Assistant Athletics Director For Fan Engagement & Ticketing

POSITION OVERVIEW

Iona University Athletics seeks an innovative and strategic Assistant Director of Athletics for Fan Engagement and Ticketing to lead comprehensive marketing, promotional, and fan experience initiatives across all varsity sports and will have a shared oversight of ticketing operations. Reporting to the Senior Associate AD for Development, this position will develop and execute data-driven marketing strategies to increase attendance, enhance game-day atmosphere, drive ticket sales, and elevate the visibility of Iona Athletics within the campus community, Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, and broader metropolitan New York area.

This is a full-time, 12-month position based in New Rochelle, NY. Regular evening and weekend work is required to support home athletic events.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Marketing & Brand Management

• Develop and implement comprehensive annual marketing plans to promote all Iona Athletics programs, with primary emphasis on men’s and women’s basketball

• Create integrated marketing campaigns utilizing traditional, digital, grassroots, and social media strategies to drive ticket sales, attendance, and fan engagement

• Collaborate with campus partners to plan and execute marketing strategies and promotional schedules that engage students in an impactful manner while preparing digital and print promotional collateral for event advertisements 

• Execute targeted promotional campaigns for season ticket sales, single-game ticket sales, group sales, and special events for men’s and women’s basketball and other sports/events as needed, including but not limited to postseason events hosted by Iona, performing arts events, Commencement, etc.

• Under the direction of the Senior Associate AD for Development, work with corporate partners to maximize marketing opportunities and fulfill partnership obligations

• Develop and maintain relationships with key campus partners (Residential Life, Student Affairs, Campus Dining, Spirit Organizations) to drive student attendance and engagement

• Manage grassroots marketing efforts and community outreach initiatives to build the Gaels fan base in Westchester County and the greater New York metropolitan area

Basketball Game Day Fan Experience & Ticketing Operations

• Serve as the primary game-day producer for men’s and women’s basketball, creating and executing comprehensive game scripts, rundowns, and playlists to create a premiere fan experience 

• Collaborate with facility and event management staff to ensure a seamless, best-in-class fan experience while directly leading a team of graduate assistants, interns and/or student workers to execute all ticketing operations, including but not limited to all POS operations, admissions/entry procedures, team pass/comp list procedures, VIPs, etc.

• Oversee all in-game entertainment elements including videoboard content, music selection, public address announcements, promotions, and fan activation zones

• Design and implement innovative fan engagement programs including loyalty programs (e.g., rewards platforms, junior fan clubs), theme nights, and special promotions

• Lead market research initiatives and analyze engagement data to inform strategic decisions in pricing, amenities, giveaways, programming, etc.

Content Creation & Digital Media

• Create compelling graphics, videos, and multimedia content for social media platforms, LED videoboards, and digital advertising that showcase student-athletes and coaches for promotional marketing purposes

• Collaborate with Athletic Communications to ensure brand consistency across all digital and traditional media 

• Manage social media engagement strategies that grow followers, drive ticket sales, and enhance the overall digital presence of Iona Athletics

• Oversee website content related to marketing initiatives, promotional calendars, and fan engagement programs

Budget Management & Administration

• Develop and manage the marketing and promotions budget, ensuring strategic allocation of resources

• Track campaign expenses and provide regular budget reports

• Identify cost-effective marketing solutions and ROI-positive initiatives

• Process invoices, purchase orders, and financial documentation in accordance with university policies

Staff Supervision & Leadership

• Recruit, hire, train, and supervise marketing staff, including but not limited to, graduate assistants, interns and student workers

• Oversee game-day staff including DJs, video board operators, promotional team members and box office staff while collaborating with spirit squads

• Provide performance evaluations and professional development opportunities as directed

• Assign duties, responsibilities, and projects to ensure efficient operations 

• Foster a collaborative, creative, and high-performance team culture

Compliance & Representation

• Ensure all marketing activities comply with NCAA, MAAC, and institutional rules and regulations

• Represent the athletics department at campus meetings, community events, and conference functions

• Maintain awareness of and adherence to all university policies and procedures

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Sports Management, Business, or related field

Experience

• Minimum 3-5 years of professional experience in sports marketing, athletics promotions, or fan engagement

• Demonstrated experience at the NCAA Division I level or professional sports organization strongly preferred

• Proven track record of developing and executing successful marketing campaigns that drove measurable increases in attendance and ticket revenue

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro)

• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

• Experience with social media management platforms and analytics tools

• Experience with marketing automation platforms, CRM systems, and data analytics tools

• Proficiency with website content management systems

Professional Competencies

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills

• Strong project management abilities with capacity to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously

• Creative problem-solving skills and innovative thinking

• Data-driven decision-making approach with ability to analyze metrics and adjust strategies accordingly

• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to build relationships across diverse constituencies

• Customer service orientation with commitment to delivering exceptional experiences

• Ability to work collaboratively across departments while also taking independent initiative

• Strong leadership skills with experience supervising and developing staff

Other Requirements

• Availability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by athletic event schedule

• Valid driver's license with good driving record; must be insurable

• Ability to work on-site in New Rochelle with occasional remote work during inclement weather or special circumstances

• Commitment to NCAA Division I athletics and understanding of NCAA rules and regulations

• Passion for college athletics and creating memorable fan experiences

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in Marketing, Sports Management, Communications, or related field

• 5+ years of experience in NCAA Division I athletics marketing and fan engagement

• Experience working in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference or similar mid-major Division I conference

• Background in ticket sales, revenue generation, or corporate partnerships

• Familiarity with the New York/New Jersey sports market and media landscape

• Experience producing events for high-profile games or championship events

• Track record of developing successful student engagement initiatives

ABOUT IONA UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

Iona University is an NCAA Division I member institution competing in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC). The Gaels sponsor 26 varsity sports and have a rich tradition of athletic excellence, particularly in men's basketball. Located in New Rochelle, NY, just 20 miles north of midtown Manhattan, Iona offers student-athletes the opportunity to compete at the highest level while pursuing academic excellence in a vibrant, diverse community.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

• Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition remission

• Professional development opportunities

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates should submit the following materials:

• Letter of application addressing qualifications for the position

• Current resume or curriculum vitae

• Contact information for three professional references

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

About Iona/EEO Statement:

Founded in 1940, Iona University is a private, Catholic, coeducational institution of learning in the tradition of the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers. Iona is a growing, highly accredited institution located just 20 miles north of Midtown Manhattan, with campuses in New Rochelle, Bronxville, and a new location in County Mayo, Ireland. With over 4,000 students, Iona offers small classes, engaged faculty, and a wide range of programs across the School of Arts & Science, the LaPenta School of Business (AACSB‑accredited), the NewYork‑Presbyterian Iona School of Nursing & Health Sciences, and the Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation.

Recognized by The Princeton Review, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and U.S. News & World Report, Iona is nationally ranked for academic quality, social mobility, and long‑term return on investment. The University’s continued growth and rising reputation reflect its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, service, and opportunity.

Iona University values and celebrates diversity and is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees and applicants for employment. Iona is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered free from discrimination based on any legally protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local laws. Iona University encourages applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds.