Photo by: Ryan Kuttler/Northwestern Athletics
Jesse Marks Named Chief Revenue Officer for Northwestern Athletics
4/7/2025 10:00:00 AM | General
EVANSTON, Ill. – Northwestern University has announced the appointment of Jesse Marks as its inaugural Chief Revenue Officer for Northwestern Athletics. Marks, who has served as Deputy Director of Athletics & Assistant Vice President (Development) since 2023, will assume his new role effective immediately.
"We are excited to elevate Jesse into this newly created role at such a critical time for Northwestern Athletics," said Mark Jackson, Combe Family Vice President for Athletics and Recreation. "Jesse combines high-level expertise across collegiate and professional sports and is well respected throughout our industry. His leadership in directing major fundraising campaigns and successful projects – including the new Ryan Field and Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium – has been invaluable. Now, as a key member of our top executive team, Jesse will help us navigate the bright future of Northwestern Athletics."
As Chief Revenue Officer, Marks will lead Northwestern Athletics' revenue strategy, with a particular focus on driving the financial success of the new Ryan Field. He will be instrumental in shaping premium seating experiences, driving sponsorships, and strengthening key partnerships to ensure the project maximizes its revenue potential. Additionally, Marks will oversee revenue-generating functions across the department, including ticket sales, merchandise, licensing, and partnerships. He will also continue to have a critical leadership role with the new Ryan Field.
Marks will also work closely in this role with major third-party partners – including Legends, Learfield, and Under Armour – while serving as the primary liaison with the Chicago Cubs on their longstanding partnership. His leadership will be essential in developing new and emerging revenue streams in collegiate athletics, ensuring Northwestern remains at the forefront of innovation in the evolving landscape of college sports. Marks, who joined Northwestern in 2021, brings a wealth of experience to his new role, with an extensive background in fundraising, revenue generation, and strategic leadership.
"I am honored to accept this new role with Northwestern Athletics," said Marks. "I extend my gratitude to Combe Family Vice President of Athletics and Recreation Mark Jackson for this opportunity. As we build the new Ryan Field and navigate the dynamic landscape of college athletics, I look forward to collaborating with student-athletes, coaches, donors, and our exceptional leadership team to further the Wildcats' success."
During his tenure at Northwestern, Marks has played a significant role in leading fundraising initiatives, securing critical philanthropic support, and building meaningful partnerships. This past year, Marks played a leading role in the construction of Northwestern's innovative temporary facility, Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. The project led to record revenue numbers during the 2024 football season while earning national acclaim as well as creating additional hosting opportunities for the university. His leadership will be instrumental as the athletics department continues its ambitious growth, highlighted by the construction of the new Ryan Field and a new home for the softball program, the Kip and Sara Kirkpatrick Stadium, both of which will open in 2026. Marks will also concentrate on revenue generation and optimizing the full potential of Welsh-Ryan Arena and its related opportunities.
Prior to joining Northwestern, Marks served as the Executive Director of the Miami Dolphins Foundation, where he managed large-scale philanthropic initiatives like the Dolphins Cancer Challenge, raising over $45 million for cancer research.
A University of Miami graduate and south Florida native, Marks spent three years as the Hurricanes' senior associate athletics director for development prior to his time with the Dolphins. He was responsible for all fundraising operations for the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, including campaign oversight, major gifts, annual fund, donor stewardship, event hospitality and coordination with the university's central advancement efforts. He also was the sport administrator for the nationally ranked men's tennis program.
During his tenure as head of the Hurricane Club, Marks helped Miami Athletics raise over $210 million, funding key facility enhancements and student-athlete services. His leadership contributed to major projects, including the Schwartz Center for Athletic Excellence and the Carol Soffer Indoor Practice Facility, as well as significant renovations to multiple athletic venues. He also played a pivotal role in two university-wide fundraising campaigns – Momentum and Momentum2 – which collectively raised over $2.6 billion, with athletics setting multiple fundraising records in both dollars raised and donor participation.
