E-Sports Program Director (97) Specialty Factors

Position Information

Posting Detail Information

Working Position Title

E-Sports Program Director (97) Specialty Factors

Classification

Program Director - CUSTOM CLASSIFICATION

Position Number

00000097

Open Date

View Full Description

Position Information

Posting Detail Information

Working Position Title

E-Sports Program Director (97) Specialty Factors

Classification

Program Director - CUSTOM CLASSIFICATION

Position Number

00000097

Open Date

09/09/2025

Close Date

10/01/2025

Priority Review Date

Employee Class

Staff

Full-Time/Part Time

Full-Time

FTE

1.00

Position Status

Regular

FLSA

Exempt

Job code

5003

Union Representation

Non-Union

Union Code

N/A

Unit/Department

eSports Network

College/Unit

eSports Network

Division

Outreach Engagemt Regl Dev Dv

Location

LH 307

Link to Department Website or Custom Search Page

https://www.niu.edu/esports/index.shtml

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

| Overview |
Chartered in 1895, Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a student-centered, regional public research institution with a diverse and international student body of approximately 17,000 students. Located 65 miles from downtown Chicago in DeKalb, Illinois, NIU is a thriving community of dedicated faculty, staff, students, alumni, local residents, and friends. Together, we support the goal of providing upward mobility to our students as well as the opportunity to make an enduring impact on our future.

NIU Esports is an inclusive program for gamers of all backgrounds, abilities, and skill levels to play, compete, and connect. Rooted in our vision, the program is built on three pillars: building community, promoting healthy gaming practices, and supporting new technologies in learning and research. The on-campus NIU Esports Arena and our online platforms serve as hubs where students and community members gather to develop friendships, leadership skills, and a sense of belonging.

Our varsity teams represent NIU on the regional and national stage as a founding member of the Esports Collegiate Conference (ESC), competing with sportsmanship and Huskie pride. At the same time, our open play and club programs ensure that every gamer has a welcoming place to learn, grow, and enjoy the positive social and educational aspects of gaming. | | Position Summary |
The Esports Director provides leadership and strategic oversight for the NIU Esports program, including varsity teams, the NIU Esports Arena, open play opportunities, and related initiatives. This is not an entry-level role; the Director is expected to bring established leadership and operational experience to guide the continued growth of NIU Esports. The Director is responsible for guiding program operations, fostering student engagement, supporting staff and coaches, and ensuring alignment with university policies and conference standards. Serving as the primary representative of NIU Esports to internal and external partners, the Director promotes the program through outreach, events, and community engagement, while also driving recruitment, retention, and the overall impact of the NIU Esports program.

Position requires on-campus presence for the vast majority of work, with occasional flexibility to work remotely. | | Essential Duties and Responsibilities |
Program Management – 40%

• Directs the NIU Esports program on the DeKalb campus, including varsity esports teams, the NIU Esports Arena, open play opportunities, and related initiatives and activities.
• Develops and implements an annual program plan, ensuring alignment of varsity teams, arena operations, student engagement, and community involvement.
• Oversees and manages the NIU Esports program budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources, financial planning, and fiscal accountability.
• Applies expert knowledge and vision of the collegiate esports industry, staying current on trends, best practices, and emerging opportunities through professional development.
• Assesses program needs, including technical equipment, audiovisual systems, facilities, player support, and logistics for competitions, events, and open play activities.
• Establishes and maintains a formal structure for varsity teams, coaching staff, and arena operations, regularly reviewing and refining processes for efficiency and effectiveness.
• Represents NIU in the Esports Collegiate Conference (ESC) committees as assigned, ensuring compliance with ESC policies and enforcing standards for players and coaches during practices and competitions.
• Implements strategies to support players’ academic success, physical well-being, and mental health, while fostering a positive esports community.
• Coordinates with the Huskie Gaming Club and other student organizations to support club-led events, casual play, and community engagement, providing guidance, resources, and logistical support as needed.
• Facilitates open play opportunities in the arena, ensuring accessible, safe, and well-supported spaces for students to practice, compete, and engage with esports casually.
• Contributes to the development and oversight of university policies impacting NIU Esports.
• Coordinates logistics and activities for esports initiatives and collaborative events across departments and programs.
• Leads efforts to identify, cultivate, and secure sponsorship and fundraising opportunities to advance the mission and impact of NIU Esports.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for esports technology and equipment, troubleshooting issues and collaborating with the NIU Division of Information Technology (DoIT) for additional support as needed.

