Assistant Director of Athletics, Marketing and Fan Engagement

Boston, Massachusetts, Reporting to the Associate Director of Athletics, Marketing & Sales, this position is responsible for leading and developing a comprehensive marketing and fan experience strategy across 42 varsity teams and recreation. Additionally, this position will collaborate closely with internal departments, as well as external consultants, vendors and organizations to increase revenue through ticket, sponsorship, merchandise and concession sales efforts. Manages and develops a team consisting of two full-time employees, two 10-month interns and game-day staff.

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.
Develops and oversees 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 builds customer data to support sales growth.
Creates 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.
Determines a plan to research, implement and manage a CRM platform in conjunction with the ticket office.
Develop and maintain content calendar in conjunction with the ticket office and athletics development.
Develops creative programming and support services to enhance the student experience ex: Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) student-athlete program and “CrimZone” attendance incentive app for all undergraduate Harvard students.
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.
Determines growth and development of the Harvard Athletics brand including enhancement of brand identity and management of an internal and external brand strategy.
Hires external vendors to complete creative services, promotional and technical projects.
Contributes on marketing strategy for community-wide recreation programming.
Sponsorship and Merchandise Sales

Develops creative strategy for corporate sponsorship marketing and sales activation.
Accountable for contributing to overall corporate sponsorships sales efforts and generating revenue.
Utilizes creativity in developing and deciding upon unique and applicable sponsorship assets to sell.
Oversees and develops sales strategy for growing merchandise sales through online, onsite and royalty revenue streams.
Hires external vendors to support merchandise sales efforts.
Analyzes sales data to determine effectiveness of sales initiatives.
Develops new sales channels to generate merchandise sales and promotions.
Works in conjunction with Trademark & Licensing Office on licensing approvals for Harvard Athletics logos.
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
Basic Qualifications:

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

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

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.
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 Emma), paid social, display ads, mobile applications, Google Analytics and CRM tools.
Familiarity with scripting systems (Rundown Creator, Shoflo)
Experience with HTML preferred.

Physical Requirements:

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

Working Conditions:

Ability to work nights and weekends.

Working Format:  On-site
This position is based primarily on-campus, in Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.
COVID-19 Vaccination Policy: The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.
Benefits:
We invite you to visit Harvard’s Total Rewards website ( https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards ) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

Paid Time Off:  3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
Health and Welfare:  Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
Work/Life and Wellness:  Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
Retirement:  University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
Tuition Assistance Program:  Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
Tuition Reimbursement:  Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
Professional Development:  Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
Commuting and Transportation:  Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks:  Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging:
Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

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