Marks has also held roles at Wake Forest University and Florida International University. In 2019, he was recognized by the South Florida Business Journal as a Forty Under 40 honoree, representing top young professionals in the South Florida community. Marks earned a bachelor's degree in political science and a master's degree in sports administration from the University of Miami.
"We are excited to elevate Jesse into this newly created role at such a critical time for Northwestern Athletics," said Mark Jackson, Combe Family Vice President for Athletics and Recreation. "Jesse combines high-level expertise across collegiate and professional sports and is well respected throughout our industry. His leadership in directing major fundraising campaigns and successful projects – including the new Ryan Field and Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium – has been invaluable. Now, as a key member of our top executive team, Jesse will help us navigate the bright future of Northwestern Athletics."
As Chief Revenue Officer, Marks will lead Northwestern Athletics' revenue strategy, with a particular focus on driving the financial success of the new Ryan Field. He will be instrumental in shaping premium seating experiences, driving sponsorships, and strengthening key partnerships to ensure the project maximizes its revenue potential. Additionally, Marks will oversee revenue-generating functions across the department, including ticket sales, merchandise, licensing, and partnerships. He will also continue to have a critical leadership role with the new Ryan Field.
Marks will also work closely in this role with major third-party partners – including Legends, Learfield, and Under Armour – while serving as the primary liaison with the Chicago Cubs on their longstanding partnership. His leadership will be essential in developing new and emerging revenue streams in collegiate athletics, ensuring Northwestern remains at the forefront of innovation in the evolving landscape of college sports. Marks, who joined Northwestern in 2021, brings a wealth of experience to his new role, with an extensive background in fundraising, revenue generation, and strategic leadership.
"I am honored to accept this new role with Northwestern Athletics," said Marks. "I extend my gratitude to Combe Family Vice President of Athletics and Recreation Mark Jackson for this opportunity. As we build the new Ryan Field and navigate the dynamic landscape of college athletics, I look forward to collaborating with student-athletes, coaches, donors, and our exceptional leadership team to further the Wildcats' success."
During his tenure at Northwestern, Marks has played a significant role in leading fundraising initiatives, securing critical philanthropic support, and building meaningful partnerships. This past year, Marks played a leading role in the construction of Northwestern's innovative temporary facility, Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. The project led to record revenue numbers during the 2024 football season while earning national acclaim as well as creating additional hosting opportunities for the university. His leadership will be instrumental as the athletics department continues its ambitious growth, highlighted by the construction of the new Ryan Field and a new home for the softball program, the Kip and Sara Kirkpatrick Stadium, both of which will open in 2026. Marks will also concentrate on revenue generation and optimizing the full potential of Welsh-Ryan Arena and its related opportunities.
Prior to joining Northwestern, Marks served as the Executive Director of the Miami Dolphins Foundation, where he managed large-scale philanthropic initiatives like the Dolphins Cancer Challenge, raising over $45 million for cancer research.
A University of Miami graduate and south Florida native, Marks spent three years as the Hurricanes' senior associate athletics director for development prior to his time with the Dolphins. He was responsible for all fundraising operations for the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, including campaign oversight, major gifts, annual fund, donor stewardship, event hospitality and coordination with the university's central advancement efforts. He also was the sport administrator for the nationally ranked men's tennis program.
During his tenure as head of the Hurricane Club, Marks helped Miami Athletics raise over $210 million, funding key facility enhancements and student-athlete services. His leadership contributed to major projects, including the Schwartz Center for Athletic Excellence and the Carol Soffer Indoor Practice Facility, as well as significant renovations to multiple athletic venues. He also played a pivotal role in two university-wide fundraising campaigns – Momentum and Momentum2 – which collectively raised over $2.6 billion, with athletics setting multiple fundraising records in both dollars raised and donor participation.
Marks has also held roles at Wake Forest University and Florida International University. In 2019, he was recognized by the South Florida Business Journal as a Forty Under 40 honoree, representing top young professionals in the South Florida community. Marks earned a bachelor's degree in political science and a master's degree in sports administration from the University of Miami.
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