Brand and Licensing Specialist

About the Opportunity

The Brand and Licensing Specialist plays an integral role in the University's brand extension by engaging the system campuses, WVU Medicine, WVU Alumni Association and its alumni chapters, WVU Extension, WVU Foundation as well as other WVU colleges, departments and student organizations.

What You'll Do

• Manages WVU's internal licensing program through continual review of processes and strategies for the program to run efficiently.
• Coordinates the internal brand artwork approval process through CLC (Collegiate Licensing Company) database, Brand Manager 360 (BM360).
• Plays an integral role in the University's brand extension by engaging the system campuses, WVU Medicine, WVU Alumni Association and its alumni chapters, WVU Extension, WVU Foundation as well as other WVU colleges, departments and student organizations.
• Works closely with campus partners to assist with using the WVU brand correctly on licensed products.
• Helps internal departments, student organizations, club sports, WVU Medicine, WVU Foundation and WVU Alumni Association to find licensees to place WVU branded product orders.
• Communicates effectively and efficiently - in a very professional manner - with licensees to ensure all University marks are used correctly.
• Maintains digital artwork examples that can be used in brand presentations given to internal campus groups.
• Develops educational tools such as, guidelines, workshops and other communications in order to assure correct usage of WVU's approved logos, verbiage and brand.
• Presents at training programs for club sports, student organizations, WVU Extension agents, WVU Alumni Chapters, internal licensees at the Brand and Trademark Licensing Fair and other groups as required.
• Develop and maintain presentations using PowerPoint for the Trademark Licensing team.
• Assists with event logistics for Brand and Trademark Licensing events such as retail activations, product launches, etc.
• Manages WVU's youth mascot, Musket.
• Manages Mountaineer Statue requests from both internal and external parties.
• Assists with review and tagging of retail artwork in Brand Manager 360.
• Assists with the trademark compliance component of the unit by monitoring the retail marketplace and gathering evidence of non-complaint or infringing merchandise.
• Assists with the requirements of state and federal trademark registration including obtaining specimens and pictures of specimens for trademark registrations as required by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the WV Secretary of State's Office.
• Issues one-time approval letters for various third parties who request to use WVU trademarks.
• Manages and maintains Brand and Trademark Licensing website.
• Coordinates and organizes annual Brand and Trademark Licensing Fair.
• Researches, consolidates, analyzes and interprets data to produce specialized reports for the Brand and Trademark Licensing department.
• Effectively and quickly communicates with internal and external partners to assure all Brand and Trademark Licensing inquiries and concerns are dealt with as best as possible.
• Maintains a positive and professional relationship with internal and external partners.
• Maintains shared drive as a resource for the day-to-day operation of the department.
• Provide event support for Brand and Trademark Licensing events as we all as other recruitment events across campus.
• Assists with hosting retailers and licensees at designated appreciation events.
• Obtains and compiles necessary information for correspondence, agreements and other documents as required.
• Represents WVU Brand and Trademark Licensing to the Fair Labor Association (FLA).
• Collaborates with Enrollment Management and recruitment/outreach teams to market and brand the University to potential students, state government, University affiliates and all other WVU stakeholders.
• Collaborates with other team members from areas across the University to produce trend-setting strategies, projects and campaigns.
• Works together as part of a team but also has the ability to work independently to create, strategize and execute projects and campaigns as needed.
• Fields general licensing questions that come to the office via email or phone call.
• Performs related duties as assigned or directed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, sport management and/or business administration or a related field.
• A minimum of one (1) year of experience in the following: Branding; Communications and/or customer service.
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree.

Requirements

• Valid Driver's License