Nature & Purpose- The Director of Athletic Marketing and External Engagement provides strategic leadership for all marketing, communications, and fan engagement efforts for the Department of Athletics. Assigned within the university’s Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) division, this position is responsible for enhancing the overall fan experience, increasing ticket sales and attendance, elevating brand visibility, and developing mutually beneficial partnerships. The Director will drive integrated marketing campaigns and external operations that align with institutional goals while promoting the Bearkat Athletics brand across digital and traditional channels.

Primary Responsibilities-Provides leadership over IMC Athletics marketing, ticket operations, and sports information and communications in coordination with the university’s Integrated Marketing Communications team. Leads the development and execution of comprehensive marketing and communications strategies for all athletic programs. Establishes and manages annual goals related to fan engagement, game attendance, ticket sales, digital growth, and brand recognition. Oversees digital, social, print, and paid media strategies in collaboration with the university’s Integrated Marketing Communications teams. Creates and implements innovative fan engagement initiatives for home events, including promotions, student outreach, and community involvement. Guides creative services including photography, videography, graphic design, and video production to support marketing and promotional efforts in alignment with established department and university brand standards. Coordinates with ticket operations and third-party partners (Learfield Amplify) to drive ticket sales strategies and revenue growth. Collaborates with external partners (e.g., Van Wagner College) to grow and manage corporate promotional opportunities. Manages the IMC Athletics budget and ensure efficient use of resources across all campaigns and initiatives. Ensures consistent brand messaging and visual identity across all platforms, maintaining alignment with university standards. Works closely with athletics leadership and campus partners to support university-wide initiatives and strategic goals. Maintains compliance with NCAA regulations, university policies, and industry standards in all marketing and external communications efforts. Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience- Bachelor’s degree in marketing, sports management, or 
related field. Minimum of 5 years of demonstrated, progressive experience in athletics 
marketing, fan engagement, sports management or related areas, preferably at the 
collegiate (NCAA Division I) or professional level. Proven track record of developing and 
executing successful marketing campaigns and fan engagement strategies. Experience 
in a state institution of higher education is desirable. Strong leadership, communication, 
organizational, and analytical skills. Proficiency in digital marketing tools, social media 
platforms, and data analytics. Knowledge of NCAA rules and demonstrated commitment 
to compliance. Additional education may be considered in lieu of experience.

Other Details: Provides leadership and oversight to a department. Must exhibit a high 
level of professionalism and maturity, executive ability, and a keen understanding of 
protocol. Ability to organize work effectively and prioritizes objectives. Ability to exercise 
discretion, excellent reasoning, and independent judgment. Assists in the development 

Sam Houston State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and 
Smoke/Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for 
employment without regard to race, creed, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, color, 
national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or protected veteran status. The University 
takes seriously the initiative to ensure equal opportunity in the workforce and to comply 
with Title VII as interpreted by the U.S. Supreme Court. Sam Houston State University 
is an “at will” employer. Employees with a contract will have additional terms and 
conditions. Security-sensitive positions at SHSU require background checks in 
accordance with Education Code §51.215
of policies and operational procedures for the overall department. Skilled in directing 
multiple tasks, setting priorities, and organizing operations. Asset and fiscal resources 
management skills preferred. Ability to establish and maintain effective work 
relationships with administration, faculty, staff, and the public. Strong communication 
skills, both orally and written. Requires critical judgment for the department, in which 
very serious consequences on decision-making can occur. Interprets and applies 
complex directives, policies, regulations, statues, and procedures, and/or written 
guidelines for a department or major work group.

This position may be designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA).

Up to 20% of this position, over the fiscal year during off-peak periods, may be 
performed remotely as determined by the supervisor

About Sam Houston Athletics

Named for Texas’s greatest hero, Sam Houston State University (SHSU) continually honors its historical roots through academic excellence. For more than 140 years, SHSU has been preparing students for meaningful lives of achievement. Its motto, “The measure of a Life is its Service,” resonates among its 22,000 students, eight colleges and well beyond its Huntsville roots. Sam Houston State offers top-ranked degree programs and was named No. 3 among the ‘2020 Best Valued Online Colleges.’ With over 90 bachelor degrees, 50 master’s, and 11 doctoral programs—including the nation’s first Ph.D. in forensic science, SHSU provides an exceptional college experience for every student: traditional or non-traditional; first generation; international; or online. In the fall of 2020, SHSU welcomed its inaugural class of student doctors into the College of Osteopathic Medicine, the third college of osteopathic medicine in Texas. Its mission is to train physicians who will serve the healthcare needs of rural and underserved Texans. Service to self and others is paramount at SHSU and reflected in all university organizations and programs. In fact, the university was named to USA Today’s Top 50 in t...he U.S. for “commitment to civic engagement and global awareness,” in addition to being classified a "Community Engaged" by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education. This honor, bestowed to only 311 public institutions nationwide, acknowledges the university's significant commitment to service. At SHSU, the student-athlete experience is defined by Bearkat Athletics, with 17 teams competing at the NCAA Division 1 level in Conference USA. With SHSU’s array of recognized academic programs, exceptional student support services, volunteer opportunities and more, Bearkats are not only well-prepared to think and respond to the workforce needs of a rapidly changing world but stand ready to serve their community.

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