POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Associate Athletics Director for External Relations
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 5677
GRADE 46
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Associate Athletics Director for External Relations will provide oversight and leadership for the areas of Strategic Marketing and Fan Engagement, Ticketing, Brand Management, and Licensing and Branding with an emphasis on fostering fresh perspective, innovative ideas, and strategic vision. This position will develop and execute strategies to ensure collaboration and coordination among units to effectively drive revenue growth through ticket sales, distinctive storytelling, brand consistency, strengthened brand presence, and an enhanced fan experience. The Associate Athletics Director for External Relations will play a crucial role in strengthening the connection between Missouri State Athletics and its audiences. This position will work closely with the third-party multi-media rights partner to ensure consistency and direction.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A Bachelor’s degree is required. An equivalent combination of years of experience and education may be considered for substitution of educational requirements.
Experience: At least three years of experience in collegiate athletics, educational leadership, or related field is preferred.
Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills as well as excellent interpersonal skills are required. Demonstrate an understanding of fan engagement, marketing, ticket sales, and brand management. Working knowledge of NCAA rules and compliance practices. Ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community. Accounting skills and experience to manage a budget and direct staff in tracking expenses and revenues is required. The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those if other cultures or backgrounds is required.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Revenue Generation:
1. Leads the strategic development and execution of season ticket sales, event sales, single game sales, pricing and distribution.2. Drives all decisions for future growth of the season ticket base in coordination with the development office.
3. Develops a sales unit to engage outbound effort to grow the season ticket base and external event sales.
Marketing & Fan Engagement:
4. Leads the strategic development and execution of fan engagement initiatives to drive attendance and enhance the in-game experience at all Missouri State Athletics events.5. Develops departmental marketing campaigns that align with Athletics goals and strengthen the Missouri State brand.
6. Oversees the production of in-game entertainment, fan activations and promotional events.
7. Assists in guiding social media strategy and content development for Missouri State Athletics and team social media accounts.
8. Collaborates with the Director of Marketing and Promotions to ensure marketing strategies and activities align with strategic brand goals.
Creative Services & In Game Production
9. Works with Associate AD for Athletic Communications to ensure alignment between Athletics Communications and Missouri State University media relations team to maintain cohesive messaging and enhance the reach of Missouri State Athletics.10. Contributes to the strategic vision for content creation, including in-game and social media video production, graphic design, photography, and digital media.
11. Oversees the operations of in-game productions, to ensure high-quality video production, creative content development, and best-in-class atmosphere.
12. Assists Creative and Branding teams in their work with content partner, Sport & Story, to enhance and grow the brand.
13. Collaborates with Associate AD for Athletics Communications to ensure brand consistency across all platforms and materials.
Collaboration & Leadership:
14. Cultivates a strong team culture within area of oversight and consistent collaboration with other areas of Athletics and the University.15. Contributes to talent acquisition and retention across areas of oversight.
16. Serves as a key member of the External Relations leadership team, working closely and collaboratively with colleagues. Ensure key information and opportunities are shared with staff working within areas of oversight.
17. Reports regularly to the Director of Athletics, to align marketing, fan engagement, and communications strategies with departmental goals.
18. Partners with University Marketing & Communications leadership to integrate Missouri State Athletics into university-wide branding and communications initiatives.
Other:
19. Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.20. Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses as directed by the supervisor.
21. Contributes to the overall success of the Athletics Department by performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Athletics.
SUPERVISION
Associate Athletics Director for External Relations supervises full-time employees, graduate assistants, and student employees.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
NOVEMBER 2024
