Career Center

Department: Univ Athletics-Extrnl Affairs
Salary/Grade: EXS/10

Job Summary:

The Associate Athletic Director for Marketing and Fan Engagement serves an integral role in the overall marketing, promotion and fan engagement of Northwestern Athletics with a primary focus on the revenue generating sport programs This position will facilitate the development and execution of strategic marketing and fan engagement plans supporting brand awareness, ticket sales and other revenue generating initiatives. Additionally, this position will provide oversight for the entire marketing unit of the athletic department and will serve on the department’s Senior Staff. This position works closely with all members of the Athletic Department, as well as numerous contacts both inside and outside the University community.

*Willingness and ability to work evenings, weekends and holidays as required.*

Responsible for adhering to all Department and University policies and procedures, as well as the rules, regulations, bylaws and interpretations of the Big Ten Conference and the NCAA.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Serves as the primary marketing and fan engagement contact for the primary revenue generating sport programs
• Facilitates for all actions of the cross-functional team including the creation and implementation of a comprehensive marketing, ticket sales, advertising, social media, video and public relations plan, while coordinating calendars and timelines.
• Coordinates with the ticket sales and operations departments to implement plans to meet all attendance and ticket revenue goals.
• Serves as a liaison between the team and the department’s community relations area to enhance the profile of the team’s involvement in the community.
• Works closely with the staff of each program to ensure alignment with department and team initiatives.
• Works with the ticket sales and operations department to effectively price season, single-game and group tickets to maximize revenue and attendance.
• Lead in the execution of the gameday experience for home football.
  • Supervises all gameday experience elements including in-game production/game operations, activation of tickets sales initiatives and execution of fan experience elements both in and around the stadium.
  • Manages marketing gameday personnel to ensure on-field/on-court sponsorship elements are appropriately executed.
  • Works closely with the Department’s multi-media rights holder to effectively implement and execute sponsorship entitlements.
  • Collaborates with the facilities and event management departments to provide the best fan experience possible. This includes assisting with fan surveys, fan feedback and the Fan Services group.
  • Assists the Deputy Athletics Director in the management of the concessions provider for each respective venue.
• Provides oversight and management for all efforts of the marketing unit in the area of media buys for advertising purposes as well as branding.
• Negotiates and executes advertising relationships so as to enhance the Northwestern brand and assist in selling tickets.
• Works with the creative services department to ideate and execute advertising creative.
• Creates an advertising timeline for each season to effectively sell football and men’s basketball tickets while also building Northwestern’s brand
• Develop messaging and execute email marketing and automation in conjunction with the ticket office to maximize all revenue opportunities within the Paciolan and email system.
• Leading in developing synergy between traditional marketing, organic social media and creative video specifically for revenue generation and fan engagement
• Assists in the development of the department’s fan engagement strategy, serving as an expert in digital media to support ticket and merchandise sales, sponsorships and other revenue and fan development initiatives.
• Member of the leadership team of the Department of Athletics and Recreation
• Acts as the liasion of the athletic department between the marching band as well as the cheerleader and mascot programs.
• Administration, tracking and reporting of the budget for the marketing unit.
• Assists the Deputy Athletic Director for External Affairs in the activation of the relationship with the Department’s multi-media rights holder.
• Assists the Deputy Athletic Director for External Affairs in the relationship with the Department’s official merchandiser.
• Creates and fosters relationships with campus academic entities to facilitate ad hoc projects.
• Serves as the department’s liaison with University Trademark and Licensing
• Serves as the Department liaison with various campus groups include New Student and Family Programs, Homecoming and others.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• 5-7 years of relative experience in collegiate/professional sports, marketing, sales, public relations or other similarly related field.
• Proven track record of delivering success in the areas of marketing, sales and public relations.
• Experience in event management and the production and supervision of major events.
• Excellent customer service and problem solving skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Professional verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to work in dynamic fast paced environment
• Ability to handle multiple tasks at once and meet deadlines

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern requires all staff and faculty to be vaccinated against COVID-19, subject to limited exceptions. For more information, please visit our COVID-19 and Campus Updates website.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.