Executive Director of Name Use and Trademark Licensing

The Executive Director of Name Use and Trademark Licensing provides leadership and operational oversight for Stanford University's comprehensive trademark licensing and name use programs. This newly created executive position will unify and advance Stanford's approach to protecting and leveraging the university's trademarks while ensuring policy compliance, maintaining trademark integrity, and driving revenue growth. The Executive Director will develop strategic initiatives, manage key relationships with external partners and campus stakeholders, and drive program innovation in licensing and name use, working closely with University Communications on broader brand management initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Program Development (25%)

Develop and implement comprehensive strategic plans for trademark licensing and name use aligned with Stanford's institutional objectives
Lead trademark portfolio optimization and strategic policy development across university functions
Align policies, processes, and communications across trademark licensing and name use functions
Collaborate with senior leadership to establish trademark strategy that supports Stanford's mission and revenue objectives
Partner with University Communications to ensure name use policies enhance overall brand management strategy
Analyze market trends and competitive landscape to identify growth opportunities and industry best practices
Present strategic initiatives and recommendations to senior leadership

Trademark Licensing & Revenue Management (25%)

Direct all aspects of Stanford's trademark licensing program in partnership with external licensing agent CLC
Partner with campus community on complex licensing negotiations and strategic partnership development
Oversee product approval processes and ensure quality standards align with Stanford's trademark standards
Drive licensing revenue performance analysis and growth planning across product categories and distribution channels
Develop and manage annual operating budget and multi-year strategic planning for licensing programs
Ensure compliance with industry labor standards, corporate social responsibility requirements, and institutional values
Identify and develop new licensing opportunities and revenue streams

Name Use Strategy & Protection (20%)

Establish and enforce comprehensive policies for internal and external use of Stanford's names, logos, and trademarks
Collaborate across campus partners on strategic name use governance and approval processes for university departments, student organizations, and external entities
Coordinate with Office of General Counsel on trademark registrations, renewals, and complex enforcement matters
Monitor and direct institutional response to unauthorized use of Stanford marks, including infringement cases in coordination with Office of General Counsel
Work collaboratively with University Communications to ensure name use policies support broader brand strategy
Serve as senior institutional liaison for complex name use approvals and policy interpretations

Strategic Partnership & Stakeholder Management (25%)

Manage strategic corporate partnerships and sponsorship agreements involving Stanford's trademarks
Partner closely with the Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation (DAPER) on strategic and policy decisions related to student-athlete Name,
Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreements, athletic sponsorships, and sports-related licensing initiatives. Serve as the primary liaison to bring broader university perspective and institutional implications to DAPER's trademark and licensing decisions, ensuring alignment with university-wide policies and strategic objectives while supporting DAPER's unique needs and goals.
Collaborate with Stanford Medicine Brand Management team on trademark initiatives requiring coordination
Build and maintain strategic relationships with major licensees, sponsors, peer institutions, and industry organizations
Serve as primary liaison with external licensing agent and other strategic vendors
Represent Stanford in senior-level industry forums and professional organizations

Leadership & Operations (5%)

Provide direct supervision, strategic direction, and professional development to Trademark Licensing Associate
Establish operational procedures, performance metrics, and continuous improvement initiatives
Lead cross-functional collaborations with University Communications, Athletics, General Counsel, Student Affairs, Alumni Relations, and other key stakeholders
Drive process innovation and efficiency improvements across trademark functions
Represent Stanford as senior spokesperson for trademark and licensing matters at industry conferences

Required Qualifications:

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Law, or related field required. JD, MBA, or other advanced degree preferred.

Experience:

Minimum 8-10 years of progressive leadership experience in trademark licensing, intellectual property management, or brand strategy, with demonstrated experience in strategic planning and program development. Proven success managing licensing programs with annual revenues of $1M+ and track record of revenue growth.

Strategic & Leadership Competencies:

Proven ability to develop and implement strategic plans with measurable business outcomes
Strong leadership skills with experience building and leading teams and cross-functional initiatives
Advanced negotiation and relationship management skills with senior executives and external partners
Excellent communication and presentation skills for diverse stakeholders including senior leadership
Demonstrated success in driving process innovation and organizational improvement

Technical & Industry Expertise:

Operational knowledge of trademark law, licensing regulations, and intellectual property protection
Experience with complex licensing agreement structures and revenue optimization
Understanding of higher education governance, athletics operations, and institutional decision-making processes
Financial management experience including budgeting, revenue analysis, and strategic planning
Knowledge of digital brand management and emerging licensing technologies

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in higher education trademark licensing or university business operations
Knowledge of NCAA regulations, NIL requirements, and athletics partnership structures
Experience working with external licensing agents and managing vendor relationships
Background in corporate partnerships or business development
Industry recognition and professional involvement in trademark licensing community
Demonstrated expertise in cross-functional collaboration and building consensus among diverse stakeholders with competing priorities
Proven ability to navigate ambiguous situations and make strategic decisions with incomplete information or evolving requirements
Experience successfully managing complex, multi-stakeholder environments with competing interests and institutional constraints

Key Performance Indicators:

Licensing revenue growth and program expansion
Effective trademark protection and brand integrity maintenance
Strategic partnership development and stakeholder satisfaction
Cross-campus collaboration and policy alignment
Process efficiency and innovation implementation

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:

Constantly perform desk-based computer tasks.
Frequently sitting.
Occasionally stand/walk, reach/work above shoulders, use a telephone, writing by hand, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds;
Rarely twist/bend/stoop/squat, sort/file paperwork or parts, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh 11-20 pounds.

* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Occasionally work evenings and weekends.

WORK STANDARDS:

Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.

The expected pay range for this position is $206,749 - $228,000 per annum. Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs. At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package.

*The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.*

*Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a* contact form*.*

*Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.*

Additional Information

Schedule: Full-time
Job Code: 4143
Employee Status: Regular
Grade: M
Requisition ID: 108889
Work Arrangement : Hybrid Eligible

Executive Director of Name Use and Trademark Licensing

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Stanford, California