Jason Rathe
Lincoln,NE
Summary
Relationship-oriented General Manager with 22 years of experience focused on increasing revenues and delivering effective marketing campaigns to partners. Adaptive and deadline-oriented who consistently executes and completes multiple projects in high-stress environments. Meticulous leader and strategic planner with comprehensive managerial awareness, offering vision and motivational strategies.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager for Huskers Athletic Partners
University of Nebraska Athletics
04.2021 - Current
- Responsible for generating $18.7M in annual property sponsorship revenue for Nebraska Athletics which was 101% of property goal
- Personally responsible for $7.3M in annual sponsorship revenue which was 102% of personal goal
- Develop and coach team of 9 sales and account support staff
- Manage profit and loss and budget reports to maximize EBITDA budget
- Collaborate with Nebraska Athletics to create sales inventory, revenue projections and overall sponsorship strategy for Huskers Athletic Partners
- Develop customized sales presentations for partners through understanding of their goals and objectives
- Manage radio network talent and production staff of 14
- Implemented and developed sales processes including internal contests and initiatives designed to move up renewal timeline
- Ideated and implemented new opportunities around Volleyball Day in Nebraska that generated incremental revenue
- Formed processes and procedures for Huskers Athletic Partners during start-up process of Huskers Athletic Partners
Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing and Fan Experience
University of Nebraska Athletics
08.2015 - 04.2021
- Oversee marketing activities, including ticket marketing initiatives and in-game atmosphere, for all 24 varsity sports with direct oversight for football, wrestling, and spirit squad program
- Serve as department head for marketing, including budget management and oversight of four full-time employees
- Directly responsible for all game-day script and timing elements during football games, which also includes game production at Memorial Stadium
- Assisted with communication with multimedia rights holder Learfield/IMG College
- Main point of contact with all internal corporate partners and UNL marching band
- Responsible for all student led initiatives including ticket sales, Greek house promotions, and oversight of all student sections
- One of thirty-one individuals nominated to participate in inaugural Executive Vice Chancellor’s Staff Leadership Academy across University of Nebraska – Lincoln campus
- Serve on Husker Inclusion Council and attend monthly meetings to discuss effective cultivate change within Nebraska Athletic Department.
Interim General Manager/Associate General Manager/Director of Operations
IMG College
07.2008 - 08.2015
- Served as Interim General Manager for $17M plus Nebraska property and $1.5M PBA property from November 2014 through August 2015
- Oversaw 10 full time sales and production employees, managed sales goals, property budget and led properties to 93% and 95% to goal respectively
- Primary liaison between Husker IMG Sports Marketing and Nebraska Athletics to gain approval on sponsorship plans and promotions
- Conducted annual meetings with major corporate partners and developed strategies to deliver their objectives through their contractual elements
- Collaborated with Account Executives on inventory ideation
- Oversaw internal sales and inventory management system
- Partnered with VP/GM on analysis of property budget
- Annual expenses were successfully decreased while property revenue increased.
Sr. Advertising Specialist
Alltel Wireless
10.2007 - 07.2008
- Served as Alltel’s day to day contact for all sports properties in East Region (Duke, Clemson, NC State, Virginia and Carolina Panthers)
- Implemented all elements of Alltel’s sponsorship contracts and activated plans directed by Senior Management for football and men’s basketball programs
- Managed all ticket inventory for Alltel’s East Region
- Scheduled Alltel’s Show Car program in retail and agent locations in East Region
- Worked extensively with GMR Marketing and Alltel Management to review data and objectives to negotiate contract renewals with schools.
Marketing Coordinator/Manager/Director
University of Nebraska Athletics
11.2002 - 10.2007
- Oversaw and managed Marketing Coordinator and Student Internship program
- Responsible for game day atmosphere at all football and men’s basketball games
- Duties included writing scripts, coordinating all timing between video screen features, Public Address announcer, band and music as well as organizing special recognitions and presentations
- Worked with Assistant AD for Ticket Marketing to effectively promote ticket sales for men’s basketball and all Olympic sports
- Developed and managed student organization that worked with athletic department to share student's ideas and concerns
- Through this organization Student Appreciation Days were developed which increased attendance of students at Olympic sporting events.
Education
Masters of Arts, Journalism -
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Bachelor of Science Business Administration, Marketing -
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Skills
- Microsoft Office
- Word
- Excel
- Outlook
- PowerPoint
- Marketing Skills
- Sales
- Budgeting
- Communication
- Event planning
- Creating and implementing promotional campaigns
- Ideation
Timeline
General Manager for Huskers Athletic Partners
University of Nebraska Athletics
04.2021 - Current
Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing and Fan Experience
University of Nebraska Athletics
08.2015 - 04.2021
Interim General Manager/Associate General Manager/Director of Operations
IMG College
07.2008 - 08.2015
Sr. Advertising Specialist
Alltel Wireless
10.2007 - 07.2008
Marketing Coordinator/Manager/Director
University of Nebraska Athletics
11.2002 - 10.2007
Masters of Arts, Journalism -
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Bachelor of Science Business Administration, Marketing -
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
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