Assistant Athletic Director, Marketing and Fan Engagement

$50,000 - $60,000/Yr

Kent State University - Kent, OH

Full-time - Mid Level

Kent, OH

Educational Services

About the position

The Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing and Fan Engagement at Kent State University is responsible for overseeing the athletic marketing department and creating and implementing inclusive, strategic marketing and promotion plans. This role involves managing in-game elements, producing innovative revenue generation strategies, and creatively enhancing the Kent State Athletics fan experience. The position reports directly to the Executive Senior Associate Athletic Director and plays a crucial role in the development and execution of marketing strategies aimed at increasing attendance and revenue for athletic events. Key responsibilities include assisting in the development and implementation of strategic marketing plans, managing the work of public relations agencies, marketing vendors, and consultants. The Assistant Athletic Director will spearhead efforts in the creation and fulfillment of marketing plans and strategies, ensuring that they align with the department's goals of increasing revenue and improving the fan experience. This includes developing timing sheets, game scripts, and plans, as well as evaluating the effectiveness of game-day promotional and entertainment activities. The role also requires serving as the main game day producer, overseeing all game day related fan experience elements such as video board production and fan zones. Collaboration with campus and community stakeholders is essential to support the marketing and promotion of athletic events and initiatives. Additionally, the Assistant Athletic Director will oversee the budget for Kent State Athletics and promotions, ensuring successful outcomes through best-practices project management methodologies and quality assurance metrics. The position also involves developing and maintaining a robust marketing internship program, serving as the primary liaison with the Kent State Spirit Squad and mascot, and coordinating the production and distribution of marketing materials. The Assistant Athletic Director will also assist with the coordination of game day marketing and radio and print agreements, while proactively marketing to the student population to increase attendance. Supervisory responsibilities include overseeing unclassified marketing staff, making hiring and disciplinary recommendations, and conducting performance evaluations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the athletic marketing department and create and implement strategic marketing and promotion plans.
• Manage work of public relations agencies, marketing vendors, and consultants.
• Spearhead efforts in creation and fulfillment of marketing plans and strategies to increase department revenue and attendance.
• Develop timing sheets, game scripts, and plans for game-day promotional activities.
• Serve as main game day producer in charge of execution of all game day related fan experience elements.
• Lead the ideation, planning, and implementation of promotions and fan engagement opportunities.
• Collaborate with campus and community stakeholders to promote athletic events.
• Oversee budget for Kent State Athletics and promotions.
• Adopt best-practices project management methodologies and quality assurance metrics.
• Develop and maintain a marketing internship program.
• Serve as primary liaison with the Kent State Spirit Squad and mascot.
• Coordinate the production and distribution of marketing materials.
• Assist with the coordination of game day marketing and radio/print agreements.
• Proactively market to the student population to increase attendance.
• Supervise unclassified marketing staff, including hiring and performance evaluations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, business management, or relevant field.
• Two years of professional experience in marketing and/or sales.
• Knowledge of National Collegiate Athletics Association and Mid-American Conference rules and regulations.
• Familiarity with sales management principles and practices.
• Basic bookkeeping/accounting principles and procedures.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite software applications.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to function well within a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to analyze situations and develop solutions.
• Ability to travel to athletic events.
• Ability to supervise temporary and student employees.
• Ability to work evening and weekend hours.

Nice-to-haves

• Master's degree in a relevant field.
• Three years' experience in athletics marketing, promotions, special events, or administration.
• Preferred experience with football game operations and ticket office collaboration.