Inside Higher Ed
Director of External Operations for IMC Athletics
Inside Higher Ed, Huntsville, Texas, us, 77344
Director of External Operations for IMC Athletics
Requisition: 202500041ES
FLSA Status: Exempt
Hiring Salary: Commensurate with education and experience.
Department: IMC Athletics External Engagement
Division: Integrated Marketing Communications
Open Date: 10/03/2025
Open Until Filled: Yes
Educational and Experience Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, sports management, broadcasting, business, or a related field.
Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in athletics external operations, or a related role, with team leadership responsibilities.
Demonstrated success in revenue generation, sponsorship development, and strategic planning.
Familiarity with fan engagement best practices, digital marketing, and sports broadcasting.
Understanding of NCAA compliance and the role of athletics within higher education.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to lead collaborative teams and manage multiple stakeholders.
Preferred: Master’s degree in a related field.
Preferred: Experience in Division I – FBS Collegiate Athletics.
Preferred: Experience working with third‑party partners (e.g., Learfield, Van Wagner, Amplify).
Preferred: Knowledge of digital fan engagement platforms (e.g., Sidearm), CRM systems, ticketing platforms (e.g., Paciolan), and performance analytics tools.
Nature & Purpose Of Position The Director of External Operations for IMC Athletics will provide strategic leadership and oversight for key functions including marketing, communications, broadcasting, digital media, ticketing, sponsorships, and fan engagement. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Marketing and Branding in Integrated Marketing Communications leadership and collaborating closely with Athletics administration, this role will drive program growth, revenue generation, and community engagement efforts.
The ideal candidate is a strategic leader experienced in managing cross‑functional teams and third‑party partners, fostering innovation and operational excellence. This position requires a forward‑thinking individual skilled in delegation and delivering measurable outcomes that enhance the student‑athlete experience while supporting the university’s mission.
Primary Responsibilities
Lead, mentor, and empower a multidisciplinary team across marketing, communications, creative services, digital media, broadcasting, and ticketing, delegating operational tasks to maximize efficiency and impact.
Set clear strategic priorities and foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability aligned with departmental and university goals.
Collaborate with third‑party partners (e.g., Learfield, Amplify, Van Wagner) to ensure seamless integration and alignment with objectives.
Develop and oversee integrated creative and written marketing, advertising, and communication strategies to elevate the varsity sports brand, increase fan engagement, and drive attendance growth while ensuring brand consistency with university standards.
Delegate the production and timely delivery of sports information—including game statistics and athlete highlights—while guiding compelling storytelling and dynamic content creation.
Provide strategic oversight of athletics broadcasting (livestream, digital, radio, television) and digital media initiatives, delegating day‑to‑day operations to qualified staff.
Identify and capitalize on opportunities to enhance production quality, expand digital reach, and generate revenue through media partnerships.
Shape and oversee game‑day fan experience strategies and student engagement programs, delegating execution to staff and building relationships with campus partners.
Lead and delegate the execution of community outreach initiatives connecting athletics with local schools, families, and businesses.
Direct ticketing strategies and sponsorship development to drive sustainable revenue growth, delegating implementation and analysis while maintaining financial oversight.
Establish and monitor goals for ticket sales and revenue growth, manage budgets, and utilize performance analytics to inform strategic decision‑making and resource allocation.
Ensure all external operations comply with NCAA, conference, and university policies, delegating compliance monitoring to staff as appropriate.
Collaborate with athletics leadership and university stakeholders to align athletics initiatives with institutional priorities and represent the department on relevant committees.
Other Duties Performs other related duties and delegates additional responsibilities as assigned by senior leadership to support the department’s overall success.
Other Specifications Frequent evening and weekend work is required in support of home and away athletic events and community initiatives. Fast‑paced, collaborative environment that requires effective multitasking and problem‑solving under pressure.
This position may be designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA).
Employment Type Full‑time
EEO Statement 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 CodeAnnual Security and Fire Safety Report
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FLSA Status: Exempt
Hiring Salary: Commensurate with education and experience.
Department: IMC Athletics External Engagement
Division: Integrated Marketing Communications
Open Date: 10/03/2025
Open Until Filled: Yes
Educational and Experience Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, sports management, broadcasting, business, or a related field.
Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in athletics external operations, or a related role, with team leadership responsibilities.
Demonstrated success in revenue generation, sponsorship development, and strategic planning.
Familiarity with fan engagement best practices, digital marketing, and sports broadcasting.
Understanding of NCAA compliance and the role of athletics within higher education.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to lead collaborative teams and manage multiple stakeholders.
Preferred: Master’s degree in a related field.
Preferred: Experience in Division I – FBS Collegiate Athletics.
Preferred: Experience working with third‑party partners (e.g., Learfield, Van Wagner, Amplify).
Preferred: Knowledge of digital fan engagement platforms (e.g., Sidearm), CRM systems, ticketing platforms (e.g., Paciolan), and performance analytics tools.
Nature & Purpose Of Position The Director of External Operations for IMC Athletics will provide strategic leadership and oversight for key functions including marketing, communications, broadcasting, digital media, ticketing, sponsorships, and fan engagement. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Marketing and Branding in Integrated Marketing Communications leadership and collaborating closely with Athletics administration, this role will drive program growth, revenue generation, and community engagement efforts.
The ideal candidate is a strategic leader experienced in managing cross‑functional teams and third‑party partners, fostering innovation and operational excellence. This position requires a forward‑thinking individual skilled in delegation and delivering measurable outcomes that enhance the student‑athlete experience while supporting the university’s mission.
Primary Responsibilities
Lead, mentor, and empower a multidisciplinary team across marketing, communications, creative services, digital media, broadcasting, and ticketing, delegating operational tasks to maximize efficiency and impact.
Set clear strategic priorities and foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability aligned with departmental and university goals.
Collaborate with third‑party partners (e.g., Learfield, Amplify, Van Wagner) to ensure seamless integration and alignment with objectives.
Develop and oversee integrated creative and written marketing, advertising, and communication strategies to elevate the varsity sports brand, increase fan engagement, and drive attendance growth while ensuring brand consistency with university standards.
Delegate the production and timely delivery of sports information—including game statistics and athlete highlights—while guiding compelling storytelling and dynamic content creation.
Provide strategic oversight of athletics broadcasting (livestream, digital, radio, television) and digital media initiatives, delegating day‑to‑day operations to qualified staff.
Identify and capitalize on opportunities to enhance production quality, expand digital reach, and generate revenue through media partnerships.
Shape and oversee game‑day fan experience strategies and student engagement programs, delegating execution to staff and building relationships with campus partners.
Lead and delegate the execution of community outreach initiatives connecting athletics with local schools, families, and businesses.
Direct ticketing strategies and sponsorship development to drive sustainable revenue growth, delegating implementation and analysis while maintaining financial oversight.
Establish and monitor goals for ticket sales and revenue growth, manage budgets, and utilize performance analytics to inform strategic decision‑making and resource allocation.
Ensure all external operations comply with NCAA, conference, and university policies, delegating compliance monitoring to staff as appropriate.
Collaborate with athletics leadership and university stakeholders to align athletics initiatives with institutional priorities and represent the department on relevant committees.
Other Duties Performs other related duties and delegates additional responsibilities as assigned by senior leadership to support the department’s overall success.
Other Specifications Frequent evening and weekend work is required in support of home and away athletic events and community initiatives. Fast‑paced, collaborative environment that requires effective multitasking and problem‑solving under pressure.
This position may be designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA).
Employment Type Full‑time
EEO Statement 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 CodeAnnual Security and Fire Safety Report
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