Outreach – 20%

• Serves as the primary representative of NIU Esports, fostering effective working relationships with campus partners, community groups, committees, and peer organizations involved in esports.
• Represents NIU Esports at local, regional, and national meetings, conferences, and events.
• Acts as a resource and referral contact for students, staff, alumni, and community members seeking information or support related to NIU Esports.
• Develops and manages on-campus, off-campus, and virtual events to engage NIU Esports constituents.

Recruitment & Retention – 20%

• Promotes NIU Esports programs, including club, varsity teams, academic initiatives, and related activities, to current and prospective students.
• Represents NIU Esports to high school and community college esports clubs and student organizations.
• Plans, staffs, and participates in on-campus esports events for prospective students and campus visitors.
• Serves as a representative of NIU Esports at Admissions open houses and other campus-wide recruitment events.
• Supports high school and community esports tournaments hosted at NIU.
• Develops recruitment and retention goals for NIU Esports and monitors performance metrics to evaluate program success.

Staff Supervision – 20%

• Participates in the recruitment, hiring, training, supervision, and evaluation of student workers, graduate assistants, volunteers, and other program staff as needed.
• Provides leadership, guidance, and support to varsity team coaches throughout the season.
• Oversees and collaborates with assistant or supporting program leadership positions, providing direction and mentorship as appropriate.
• Mentors staff to promote professional growth, skill development, and student-worker success.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

| | Minimum Required Qualifications (Civil Service) |
Note: Please see required Specialty Factors below.

1. Bachelor’s degree.
2. A total of three (3) years (36 months) in education, training and/or work experience in the area of specialization inherent to the position.
3. Based on position requirements, additional education, training, and/or work experience in the area of specialization inherent to the position, may be required.

Note: Master’s Degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year of work experience. | | Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) (Civil Service) |
1. Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects 2. Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources 3. Skill in analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. 4. Skill in scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others. 5. Skill in oral and written communication 6. Ability to adjust actions in relation to others’ actions. 7. Ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences 8. Ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense 9. Ability to develop goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish work. 10. Ability to work effectively with staff, the public, and outside constituency groups 11. Ability to effectively plan, delegate, and supervise the work of others. 12. Ability to utilize various computer software packages, such as Accounting Software, query, etc. 13. Ability to work independently and exercise judgment in order to be able to analyze and investigate a variety of questions or problems 14. Ability to analyze and develop guidelines, procedures and systems

| | Specialty Factors (Civil Service) |
1. Bachelors Degree 2. Valid driver’s license and required occasional travel. 3. At least three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in collegiate esports program development and management, including experience with varsity-level competition. 4. Experience supervising esports staff, coaches, or volunteers. 5. Experience working with media outlets, including participating in press interviews.

| | Preferred Qualifications (Civil Service) |
- Master’s degree in sport management, business administration, higher education administration, communication/marketing, or a closely related field. - Experience developing and managing multi-school esports competitions or tournaments. - Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends.

| | Minimum Required Qualifications (SPS) |
N/A | | Additional Requirements (SPS) |
N/A | | Preferred Qualifications (SPS) |
N/A | | Physical demands/requirements |
- General office requirements. - Some travel is required. - Must be able to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends. - Position requires on-campus presence for the vast majority of work, with occasional flexibility to work remotely.

|

Appointment and Compensation Details

Appointment and Compensation Details

| Anticipated Appointment Start Date | 10/16/2025 | | Anticipated Appointment End Date | | | Percent of Staff Year | 1.00 | | Standard Hours Per Week | 37.50 | | Working Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm, evenings and weekends as needed | | Salary | $55,000.08 - $65,000.16/Annually; NIU offers a robust benefits package. | | Hourly or Semi-monthly Pay Rate/Range | $2,291.67 - $2,708.34/Semi-monthly | | Earn Type | Salary |

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

| Application Procedure |
Application Procedures:

1. Fully complete the Education and Work History sections of the application. Be specific on your entire work history, including employment dates and duties for all positions held. Applicable part-time work experience will be considered toward qualifying for this position; however, it will be converted to a full-time equivalency to determine combined length of experience. Important: Please upload any unofficial transcript(s) and/or documentation that verifies any education, experience, and/or training you have received.

