of the evolving Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) landscape, providing best-in-class service and innovative solutions for a diverse roster of collegiate athletes. We are committed to integrity, creativity, and driving measurable results for our clients and partners.

Position Summary

Athletes First is seeking a dynamic, experienced Director to lead our collegiate partnerships division. This role will serve as both an internal and external expert on NIL, responsible for driving strategy, execution, and innovation to maximize earning potential for our athletes. The Director will collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, legal, creative, finance, and athlete management teams, while building and managing relationships with key industry partners. The ideal candidate is organized, detail-oriented, creative, and forward-thinking, with a proven track record in sales, brand management, or product development across multiple categories. Experience in athlete marketing, sports business, or NIL management is strongly preferred.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive marketing strategies to grow Athletes First’s NIL business and drive revenue for clients, including local, national, and global deals.
• Proactively identify, prospect, and secure new NIL opportunities through outreach, research, and leveraging industry contacts.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for a portfolio of collegiate athletes, managing all aspects of NIL deal flow from ideation to execution.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with brands, agencies, sports organizations, and other partners, cultivating new business and expanding existing partnerships.
• Lead the creation of compelling sales materials, proposals, and presentations tailored to prospective partners and clients.
• Oversee the negotiation, execution, and fulfillment of NIL contracts, ensuring compliance with NCAA and state regulations.
• Monitor industry trends, competitor activity, and regulatory changes to inform strategy and maintain Athletes First’s leadership in the NIL space.
• Track, analyze, and report on the effectiveness of NIL activations, providing insights and recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams (legal, creative, communications, finance, and athlete management) to deliver seamless, high-impact campaigns.
• Represent Athletes First at industry events, conferences, and client meetings, serving as an ambassador for our brand and values.
• Mentor and support junior staff, serving as a positive culture contributor to support Athletes First’s “better together” philosophy.
• Report directly to the Head of Talent Marketing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, sports management, communications, or a related field (advanced degree a plus).
• 7+ years of experience in sports marketing, brand management, athlete representation, or NIL management, with a proven record of revenue generation and deal execution.
• Deep knowledge of the collegiate athletics ecosystem, NIL regulations, and the broader sports marketing landscape.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Creative thinker with strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management abilities.
• Proficiency with CRM, marketing automation, and presentation tools.
• Willingness to travel as needed for client and partner meetings, events, and activations
  

To Apply:

Submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your experience and vision for advancing NIL marketing at Athletes First.

Athletes First is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.