Job Description

The Director of Licensing and Trademarks oversees the strategic management of the University of South Florida’s trademark licensing program. This role ensures proper use and protection of institutional marks, manages licensing partnerships, promotes brand visibility, and drives revenue generation in accordance with university standards. A core responsibility includes identifying, evaluating, protecting, and commercializing the University’s intellectual property rights to maximize value and safeguard institutional assets. The position requires collaboration across university departments, including Athletics and Auxiliary Services, and supports student-athlete Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) initiatives through licensing opportunities.

The Director reports administratively to the Senior Director and Chief of Staff within University Communications and Marketing, with a dotted-line reporting relationship to the Chief Executive Officer (or designee) of USF Athletics.

Brand and Trademark Management

• Oversee protection and appropriate use of all USF trademarks, logos, and brand assets.
• Serve as primary liaison with The Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC) for licensing operations and approvals.
• Interpret and enforce brand standards and trademark policies across university departments, vendors, and the public.
• Coordinate with the Office of General Counsel to manage state and federal trademark registrations.

Licensing Strategy and Vendor Management

• Lead initiatives to grow licensing revenue through innovation, product development, and brand expansion.
• Manage relationships with licensees, retail partners, e-commerce vendors, and on-campus merchandise providers, including the University Bookstore.
• Review and approve licensee applications in partnership with CLC to ensure alignment with USF standards.

Marketing, Promotion, and Community Engagement

• Promote the licensing program through digital marketing, social media, and strategic outreach to students, alumni, and fans.
• Develop and manage event-specific branding (e.g., championship logos, commemorative merchandise).
• Collaborate with Athletics and Auxiliary Services on fundraising and co-branded merchandise initiatives.

Athletics and NIL Collaboration

• Partner with USF Athletics and Equipment teams on uniform design, sideline apparel, and team merchandise to ensure quality and consistency.
• Support student-athlete NIL opportunities by facilitating partnerships with approved licensees and brand partners.
• Work with the official apparel provider and multimedia rights partner to maintain cohesive brand representation across marketing and retail channels.

Contract and Partnership Oversight

• Manage contracts and relationships with retail, e-commerce, and campus merchandise vendors, including the campus bookstore.
• Monitor compliance with contractual obligations and oversee branding implementation across merchandise channels.
• Represent USF in licensing discussions at the national and conference level, including with the American Athletic Conference and CLC.

Other duties as assigned

Bachelor’s degree and minimum of seven (7) years related experience. A minimum of three (3) years managerial experience. Demonstrated leadership experience and the ability to partner and build strategic relationships with both internal and external key stakeholders. Possesses extensive knowledge of the field's policies, procedures, and practices.

Degree Equivalency Clause: Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree.
• Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1310) is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S.
• SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements
• A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed:
• (a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree;
• (b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree;
• (c) Six years of direct experience for a master’s degree;
• (d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or
• (e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree
• Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment.
• Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310.

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.