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 promotional plans. This role involves managing in-game elements, producing innovative revenue generation strategies, and enhancing the overall fan experience at Kent State Athletics events. The position reports directly to the Executive Senior Associate Athletic Director and plays a crucial role in increasing department revenue and attendance while continually improving the fan experience. Key responsibilities include assisting in the development and implementation of strategic marketing plans, managing the work of public relations agencies, marketing vendors, and consultants, and spearheading efforts to create and fulfill marketing strategies. The Assistant Athletic Director will develop timing sheets, game scripts, and plans, and evaluate the effectiveness of game-day promotional activities. They will serve as the main game day producer, overseeing all game day related fan experience elements such as video board production and fan zones. Additionally, this position requires collaboration with campus and community stakeholders to promote athletic events and initiatives, overseeing the budget for Kent State Athletics, and ensuring successful outcomes through best-practice project management methodologies. The Assistant Athletic Director will also develop and maintain a robust marketing internship program, coordinate the production of print materials, and proactively market to the student population to increase attendance. Supervisory responsibilities include overseeing unclassified marketing staff and making hiring and disciplinary recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the development and implementation of strategic marketing 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, and evaluate effectiveness of 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 support marketing of 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 the 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 agreements.
• Proactively market to the student population to increase attendance.
• Supervise unclassified marketing staff and conduct performance evaluations.
• Assist in maintaining financial records for athletic events.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, business management, or relevant field.
• Two years of professional experience in marketing and/or sales.
• Knowledge of NCAA and Mid-American Conference rules and regulations.
• 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.
• Customer service 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 operate a cash register.
• 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.