Senior Associate Athletics Director/External Affairs

The Senior Associate Athletics Director/External Affairs serves as the Chief Marketing Officer for the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, providing leadership in various capacities and the execution of the department's stated goals. The Senior Associate Athletics Director/External Affairs will be an integral member of the Vice President/Director of Athletics Executive Leadership Team. As a direct report to the Vice President/Director of Athletics, this position will direct and oversee various external operations units, providing leadership, planning, and supervision in the areas of marketing, fan engagement and experience, promotions, public relations, media relations, brand consistency, and creative services for all of UNM's athletic programs. This position also provides leadership within the sport supervisor team, with sport supervision responsibilities specific over sports based on background and experience.

Job Description

Duties & responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• The Senior Associate Athletics Director/External Affairs has primary oversight of all department external functions, including marketing, fan engagement and experience, promotions, public relations, media relations, brand consistency, and creative services for all of UNM's athletic programs.
• Directly supervise the unit heads of assigned departments. Using automation and process improvement, ensure all units are optimized for efficient operations.
• Foster a culture of collaboration and teamwork among staff and unit managers. Provide leadership and strategy to ensure accountability for departmental goals.
• Oversee and manage developing, tracking, and implementing ideas and strategies to engage fans, sponsors, and other target audiences for various sports and programs.
• Ensure and manage the timely and collaborative development of consistent, season-long, integrated, sport-specific plans that outline the strategic and tactical activities surrounding messaging, operational elements, sponsorship implementation, etc.
• Lead strategy to increase attendance at home athletic events to grow revenue.
• Manage and lead digital marketing efforts using data driven strategies and innovative campaigns to boost brand visibility, sponsorship opportunities, and ticket sales.
• Manage the creation and execution of game scripts designed to engage Lobo fans, fulfill sponsor obligations, and provide a highly entertaining and engaging environment.
• Ensure communication to develop new content for promotional giveaways, video features, on-court contests, dance teams, live entertainment, and pre/post-game concerts. Collaborate with related staff and vendors.
• Manage relationships with the MMR holder regarding implementing sponsor activities surrounding the fan experience.
• Manage innovation and creativity efforts for potential Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities for student-athletes by leveraging existing departmental assets.
• Oversee and implement Fan Surveys to solicit feedback from our constituents who attend our events and ensure that we provide an exceptional fan-first experience.
• Work collaboratively with our Event Operations team to ensure that our fan, gameday, and facility policies are accurate and appropriately reflected on our website.
• Work collaboratively with our Event Operations team to ensure that all stadium, parking, and directional maps are accurate and appropriately reflected on our website.
• Collaborate with the Deputy AD-Chief Operating Officer on the university athletic licensing program with the athletic listening partner, Affinity, in developing and implementing business strategies to promote the Lobo Athletics brand and increase the growth of the merchandising program. This includes collaboration with existing and prospective licensees and retailers on product development and sales strategies.
• Collaborate with the Deputy AD-Chief Revenue Officer on season tickets, single-game tickets, group sales, promotions, and specials to increase the Athletic Department's overall revenue. Work collaboratively on market segmentation and revenue goals, monitoring progress to budget.
• Oversee and maintain media partnership/trade agreements with local media outlets and advertisers.
• Oversee the UNM Athletics Website.
• Serve as the liaison to the University Band for the Athletics Department.
• Oversee the game day direction and implementation of the Spirit Program.
• Oversee and manage the relationship with all Student groups and organizations to ensure high student attendance and engagement at our events.
• Oversees operating budgets for the UNM Athletics marketing, communications, and creative services departments.
• Serves as UNM Athletics marketing liaison to the University.
• Plays a key role in dictating and executing UNM Athletics' social media strategy. Assist in ensuring messaging and brand consistency across platforms and across accounts.

See the Position Description for additional information.

• Employees in this job title are subject to the terms and conditions of an employment contract. Employment contracts are typically subject to review and renewal on an annual basis.
• Compliance with all NCAA rules and regulations is required in this position.
• Must pass a pre-employment criminal background check.
• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

Bachelor's degree; at least 7 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualification

• 5-7 years of experience in a similar athletic department role and or setting
• Previous experience working at a Division 1 Athletic Institution.
• Excellent leadership and management skills, including leading and motivating diverse, multi-functional, senior teams to achieve high performance.
• A deep understanding of the athletics industry, including trends, developments, and best practices.
• Previous experience in an external affairs leadership role, preferably in athletics.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite - Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and demonstrated ability to communicate diplomatically and collaboratively with employees at all levels.
• Advanced Degree in a related area.
• Strong Leadership skills and ability to inspire, organize, and multi-task responsibilities.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight reporting deadlines; attention to detail; and excellent organizational skills required.

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visit UNMJobs to submit an application.

Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.