Job Description

Executive Associate Athletics Director for External Operations

Job no: 494143
Work Type: Staff full-time
Location: Abilene
Categories: Staff, Athletics and Recreation

About ACU

ACU is affiliated with the fellowship of the Church of Christ. All applicants must be professing Christians and willing to support the Christian mission and purpose of Abilene Christian University while employed by the university.

Executive Associate Athletics Director for External Operations

Abilene, Texas

Athletics

Exempt Full-Time

1. Coordinating all ACU athletics marketing efforts including strategy, budgeting,
and planning for the unit.
2. Supervision of the communications and content creation teams for the athletic
department.
3. Create and execute a comprehensive marketing, game presentation and fan
engagement plan for ACU athletics events.
4. Lead a group of full time staff, post grad interns, students and gameday workers to
present high level home athletics events.
5. Develop strategy to increase fan and student attendance.
6. Assist ACU Athletics licensing revenue generation and compliance items.
7. Support a 10% annual growth target for ticketing revenue.
8. Serves as liaison to key campus partners that play pivotal role in ACU gameday
production.

1. Develop and implement marketing and promotional plans for ACU sports to increase awareness, attendance and revenue.

2. Prepare and execute detailed game presentation plans and game scripts to direct & creatively integrate music, video content, public address announcements, spirit squads, band and other resources to deliver a high-quality fan experience.

3. Create strategies, build relationships, and implement fan experiences to positively differentiate live home events from watching on television, in turn, enhancing fan engagement and increasing attendance specifically through student, youth, family and community outreach efforts.

4. Develop and implement creative, innovative, and impactful ideas for fueling the intensity and interest in ACU athletics.

5. Create and innovative strategies to deepen student engagement with athletics, increasing student attendance, serving as liaison to student organizations, and utilizing resources such as social media, email and text platforms to connect with student body.

6. Manage marketing internship program and gameday staff.

7. Cultivate relationships with campus partners to identify mutually beneficial programming for ACU students around home athletic events.

8. Coordinate advertising and social media strategies to engage fans and to build the ACU Athletics brand.  Collaborate with other external units of the athletic department and university to ensure cohesive messaging across all platforms.

9. Plan and assist with community outreach and grassroots marketing programs to create excitement for ACU athletics.

10. Work closely with Abilene Christian Sports Properties (Learfield) to ensure sponsorship fulfillment.

11. Manage and grow marketing and fan engagement programs such as student section, kid's club and mascot appearances.

12. Support other fan experience elements, including, but not limited to, tailgating, open houses, spring games, pep rallies, watch parties, etc.

13. Supervision at least one ACU sports team.  Provide strategic support for the head coach to lead his/her team to develop leaders for Christian service and compete for championships.

14. Supervise ACU cheer.  Serve as primary contact for collaboration between athletics and marching band, pep band, and other key support groups.

15. Coordinate with ACUtv for in game video displays.  Assist with creative strategies to promote ACU on all digital and linear broadcasts.

16. Prepare and execute annual calendar and appropriate content / supporting documentation for unit strategies.

17. Oversee all aspects of the gameday experience for students and fans to ensure exceptional customer services and memorable gameday.

18. Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION

The Associate AD will supervise a staff consisting of two full time and three post grad interns, plus a team of student workers and gameday event staff employees.

1. Strong written, organizational and communication skills
2. Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills
3. Ability to manage multiple projects and adhere to deadlines

Professional

1. A bachelor’s degree is required, with an emphasis in a discipline relevant to the multiple task and duties of the position. A master’s degree is preferred.
2. Three to five years of relevant experience marketing and producing athletics events. Demonstrated knowledge of NCAA rules.

Personal

1. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
2. Proactive approach and attitude. Ability to provide creative ideas, solutions and initiatives.
3. Ability to adapt to changes in work pace and flow.
4. Professional appearance and positive attitude that represents the department well.

1. The scope of the position frequently requires weekend and evening work, long hours and occasional overnight, out-of-town travel.
2. High energy level, ability to maintain several activities at a time.
3. Ability to manage stress and handle interruptions. 
4. Ability to endure long hours of works.
5. Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.
6. Extended periods of walking and climbing stairs.

ACU does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, disability, genetic information, national or ethnic origin in employment opportunities, in keeping with applicable state and federal law.

ACU is committed to maintaining a safe and secure campus environment and protecting the university's financial and physical assets.  Therefore, Abilene Christian University conducts background checks on all candidates for employment in security sensitive positions.

Advertised: July 02, 2025 Central Daylight Time
Applications close: Open until filled

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