   • If eligible for Veteran’s Preference Points, DD214/DD215/NGB22/DD256 paperwork reflecting an Honorable Discharge MUST be uploaded to this application to receive the maximum eligible points on the Civil Service examination.

2. After the posting has closed, your submission will be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the classification, including any specialty factors associated with this position. If you meet the minimum required qualifications for this position, you will receive a score based on your education and experience, and your name will be placed on the active employment register.

3. Please monitor your e-mail for further information regarding your application. Emails will be generated from jobs@niu.edu and CivilServiceTesting@niu.edu

4. Illinois residency required within 180 days of the hire date.

Credentials Assessment Examination:

• The examination for this position is a Credentials Assessment and is based on your application materials as submitted for this posting. A Credential Assessment is a rating by the Human Resources Office of an applicant’s/employee’s education, experience, and special credentials/qualifications (licenses, etc.). Applicants are required to upload documentation to verify the minimum qualifications for this position has been met.
• Required documentation noted in the posting, such as a driver’s license, licensures, or certifications MUST be uploaded with your application materials.
• After assessment of all qualified applicants has been completed for this position, the names with the top three (3) scores will be referred to the hiring department for interview.

Additional Details:

• Click on Program Director for more information including salary ranges, typical duties, minimum acceptable qualifications, and testing requirements.

  • Applicants who may assume they do not meet the exact minimum qualifications are still invited to apply. Within the application documents, applicants should be sure to explain how their credentials and related qualifications address the requested minimum requirements.

• Please click on Human Resource Services – Benefits for detailed information about Northern Illinois University’s benefits package.

• Employment is contingent upon your passing a criminal background investigation. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

| | Special Instructions | | | Quick Link to Applicant | https://employment.niu.edu/postings/8... | | Is Background Check Required? | Yes | | EEO Statement Summary |
In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability (physical and mental), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (identity and expression), political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator
Health Services Building Room 230
TitleIXCoordinator@niu.edu
815-753-5560 | | Visa Policy |

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

| | ADA Accommodation |
NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person’s disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form. For further assistance, please contact the office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity (AAEO) at ada@niu.edu. | | Safety Information |
NIU provides annual reports on campus security and fire safety.
Read the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.
Contact the Ethics and Compliance Office at 815-753-9364 for a hard copy. |

Applicant Documents

Required Documents 1. Resume/Curriculum Vitae 2. Cover Letter 3. Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire) 4. List of at least 3 Professional References

Optional Documents 1. Military Discharge Documents ONLY (DD214/DD215/NGB22/DD256) 2. Other

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Are you currently a citizen or resident of the State of Illinois?

   • Yes
   • No

2. * What is the highest level of education attained?

   • GED
   • High School Diploma
   • Associates Degree
   • Bachelors Degree
   • Masters Degree
   • PHD

3. * Have you attached all transcripts to support the degrees you are submitting for consideration?

   • Yes
   • No

4. * How many years of experience do you have in this type of position?

   • 0-1
   • 1-3
   • 3-5
   • 5-7
   • 7+

5. * Please provide the name of the employer and the dates of employment where you gained this experience. Please note that this information must be verified on an NIU application and/or résumé. (“See Résumé” is not an acceptable response.)

(Open Ended Question)

1. * If applicable, have you attached a copy of your DD214, DD215, NGB22, or DD256 for consideration of Veterans Preference Points? The copy submitted should reflect the status of discharge in order to be considered.

   • Yes
   • No
   • Not Applicable

2. * Do you possess a valid driver's license?

   • Yes
   • No

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