Assistant Athletic Director, Fan Engagement/Marketing

Western Kentucky University, a member of Conference USA and Football Bowl Subdivision (I-A) NCAA member institution, seeks applicants for the position of Assistant Athletic Director, Fan Engagement / Marketing.  This position reports directly to the Associate AD / External Relations.  Applicants must have a commitment to and responsibility for adhering to all rules and regulations of WKU, Conference USA and the NCAA.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities:

The following duties are customary for this position but are not to be construed as all-inclusive.  Duties may be added, deleted and assigned based on management discretion and institutional needs.

• Lead athletics Fan Engagement / marketing department and staff in a way that reflects the University’s values.

• Manage the daily operations of the Fan Engagement / marketing unit, including but not limited to: developing and coordinating Fan Engagement marketing and promotional efforts for WKU’s 16 intercollegiate sports, executing game day and halftime promotions, coordinating special events, supervising and mentoring staff and the WKU street team, fulfilling sponsorship elements, and other duties as assigned.

• Responsible for developing and implementing Fan Engagement and marketing strategies within the department to promote the University athletic teams, student-athletes, coaches and facilities.

• Manage all advertising trade and media buys with local television, radio and print media as well as all social media advertising.

• Provide leadership in all aspects of the gameday and non-gameday fan experiences – including but not limited to non-gameday digital and grassroots engagement strategies, gameday traditional and innovative fan experiences, and traditional or non-traditional engagement efforts for all athletic events.

• Research, analyze, and execute new and creative marketing and fan experience strategies and tactics to advance WKU’s efforts for the cutting edge of college sports.

• Meets, consults with, and advises student-athletes, coaches, and staff regarding marketing, social media, and video strategies.

• Oversee athletic Fan Engagement / marketing budget and annual spending.

• Oversee the selection, production and distribution of all promotional materials.

• Explores new, innovative Fan Engagement and marketing vehicles that promote the Division of Athletics and its programs.

• Assist with the development and implementation of season and individual ticket campaigns that produce revenue and cultivate interest and support from university groups, local businesses and the Bowling Green community

• Collaborate with and assist Hilltopper Sports Properties (HSP) on the development and implementation of in game activities and fulfillment of HSP contractual obligations

• Serve on campus committees as requested

• Other duties as assigned by Associate AD / External Relations.

Knowledge and Skills Considered Essential for Success:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Prior experience working in college athletics with a knowledge of relevant University, Conference, and NCAA rules and regulations

• Highly motivated, detail oriented, strong interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to effectively interact with individuals at all levels of the University and favorably represent the institution with external constituents

• Ability to investigate, analyze and draw appropriate conclusions to problems and issues

• Skills in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures

• Initiative, self-discipline, confidence and charisma to lead, encourage and challenge a team of subordinate staff and students

• Ability to develop and effectively deliver presentations

• Computer proficiency and knowledge of MS Office Suite, Adobe’s InDesign, and Photoshop.

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s Degree. 

• Minimum two years full-time experience in the field of collegiate or professional sports fan engagement or marketing.

• Staff supervisory experience

• Ability to work evening and weekend hours, including team travel.