Assistant Director - Marketing & Fan Engagement

Assistant Director - Marketing & Fan Engagement

Division Intercollegiate Athletics

Job Summary

Generate revenue and attendance for Illinois Athletics while building and protecting the Illinois Athletics brand. Create opportunities through events and engagement to build the Fighting Illini fan base. Develop and implement a comprehensive game presentation strategy that enhances fan experience.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Strategic Marketing and Advertising –
  • Serve as day-to-day marketing and fan engagement contact for assigned sports at the University of Illinois
  • Assist with the advertising and messaging strategy for sales of tickets and attendance growth for assigned sports
  • Work with assigned sport staff and external team members to develop comprehensive external plans to maximize revenue generation and attendance
  • Assist in traditional digital advertising strategy and execution for each sport including email marketing, marketing automation, mass texting, and mobile application.
  • Serve as day-to-day contact for marketing revenue packages sales and fulfillment
• Fan Engagement –
  

Assistant Director - Marketing & Fan Engagement

Division Intercollegiate Athletics

Job Summary

Generate revenue and attendance for Illinois Athletics while building and protecting the Illinois Athletics brand. Create opportunities through events and engagement to build the Fighting Illini fan base. Develop and implement a comprehensive game presentation strategy that enhances fan experience.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Strategic Marketing and Advertising –
  • Serve as day-to-day marketing and fan engagement contact for assigned sports at the University of Illinois
  • Assist with the advertising and messaging strategy for sales of tickets and attendance growth for assigned sports
  • Work with assigned sport staff and external team members to develop comprehensive external plans to maximize revenue generation and attendance
  • Assist in traditional digital advertising strategy and execution for each sport including email marketing, marketing automation, mass texting, and mobile application.
  • Serve as day-to-day contact for marketing revenue packages sales and fulfillment
• Fan Engagement –
  • Serve as the day-to-day fan engagement manager for assigned sports including but not limited to gameday promotions, script creation and game presentation.
  • Assist with the promotional planning and execution for home events, including giveaways, themed nights, student initiatives, and sponsor activations.
  • Collaborate with student section leaders to increase and maintain high levels of student involvement and attendance for assigned sports.
  • Support student and community outreach through event planning and participation for assigned sports
  • Oversee select student interns on gamedays for assigned sports

Specialty Factors

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business administration, communications, public relations, or a closely related field.
Two (2) years (24 months) of professional work experience in marketing, public relations, communications, brand management, or a related professional area.
Demonstrated experience working in intercollegiate athletics
Demonstrated experience in game presentation and/or fan engagement
Demonstrated experience working in Google Analytics, Eloqua email marketing platform and Sidearm website CMS management

Preferred Qualifications

Two (2) or more years of relevant experience in fan experience/game presentation, marketing, promotions, revenue generation/sales preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Maintain knowledge of, and compliance with, specific NCAA, Big Ten Conference, and institution rules that relate to this position is required.
• Championship Mindset and Expectations Understands and displays professionalism and integrity that builds and maintains trust between student-athletes and fellow DIA staff; Prioritizes and contributes to the life changing student-athlete experience; Adheres to University, DIA, Big Ten, and NCAA rules and regulations; Commitment to the Athletics Department and University’s mission and values; Flexible to various scheduling to include nights, weekend work and some holidays, team travel; and Maintain professional competency and skills required for professional practice.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5004 - Marketing Associate position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 6/1/2026. Salary range is $42,000 - $45,000 and commensurate with experience.  Work authorization sponsorship is not available for this position.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/....

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on May 5, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Krissy Doran at kdoran@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID : 1036130
Job Category : Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu

Apply Now

Share

Save Job

Apply Now