Sr. Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs (EX9850)

Job Description

The Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs supports Stetson University by providing strategic leadership for athletics revenue generation, marketing, communications, branding, ticket sales, corporate partnerships, licensing, promotions, and the overall fan experience. Serving as a member of the Athletics Senior Leadership Team, this position develops and implements comprehensive external affairs strategies that enhance the visibility, reputation, and financial sustainability of Stetson Athletics while fostering meaningful engagement among students, alumni, supporters, and the broader community. The Senior Associate Athletic Director reports directly to the Director of Athletics and will have the opportunity for sport supervision. In alignment with Stetson’s Strategic Priorities, the Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs advances a relationship-rich and high-performing culture by strengthening community connections, elevating the Stetson Athletics brand, and creating opportunities that support student-athlete success and departmental growth. Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities

• Coordinate the vision, strategic planning, and execution of athletics external affairs initiatives in partnership with University Marketing and University Advancement.
• Oversee staff responsible for athletics communications, creative content, marketing, corporate sponsorships, broadcast productions, and ticketing operations.
• Lead strategic communications efforts that promote Stetson Athletics, support departmental objectives, and enhance engagement with key constituencies.
• Develop and implement marketing and promotional strategies to increase attendance at home athletic events, enhance the fan experience, and generate revenue growth.
• Collaborate with University Marketing to strengthen community relations, increase attendance, support enrollment objectives, and enhance revenue-generating opportunities.
• Conceptualize and implement strategies that strengthen and expand the Stetson Athletics brand through social media, licensing, branding initiatives, and community outreach efforts.
• Direct ticket office operations and ticket sales strategies, serving as the primary liaison with Playfly Aspire and related partners.
• Assist in growing corporate partnership revenue while cultivating and managing relationships with Playfly and other strategic partners.
• Serve as the University's primary contact with licensing partners to expand retail opportunities and generate revenue through the Stetson brand at the regional and national levels.
• Oversee athletics broadcast services and collaborate with regional television partners to secure and expand linear and digital broadcasting opportunities.
• Oversee coaches and operations of assigned sports programs.
• Develop, implement, and assess long-term external affairs strategies and initiatives that support departmental goals related to revenue generation, attendance, brand engagement, and community outreach.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of departmental and University objectives.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build productive relationships with sponsors, coaches, donors, students, alumni, community partners, and University stakeholders.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation communication skills.
• Ability to effectively represent the University and work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Demonstrated leadership, strategic planning, and project management skills.
• Proficiency with digital communications and marketing technologies, including Adobe Creative Suite, website content management systems, and emerging digital platforms.
• Ability to analyze trends, evaluate outcomes, and use data to inform strategic decision-making.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt effectively in a dynamic collegiate athletics environment.
• Support the University’s Mission and Values in their role.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in marketing or a related field.
• Eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in collegiate athletics marketing, communications, revenue generation, external affairs, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience leading strategic initiatives, managing professional staff, and developing partnerships that support organizational growth and revenue generation.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record as determined by the University's auto insurance carrier.

Ideal Candidate Qualifications

• Master's degree in sports management, marketing, communications, business administration, or a related field.
• Experience working within an NCAA Division I athletics program.
• Experience supervising professional staff and leading multiple functional areas within an athletics department.
• Demonstrated success in increasing attendance, revenue generation, sponsorship development, fan engagement, and brand visibility.
• Experience managing licensing programs, multimedia rights, ticketing operations, or corporate partnership initiatives.

Work Environment This position primarily operates in a professional office environment and athletic facilities. Regular interaction with students, coaches, staff, alumni, donors, vendors, sponsors, and community members is required. Evening, weekend, and holiday work is regularly required to support intercollegiate athletics events and related activities. Travel may be necessary for conferences, meetings, athletic events, and business development opportunities. Work conditions may vary based on operational and event schedules.

Benefits

This position is benefit eligible. Stetson University offers a variety of benefits for our full-time employees including comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance, employer paid life and disability insurance, generous leave and holiday benefits, employer retirement contributions, tuition waivers for employees and eligible dependents, and others. All employees are also eligible to enjoy our Hatter Perks which include a variety of discounts and special privileges within our community.

Please visit our employee benefits webpage for more information.