Esports Program Director
Posted Date: Apr 24, 2025
QUALIFICATION
-
Salary Expectation
$48,177-$60,930/yr -
Years of Experience
4+ Years -
Work Type
Full-time
ABOUT PROGRAM
Esports Program Director
The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Esports Program Director.
Position Details
Location
Hattiesburg
118 College Drive
Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001
United States
Division
Esports Program Director
The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Esports Program Director.
Position Details
Location
Hattiesburg
118 College Drive
Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001
United States
Division
University Union and Hub
Position Type
Staff
Employment Status
Full Time
Grant Funded
No
Salary Range
48,177.00 - 60,930.00
Pay Grade
E10
Posting Close Date
May 2, 2025
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants must include a Cover Letter and Resume in order for their application to be considered for this role.
Job Summary
The Esports Program Director at Southern Miss is responsible for providing support and supervision for all aspects of the competitive Esports teams within USM Esports - members of the National Association of Collegiate Esports, the Eastern College Athletic Conference and the National Esports Collegiate Conference, among other leagues. Includes oversight of technology inventory consisting of $150,000 in computer and production equipment along with management of the 1,935 sq. ft. Esports Arena space and 2,554 sq. ft. Game Room in the Union Complex. Supervises three Esports Graduate Assistants and 10 plus student staff. Responsible for building and maintaining relationships and recruitment initiatives with area high schools, community colleges, and athletic associations. Manages approximately 70 Esports Student-Athletes across about 15 teams with a recurring annual operating budget of $50,000.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
- Supervises and manages all aspects of the USM Esports program, demonstrating effective communication and strategic planning. Holds strong organizational and administrative skills with sound decision-making. Facilitates all aspects of team management including organizing, planning, and supporting effective and efficient team practices as well as individual skill instruction sessions, securing competition and communicating event schedules, assisting in space staffing as needed, and offering feedback on the design of Esports spaces. Assists in meeting specified annual enrollment and participation goals by identifying, evaluating and recruiting prospective students to participate as members of the Esports competitive teams. Fosters and maintains a culture of commitment to compliance with all affiliations (NACE, NECC, etc.) rules and regulations, as well as program and institutional guidelines. Fosters and maintains a culture that demonstrates a commitment to creating welcoming, inclusive spaces that foster belonging. Creates records, player handbooks, and other official forms for the program’s operations. Oversee any necessary player contracts, league rules compliance, and players’ academic eligibility. Enforces codes of conduct.
- Coordinates a digital media broadcasting schedule for programming related to esports and in consideration of USM Esports partners’ needs and interests. Organizes in-person events for esports competitions and exhibitions. Supervises all social media accounts and outreach programs through digital media. Implements a marketing plan to boost the branding of USM Esports and creates promotional materials for USM Esports and all of its teams. Develops and maintains relationships and partnerships connecting USM Esports with on-campus and community constituents to promote student engagement with esports activities and with the local community. Represents the esports program professionally as the public face to current and prospective students, university administration, partners, sponsors, and at esports industry events/conferences.
- Demonstrates sound fiscal responsibility in managing the approved budget for the program. Initiates and leads ongoing fundraising efforts within the community and beyond. Secures and facilitates donations from sponsors and partners. Ensures that sponsorship deliverables are met and are sufficient for both parties.
- Advances Esports academic research as it relates to student development, health, wellbeing, and engagement. Evaluates national trends for collegiate esports programs to emulate best practices for student growth. Facilitates professional development and enforces professional standards for student workers, players and interns. Works with partners in academia as it relates to esports curriculum. Involved in relevant esports professional organizations. Attends professional development conferences, LANs, and conventions.
- Oversees daily operations of the game room ensuring that all electronic games and other equipment in the room are functioning properly. Manages esports staff members who monitor the game room, including staffing, equipment checkout, computer logins, student and guest behavior, events, campus tours, and more. Communicates with students and guests regarding any questions, comments, or concerns about the game room space or its esports gaming section.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in esports, business, college student personnel, higher education administration, or related area; and a minimum of one (1) year of professional experience managing or coordinating esports programs, teams, or events at the collegiate, amateur, or professional level along with a minimum of three (3) years of substantial and verifiable involvement in the esports world, such as competitive player experience, team leadership, coaching roles, active participation in esports communities and organizations, or content creation with a significant following.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Comprehensive understanding of collegiate and professional esports, including community, player development, trends, wellness, and academic integration.
- Knowledge of popular esports titles (e.g., Rocket League, Call of Duty, League of Legends, Valorant).
- Proficiency in streaming, broadcast production, and event management.
- Competence in relevant business, communication, and esports technologies.
- Effective in setting expectations, providing feedback, ensuring accountability, and fostering professional growth.
- Committed to continuous improvement and open to new ideas.
- Self-motivated for professional and academic development, actively seeking guidance.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with diverse stakeholders.
- Ability to build professional relationships within the esports industry.
- Strong collaboration and conflict resolution abilities.
- Demonstrated strategic thinking, planning, and organizational skills.
- Proficient in identifying opportunities, solving problems, and implementing solutions.
- Knowledge of budget management for esports operations.
- Experience in community outreach and engagement.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in esports, business, college student personnel, higher education administration, or related area; and at least two year of experience working in a collegiate or professional esports organization.
About The University of Southern Mississippi
Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.
Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.
We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.
As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.
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