University of Missouri - Kansas City, MO
posted 5 months ago
About the position
The University of Missouri Kansas City (UMKC) is seeking an Associate or Deputy Athletics Director/Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) to lead the strategic planning and oversight of the athletics department's revenue generation efforts. This role is pivotal in enhancing the visibility and financial sustainability of UMKC's Intercollegiate Athletics, which is a member of the Summit League and represents Kansas City with 16 NCAA Division I sports teams. The CRO will report directly to the Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics and will be responsible for a variety of initiatives aimed at increasing departmental revenues, enhancing the fan experience, and fostering corporate partnerships. The CRO will develop a high profile for UMKC Intercollegiate Athletics by collaborating with alumni, media relations, and marketing professionals. A key focus will be on overseeing the Roo Athletic Fund (RAF), which involves securing donations to support scholarships and other athletic initiatives. The CRO will work closely with the Senior Leadership Team and campus stakeholders to ensure the department's strategic goals are met. In addition to revenue generation, the CRO will oversee corporate athletic partnerships, manage ticket sales strategies, and enhance the game day experience for fans. This includes developing comprehensive fan engagement initiatives and ensuring the highest level of customer service. The role also involves managing special events and community outreach efforts to build brand awareness and strengthen relationships with the community. The successful candidate will possess expert communication skills, project management abilities, and a strong ethical foundation to inspire confidence among colleagues and donors. Leadership skills are essential, as the CRO will oversee key external departments such as Marketing, Development, Ticketing, Strategic Communications, and Corporate Partnerships. The CRO will promote professional development among employees and ensure their engagement with the Athletics Department and UMKC.
Responsibilities
- Develop and oversee all corporate athletic partnerships, including negotiation of corporate athletic agreements.
- Oversee the development and strategies of the Roo Athletics Fund (RAF) to increase revenue and membership.
- Develop and implement comprehensive fan engagement and VIP experience initiatives; enable the highest level of customer service to fans and guests while improving the game day experience and environment for KC Athletics.
- Oversee development, organization, promotion, and administration of special events and community outreach to build brand awareness.
- Manage athletics staff responsible for day-to-day management of Athletics special events.
- Oversee development of ticket sales and operational strategies to develop and maintain ticket holder relationships.
- Ensure integration of ticket campaigns with marketing and strategic communication efforts to increase ticket sales and game day attendance while meeting revenue goals.
- Oversee effective brand management policies, procedures, and revenue generation opportunities related to trademark and licensing management.
- Act as the day-to-day contact with the department's concessionaire vendors.
- Assist in formulating and implementing communication and public relations strategies, vision, and philosophy through oversight of development and revenue generation.
- Assist and participate in developing, evaluating, and implementing department strategic plan.
- Serve on the Athletic Director's executive staff and assume the lead on projects and initiatives as assigned.
Requirements
- A Bachelor's degree in a related/relevant area or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- At least 5 years of experience for Associate Athletics Director or at least 6 years for Deputy Athletics Director from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired.
- Expert written and interpersonal communication skills, including political acumen to establish and maintain good working relationships throughout the organization and with outside constituencies.
- Expert skills in making persuasive and compelling presentations of goals and objectives of UMKC.
- Expert project/program management skills, including skills in setting and meeting program/project goals and objectives within budget and time constraints.
- Expert organizational, analytical and critical thinking skills.
- Strong sense of ethical conduct that will inspire confidence and motivation with the proven ability to persuade colleagues and donor prospects.
Nice-to-haves
- Master's degree
- Expert working knowledge of all aspects of fundraising, donor relations, and public relations concepts, principles, procedures, and techniques for a Division I athletics program.
- Exhibit thorough knowledge of UMKC and UMKC Athletics, including its vision, mission, goals, objectives, achievements and infrastructure.
- Thorough knowledge of the NCAA rules, guidelines, and principles as they influence university fundraising, scholarships, etc.
- Experience working in collegiate athletics as a coach or administrator.
- Experience with fundraising in higher education or related area.
- Ability to use a relational donor database system.
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans
- Retirement plans
- Paid time off
- Short- and long-term disability
- Paid parental leave
- Paid caregiver leave
- Educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses
