Assistant Director of Athletics, Marketing and Fan Engagement

Company Description

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:

Reporting to the Senior Associate Director of Athletics, Business Development, Marketing, & Ticketing, this position is responsible for leading and developing a comprehensive marketing and fan experience strategy across 42 varsity teams. Additionally, this position will collaborate closely with internal departments, as well as external consultants, vendors and organizations to increase revenue, attendance, and brand awareness. Manages and develops a team consisting of a full-time employee, two 10-month interns, and game-day staff.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Marketing and Fan Experience Strategy and Planning

• Leads the development and implementation of a comprehensive marketing strategy to promote 42 varsity teams to a wide and diverse audience to generate revenue, increase attendance and enhance awareness of Harvard Athletics.
• Manages marketing and fan engagement budget to support strategy and plans.
• Responsible for overall fan engagement and customer experience strategy, including creation of innovative ideas that engage new and existing fans.
• Uses data analytics and independent judgement to develop innovative marketing initiatives and build customer database to support sales growth.
• Contributes to digital marketing and advertising strategies focused on increasing attendance with customer acquisition and retention across all sports, as well as generating sales revenue for 7 ticketed sports.
• Oversee the creation and implementation of ticketed sports theme games.
• Develop and maintain a promotional calendar in conjunction with the ticket office and digital marketing team.
• Manages the “featured games” program strategy and implementation, aimed at increasing the attendance and visibility of all varsity non-ticketed sports
• Develops creative programming and support services to enhance the student experience, including the oversite of all student attendance initiatives and strategies.
• Collaborates with campus and external partners including University departments, community members, fans, sponsors, businesses, alumni, staff, students to increase engagement opportunities, drive attendance and build community and pride in Harvard.
• Hires external vendors to complete creative services, promotional and technical projects.
• Contributes to marketing strategy for community-wide recreation programming.
• Manage the creation of a dynamic and interactive game-day environment for assigned sports; strategize, plan, and execute game production efforts for select sports with videoboards in a managerial role, including the oversight of game scripts, videoboard content and graphics, execution of in-game promotions, sponsorship integration, and fulfillment.

Management

• Directs, manages and evaluates a team.
• Hires, trains, schedules and manages marketing and fan engagement team.
• Trains and mentors staff for professional development and allocates personnel and resources for given projects.
• Athletics liaison to Harvard student groups, including band, cheerleaders and dance team.

Working Conditions:

• Evening and weekend work required.

Working Format:

• On-site

Physical Requirements:

• Able to stand for extended periods of time.
• Occasionally required to lift and carry up to 40 pounds.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• At least 5 years of progressive marketing and/or sales work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Management and supervisory experience preferred
• Advanced degree or certifications are a plus, but not required.
• Advanced knowledge of marketing, fan engagement and sales, including collegiate athletics, preferably at the Division 1 level.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal and organizational abilities.
• Proven ability to multi-task efficiently, manage deadlines and produce results.
• Creative and innovative thinker.
• Analytic and decisive decision maker with strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently while establishing strong collaborative team relationships.
• Proven record of accomplishment in establishing and maintaining effective relationships.
• Results driven, pro-active approach.
• Knowledge of new and emerging technologies, including AI.
• Passionate for the business of sports and college athletics.
• Required performance of all duties and responsibilities in compliance with all NCAA and Ivy League rules.
• Graphic design and digital marketing skills
• Familiarity with partnership activation and sponsorships.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suites products.
• Proficiency with Microsoft applications.
• Proficiency in marketing and social analytic tools to measure effectiveness of marketing initiatives
• Proficiency with CRM platform (Salesforce, Hubspot, etc.)
• Proficiency in the digital marketing ecosystem including experience in email marketing platforms (such as Eloqua), paid social, display ads, mobile applications, and Google Analytics.
• Familiarity with scripting systems (Rundown Creator, Shoflo)
• Experience with HTML preferred.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, and Criminal

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types 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.