Director, Marketing and Fan Experience, Athletics

Kennesaw State University is one of the 50 largest public institutions in the country, offering more than 190 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to over 50,000 students. With a vibrant culture, career opportunities, and a commitment to respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity, and accountability, KSU is an employer of choice within the University System of Georgia.

Primary work locations are the Kennesaw campus (1000 Chastain Road NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144) and the Marietta campus (1100 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta, GA 30060).

About the Role

This position is responsible for creating, developing, and maintaining dynamic programs to enhance event presentation and fan experience for all sports. The role involves comprehensive marketing and promotional planning, collaboration with internal and external partners, and oversight of event staff and student workers to ensure an excellent fan experience at all athletics events.

Responsibilities

• Creates innovative ideas that engage existing and potential fans, resulting in an entertaining atmosphere.
• Leads and/or participates in strategic communication and email marketing efforts.
• Creates and/or directs content for marketing, sales, and fan experience programs.
• Engages with campus, community partners, and future partners to promote KSU programs.
• Assists with oversight and/or creation of digital, non-traditional, and traditional advertising.
• Researches and recommends new advertising avenues, including digital and traditional mediums.
• Plays an active role in daily responsibilities related to third-party agreements for marketing, fan experience, and sales.
• Evaluates best practices for spending and cost savings within the marketing budget.
• Oversees, develops, and executes strategic marketing plans for assigned ticketed sports to grow the fan base and impact ticket sales, attendance, and revenue.
• Provides input and recommendations for managing a music library for each sport, including securing, updating, and editing music.
• Oversees hiring, scheduling, management, and training of announcers, music staff, and student worker programs.
• Serves as a liaison to the Marching Band, Pep Band, Spirit Teams, Emcee, and DJs for event scripting and planning.
• Develops and executes marketing and event plans for department-wide initiatives (e.g., Pink Initiatives, Military Appreciation, Academic Achievement, Faculty and Staff Appreciation days).
• Coordinates plans and programs with all parties to ensure consistency in planning.
• Assists leadership with managing the department's budget, coordinating contracts, and invoices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
• Current, valid, and unrestricted driver's license.
• Two (2) years of experience in marketing, promotions, sales, fan engagement, event planning, or ticket sales in collegiate, professional, or minor league fields.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a related field from an accredited institution.
• Experience with Paciolan Ticket software.
• Experience with Email Marketing software.
• Division I intercollegiate marketing or sales experience with a professional sport organization.
• Demonstrated experience working with a multimedia rights holder.

Skills

• Ability to handle multiple tasks or projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
• Live-event production experience.
• Digitally savvy with graphic design and digital marketing experience.
• Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem-solving, independent judgment, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management, and presentation skills.
• Creative thinker and problem solver.
• Proficient with computer applications and programs associated with the position (e.g., Microsoft Office suite).
• Strong attention to detail and follow-up skills.
• Strong customer service skills and phone/email etiquette.

This is a supervisory position requiring occasional travel (1% - 24% of the time). A background check, including a motor vehicle report, credit check, and pre-employment drug screening, will be required for final candidates.