WHO WE ARE
We are an international sports organisation based in Lausanne. Ever since 1949, the International University Sports Federation (FISU) has been the key driver of world university sports. Together with its members and continental organisations, FISU supports students, connects universities and leads cultural exchange, fostering academic-athletic balance, wellbeing, respect, excellence and inclusion.
At the heart of the university sports movement lie FISU’s flagship sports events – the Universiades, World University Championships and the University World Cups. Across these multiple events, the FISU sports programme covers more than 60 sports.
In addition to international sports competitions, FISU also stages educational events and programmes that offer students opportunities for individual development, networking, exchange of ideas and collaborative learning.
THE TEAM
We are a young, dynamic and international team that is always looking to innovate, push boundaries, harness new ideas and develop multiple links with our community, i.e. university students around the globe. The FISU team works closely together with all internal departments, as well as the 167-member National University Sports Federations, to highlight our events, activities, projects, goals and plans – of which there are many! It is a constantly buzzing, busy environment in which open-minded people who love challenges will strive.
OUR VALUES
- Excellence
- Teamwork
- Passion
- Innovation
Brand and Commercial Partnerships Manager
Type of contract : Permanent
Activity rate : Full-time (100%)
Reports to : Marketing Director
POSITION SUMMARY
FISU is looking for a Brand & Commercial Partnerships Manager to play a key role in developing the FISU and World University Sport brands while actively contributing to the growth of FISU's commercial partnership business.
This is a hands-on brand and commercial role also with a clear sales responsibility. We are looking for someone who combines strong brand understanding with proven B2B or sponsorship sales experience and can move comfortably between strategic thinking and practical execution, from brand implementation and sales materials to prospecting, pitching and supporting Organising Committees.
The role works closely with the Marketing Director, FISU's external commercial partners and sales agents, Organising Committees and internal teams.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Coordinate the implementation and day-to-day management of the FISU and World University Sport brands across events, programmes and commercial activities.
- Actively contribute to partnership sales.
- Identify new commercial opportunities, prospects, categories and partnership concepts.
- Support the activation and rights of existing FISU partners, including partner hosting and commercial delivery at selected events.
- Develop high-quality, tailored partnership proposals, sales decks and executive-level presentations.
- Enable and support Organising Committee commercial teams through branding, sales materials, proposal development, and hands-on sales guidance.
- Work across FISU departments, OCs and external agencies to ensure effective brand and commercial execution.
- Contribute to the continued development of FISU's commercial model and partnership platform.
REQUIREMENTS
Languages:
- Excellent written and spoken English; additional languages are an advantage.
Academic Qualifications:
- Master’s Degree in Marketing Business, Communications or any other relevant field.
Skills and Professional Experience:
- 7 years of relevant professional experience, preferably in sports business, branding, sponsorship, partnerships, business development, brand marketing or an agency/rights-holder environment.
- Proven B2B or sponsorship sales experience, including prospecting, pitching and developing commercial relationships.
- Strong understanding of brands, sponsorship and commercial partnerships.
- Great ability to turn ideas into compelling commercial proposals.
- Experience in lead generation, pipeline management and CRM.
- Experience in supporting or enabling sales teams, agencies or partner organisations is an advantage.
- Strong project-management and stakeholder-management skills.
- High digital literacy and practical experience using generative AI and modern productivity tools.
- Excellent presentation-building skills.
- Excellent written and spoken English; additional languages are an advantage.
- Ability to work independently, take ownership and manage multiple priorities.
Above all, we are looking for someone who can connect university sport, brand and business — someone who can develop and protect a global brand while also identifying opportunities, building the pitch, participating in the sales process and helping turn prospects into successful partnerships.
Availability and Mobility:
- Immediate availability.
- Willingness to travel and work onsite FISU events to meet organisational needs.