What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Associate AD for External Operations position at Mississippi Valley State University?
Job Description
The Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Operations at Mississippi Valley State University provides strategic leadership and oversight for all external functions of the Athletics Department, with the primary goal of enhancing revenue, visibility, and community engagement while ensuring compliance with all NCAA , SWAC , and University rules. Key Responsibilities Strategic Communications & Media Relations:
Education: A Bachelor’s degree is required, and a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as marketing or sports management may be preferred. Experience: Candidates should have at least 3-5 years of experience in athletics external relations, public relations, sports information and media relations, with leadership and supervisory experience. Skills: Key skills include developing and implementing marketing and communication strategies, strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills, knowledge of NCAA rules, and a willingness to work irregular hours Excellent writing skills. Assure timeliness of reports and communications. The ability to maintain a high degree of ethical standards which includes adherence to general rules of safety, procedures, and fair labor standards. A commitment to high professional standards, including professional growth.
Preferred Qualifications
Ability to establish good rapport and working relationships with the student-athletes, coaching staff, administration, university personnel, and the general public. Demonstrates knowledge of and ability to comply with NCAA , conference, and university rules and regulations.
The Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Operations at Mississippi Valley State University provides strategic leadership and oversight for all external functions of the Athletics Department, with the primary goal of enhancing revenue, visibility, and community engagement while ensuring compliance with all NCAA , SWAC , and University rules. Key Responsibilities Strategic Communications & Media Relations:
- Develop and execute comprehensive communication and media relations plans to align departmental and institutional goals.
- Serve as a primary liaison to local, regional, and national media contacts to increase the visibility and brand exposure of the athletics program.
- Oversee all content creation and distribution across the athletic website, social media, and other external communication platforms.
- Manage crisis communications and ensure coordinated messaging with the university’s central communications teams. Marketing & Brand Management:
- Lead the strategic development and execution of integrated marketing and branding initiatives to drive fan engagement, attendance, and revenue growth.
- Develop and implement departmental marketing campaigns, including digital and traditional advertising, to strengthen the MVSU brand.
- Oversee the production of in-game entertainment, fan activations, promotional events, and the operations of in-game video production.
- Manage the athletic licensing and merchandising programs. Fundraising & Revenue Generation:
- Work closely with the Director of Athletics and the university’s development office to plan and execute fundraising events and initiatives.
- Help secure new, renewed, and upgraded gifts from a portfolio of individuals, corporations, and foundations.
- Drive revenue growth through strategic development of ticket sales (season and single game), pricing strategies, and corporate sponsorships. Leadership:
- Provide leadership and supervision to assigned external operations staff, fostering collaboration and professional development.
- Manage applicable budgets and resources effectively.
- Ensure all activities are conducted in strict accordance with NCAA , SWAC , and Mississippi Valley State University policies and procedures. Serve as a sport administrator for assigned sports programs and represent the department at university, conference, and national meetings as required
Education: A Bachelor’s degree is required, and a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as marketing or sports management may be preferred. Experience: Candidates should have at least 3-5 years of experience in athletics external relations, public relations, sports information and media relations, with leadership and supervisory experience. Skills: Key skills include developing and implementing marketing and communication strategies, strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills, knowledge of NCAA rules, and a willingness to work irregular hours Excellent writing skills. Assure timeliness of reports and communications. The ability to maintain a high degree of ethical standards which includes adherence to general rules of safety, procedures, and fair labor standards. A commitment to high professional standards, including professional growth.
Preferred Qualifications
Ability to establish good rapport and working relationships with the student-athletes, coaching staff, administration, university personnel, and the general public. Demonstrates knowledge of and ability to comply with NCAA , conference, and university rules and regulations.