Senior Director, Trademarks and Licensing - 137571

Please include a cover letter for a complete application.

UC San Diego seeks an accomplished leader to direct its growing Trademarks and Licensing program, an essential function that safeguards the university's brand while driving creative market expansion and sustainable revenue growth. Reporting to the Executive Director of Marketing, the Senior Director will oversee trademark management, licensing compliance, and strategic retail partnerships to enhance UC San Diego's visibility, integrity, and impact in the global marketplace. This is an exciting opportunity to shape how one of the nation's top public research universities shows up in the world, building pride, community connection, and long-term brand value.

The award-winning University Communications Marketing department at UC San Diego leads and develops sophisticated, collaborative engagement opportunities between the University and its various audiences. This diverse and highly specialized team of professionals guides stewardship of the university's prestigious brand by overseeing brand usage, mitigating and managing risk and leading evaluation and execution of university licensing, trademark and sponsorship opportunities.

The department comprises communications experts across alumni relations, special events, athletics, health sciences and advancement who build trust with the university's constituencies in meaningful and measurable ways that advance the university's transformation and growth objectives. As a critical connection point, these leaders drive the development of creative, integrated campaigns and experiential events and activities that exemplify and uphold the university's brand and build Triton ambassadors for life.

University Communications marketers also manage the university's communications and advertising agency relationships to ensure institutional alignment across the academic campus and university medical organizations.

The Senior Director, Trademarks and Licensing serves as UC San Diego's organization-wide expert in brand merchandising and licensing, advancing the university's visibility, reputation, and revenue through strategic partnerships and retail innovation. Reporting to the Executive Director, Marketing, the Senior Director oversees all aspects of the university's trademarks and licensing program, balancing brand protection and compliance with business development and market expansion.

Operating at the highest level of marketing, sales, and licensing expertise, the Senior Director develops and implements complex strategies that shape institutional policy, drive royalty growth, and enhance UC San Diego's market presence across retail, promotional, and NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) programs. This role carries significant organizational impact and regularly leads high-stakes projects that influence university-wide brand strategy and generate measurable financial and reputational outcomes.

• Bachelor's degree in related area with 7+ years of relevant experience, or equivalent experience / training.

• Expert understanding of brand integrity, compliance, and advancing an organization's mission through responsible licensing and merchandising.

• Expert knowledge of applicable campus and / or medical center policies and state and federal laws regarding marketing and advertising issues and concerns and other related policies or laws.

• Expert understanding and knowledge of product development and customer requirements. Expert knowledge of brand stewardship practices and ability to grow institutional impact through creative merchandising and partnerships.

• Expert skills in project management techniques, marketing principles and best practices in contract administration. Demonstrated success identifying and capitalizing on emerging market opportunities.

• Ability to build and maintain effective, relationship-driven partnerships and to influence and collaborate across diverse stakeholders.
  Preferred:

• Familiarity with NIL regulations, collegiate retail markets, and licensing platforms such as BrandManager360.

• Prior collaboration with the Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC) or equivalent agency partners.

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.

If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.