Assistant Director of Athletics - Business Strategy and Innovation
By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.
Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?
The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.
Job Description
Job Summary:
The Assistant Director of Athletics – Business Strategy and Innovation identifies, develops, and manages Athletics Department business opportunities, sales strategies, and event operations for rental agreements and varsity sport competitions. This person will also formulate and implement sales and marketing campaigns to drive new revenue and attendance for our seven ticketed sports. Additionally, this position manages the Harvard Athletics outbound sales team and the Assistant Director of Digital Marketing, and also oversees our secondary market partnerships. This role is also responsible for creating new efficiencies and driving innovation through the use of new technology.
Job-Specific Responsibilities:
Sales Campaigns
- Oversee creation, budget, development, implementation, measurement, and refinement of ticket revenue campaigns to support event attendance, season ticket sales, renewals, group ticket initiatives, ticket promotions, and giveaways.
- Collaborate with the sales team and Director of Ticket Operations on methods and campaigns to drive new incremental revenue and increase attendance through group sales initiatives.
- Collaborate with the marketing department on the coordination of advertising, event promotion, community outreach, and digital campaigns through the use of paid, earned, and owned media.
- Spearhead initiatives aimed at growing brand awareness and data collection.
- Collaborate with the communication and multimedia departments to coordinate the development and distribution of revenue-focused creative.
- Collaborate with Senior Associate AD of Partnerships, Concessions, and Merchandise on marketing initiatives that drive revenue and create operational efficiencies.
Management
- Manage Harvard Athletics' outbound sales team and the Assistant Director of Digital Marketing.
Business Development and Revenue Generation
- Identify, develop, and manage additional revenue streams for the Athletic Department by exploring and executing high-yield rental agreements with outside groups.
- Cultivate new business relationships with external partners aimed at significantly increasing department resources and strengthening community relationships.
- Execute contract parameters, including event logistics, external and internal communication, community relations, and vendor procurement.
- Create protocols for efficient facilities scheduling and usage.
Secondary Market Partners
- Manage and grow our relationship with current secondary market ticketing partners.
- Investigate and implement strategies to grow collaborations aimed at increasing revenue.
- Identify new potential partners and secure deals that improve consignment arrangements and ticket visibility.
Innovation and Technology Use
- Through creative strategies, innovative ideas, and the use of new technology, improve area efficiencies and effectiveness while driving new revenue and increased brand awareness
Working Conditions:
Evening and weekend work required.
Physical Requirements:
Must have the ability to lift and move objects that weigh no more than 50 lb.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree required
- 5+ years of marketing and/or sales management experience, business development or related field.
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
- Supervisory experience
- Event experience preferred
- Digital and multimedia experience preferred
- Proficiency with graphic design preferred
Additional Information
- Appointment End Date: N/A
- Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
- Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable):
- Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
- Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal
- Other Information:
Harvard is a highly selective liberal arts college whose mission is to educate citizens and citizen-leaders for our society. The College is a residential institution of nearly 7,000 undergraduates and is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Harvard is deeply committed to the intellectual, social, and personal transformation of its undergraduates during their four years at Harvard.
The Department of Athletics offers 42 varsity programs for men and women, more than any other Division I school in the United States. We also offer extensive recreational and intramural programs.
Harvard employees have access to a competitive benefits package that includes multiple options for the health and well-being of our employees as well as ongoing professional development.
All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources. We regret that, due to the number of responses we typically receive, we may be unable to respond to phone calls or contact personally those applicants not selected for an interview.
We actively seek and welcome applications from diverse candidates and from those with a demonstrable commitment to a more inclusive society.
Work Format Details
This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.
Salary Grade and Ranges
This position is salary grade level 057. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.
Benefits
Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:
- Generous paid time off including parental leave
- Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
- Retirement plans with university contributions
- Wellbeing and mental health resources
- Support for families and caregivers
- Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
- Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks
Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.
EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement
Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.
Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.