Senior Manager, Licensing

About the Company

Athletes First is a full-service athlete management firm that has been representing elite NFL players since its inception in 2001. Based in Southern California, with satellite offices in New York City, NY, Gainesville, FL, and Atlanta, GA, Athletes First is a staple in the sports representation business.

Responsibilities

• Lead the licensing business across trading cards and NFL, NFLPA, and NCAA licensed products including collectibles and digital assets
• Serve as the principal liaison for licensee partnerships across brand, product development, and legal teams
• Manage the full sales cycle from prospecting and pitching to negotiation and contracting
• Maintain strategic relationships with major trading card manufacturers and digital partners
• Oversee procurement and execution of athlete assets such as autographs and digital content
• Track and analyze product performance and secondary market dynamics
• Educate internal teams and clients on the distinctions between licensed and unlicensed products

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, business, or a related field
• 5-7 years of licensing or directly relevant experience with a proven sales track record
• Strong fluency in the trading card ecosystem and manufacturer relationships
• Experience in complex contract negotiations and multi-stakeholder partnerships
• Deep knowledge of and passion for the sports business, particularly the NFL and NCAA
• Ability to travel as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for collectibles innovation
• Analytical aptitude to translate market trends into actionable insights