Director of Athletics Marketing & External Engagement

Posting Details

Come and join the Bearkat community!

Named after Texas' legendary hero, General Sam Houston, the university boasts a rich historical legacy that resonates with the spirit of Texas, which provides a balance between a peaceful, natural setting and proximity to urban amenities. With a student population of over 21,000, SHSU offers a vibrant and dynamic community. SHSU has a small town feel with large scale opportunities. Located in the Piney Woods region of East Texas and just an hour drive north of Houston, Huntsville provides area residents with a sense of community and belonging.

SHSU offers compelling options for individuals seeking a fulfilling and impactful career including a superior benefit package, competitive salaries and a flexible work environment fostering work/life balance. SHSU offers programs that support a healthy work-life balance, contributing to employee well-being and job satisfaction, as well as, professional development opportunities with our educational assistance and dependent assistance programs.

Posting Information

This position is security-sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information.

| Requisition | 202500034ES | | Title | Director of Athletics Marketing & External Engagement | | FLSA status | Exempt | | Hiring Salary |
Commensurate with education and experience. |

Posting Details

Come and join the Bearkat community!

Named after Texas' legendary hero, General Sam Houston, the university boasts a rich historical legacy that resonates with the spirit of Texas, which provides a balance between a peaceful, natural setting and proximity to urban amenities. With a student population of over 21,000, SHSU offers a vibrant and dynamic community. SHSU has a small town feel with large scale opportunities. Located in the Piney Woods region of East Texas and just an hour drive north of Houston, Huntsville provides area residents with a sense of community and belonging.

SHSU offers compelling options for individuals seeking a fulfilling and impactful career including a superior benefit package, competitive salaries and a flexible work environment fostering work/life balance. SHSU offers programs that support a healthy work-life balance, contributing to employee well-being and job satisfaction, as well as, professional development opportunities with our educational assistance and dependent assistance programs.

Posting Information

This position is security-sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information.

| Requisition | 202500034ES | | Title | Director of Athletics Marketing & External Engagement | | FLSA status | Exempt | | Hiring Salary |
Commensurate with education and experience. | | Department | IMC Athletics External Engagement | | Division | Integrated Marketing Communications | | Open Date | 06/26/2025 | | Open Until Filled | Yes | | Educational and Experience Requirement |
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. | | Nature & Purpose of Position |
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. | | Other Specifications |
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 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. | | Full Time Part Time | Full Time | | Position Number | | | Quicklink | https://shsu.peopleadmin.com/postings... |

EEO Statement

| 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 Code §51.215.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report |

Applicant Documents

Required Documents 1. Resume 2. Cover Letter 3. Letter of Recommendation 1 4. Reference Contact Information

Optional Documents 1. Letter of Recommendation 2

Screening Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * How did you learn about this position?

   • The Chronicle of Higher Education
   • Diverse Issues in Higher Education
   • HBCU Connect - Historically Black Colleges and Universities
   • HACU - Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities
   • The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education
   • Association for Women in Science
   • TWC - Work in Texas
   • Inside Higher Ed
   • Higher Ed Jobs
   • HERC - Higher Education Recruitment Consortium
   • SHSU Website
   • SHSU Employee
   • SHSU Recruiter
   • Other

2. (Open Ended Question)

3. (Open Ended Question)

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