California State University, Fresno Foundation

LIVE MASCOT PROGRAM COORDINATOR – ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT & ANNUAL GIVING
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT #23-546

POSITION SUMMARY: Full-time, benefited position with the Fresno State Alumni Association under the California State University, Fresno Foundation. Working in the Fresno State Alumni Association (FSAA), the Live Mascot Program Coordinator will oversee the management of Fresno State’s live mascot, Victor E. Bulldog (VEB). This position will report to the Executive Director of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving and work in collaboration with the Director of Alumni Connections in the growth of the live mascot program’s revenue generating opportunities including fundraising sponsorships, merchandising, appearances, and programs. Through site visits and appearances, and through engagement on VEB’s various social media platforms, the qualified individual will ensure VEB is accessible to the Fresno State campus and community-at-large, both locally and regionally. This position is also responsible for the management, growth and reporting of VEB’s social media communication platforms and websites.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Care for the live mascot

• Care for the live mascot during normal business hours.
• Ensure the physical, emotional, social, and psychological health needs of VEB are monitored and preserved.
• Ensure license, insurance, and all certifications are maintained and/or renewed as required.
• Schedule and attend any/all dog training activities for VEB and relevant staff.
• Oversee training for any/all staff who will be involved with the care of VEB.
• Order, maintain, and organize necessary supplies.

Community Relations

• Be outgoing with the community and represent VEB, Fresno State and the FSAA in a professional manner.

• In coordination with VEB’s caretaker, develop and manage VEB’s annual calendar of campus and community engagement activities.

• Coordinate and execute on- and off-campus appearances:
• Ensure all procedures, documentation, and pre-visit requirements are accounted for, insurance requirements met, and the requesting organization is educated about how to prepare for the visit.

• Conduct any pre-appearance site visits, interviews, or other screening activities to help ensure the safety of event attendees and VEB, site visit details, contact persons, etc.

• Attend campus events and community events where VEB is scheduled to make an appearance.
• Transport VEB in a work vehicle to and from appearances and appointments. Pick-up and return home, as necessary, for evening and weekend events. Any use of a personal vehicle, mileage would be reimbursed.

• Schedule additional staff support, as needed, to participate in VEB appearances to ensure the care and safety of attendees and VEB.

• Manage all invoice creation, payment, and follow-up associated with paid appearances.

Revenue Generation and Licensing

• Develop and implement fundraising campaigns in support of the VEB Fund, including but not limited to Day of Giving and Crowdfunding.

• Solicit sponsors and supporters for the VEB Fund.
• Serve as a contact for individuals, businesses and community organizations that seek a business relationship with the Live Mascot Program.
• Ensure the implementation of all contractual agreements with sponsors, including deliverables and renewal of sponsorship contracts as needed.
• Develop VEB merchandise line and promotional product in coordination with campus collegiate and trademark licensing.

Brand Development and Social Media

• Innovate and develop promotional and marketing opportunities related to VEB.
• Assist in the development and management of the VEB parent and child brands, ensuring university standards are met, in alignment with the brand values and brand personality of the live mascot.

• Work with University Advancement, Athletics, and other campus entities to develop marketing and communications for the VEB brand. Integrate the program further into the University’s primary business functions.

• Manage all VEB and FSAA social media platforms, including any unique platforms established to build the brands.

• Grow the following VEB’s and FSAA’s social media platforms, providing added value and engaging content.

• Assist in the creation of promotional campaigns, contests, and creative content that engages the community-at-large, enhancing the brand image of VEB, Fresno State, and the FSAA.

• Track and analyze trends in social media, identify opportunities for the VEB and FSAA to increase engagement and impact with target audiences.

• Manage the VEB and FSAA media analytic dashboards.
• Other duties as assigned.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Mass Communication/ Journalism, or related field.
• Ability and desire to work with live animals.
• Willingness and ability to travel and work evenings and weekends, as needed.
• Additional hours will be required outside of the 40-hour work week depending on the time of the year. Calendar may be subject to change. o Calendar will be provided during the interview process.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in implementing and managing new media strategies (i.e. social media, video, etc.) with a demonstrated ability to write copy and create engaging content customized for various social media platforms.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, including demonstrated ability to prioritize and meet multiple and at times, competing priorities.
• Excellent organizational, presentation, facilitation, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Valid driver’s license with a good driving record, proof of insurance and reliable transportation as driving is a requirement of this position.

Preferred:

• Proven rapport with canines, including a minimum of two (2) years experience/ training with care and handling.
• Minimum of two (2) years in public speaking, speechwriting, and media relations.
• Knowledge of Social Media management platforms, i.e., Sprout Social.
• Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite or comparable software.
• Knowledge of photography, videography, and editing.

COMPENSATION:

$4,750.00 per month. Benefits include health, dental, vision, life and 401(k), vacation, sick, and holiday pay.

DEADLINE: Application review begins January 5, 2024; open until filled.

TO APPLY: Please visit the Auxiliary Human Resources page https://auxiliary.fresnostate.edu/association/hr/ employment-opportunities.html for job announcement and application. Applications may be mailed, emailed, faxed or delivered in person to:

California State University, Fresno
Auxiliary Human Resources
2771 E. Shaw Ave. (there is no suite number)
Fresno, CA 93710 Fax: (559) 278-0988

E-mail completed application & resume to: HRAUX@LISTSERV.csufresno.edu

RESUMES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED WITHOUT A COMPLETED APPLICATION
California State University, Fresno is a smoke free campus. For more information, please click http://fresnostate.edu/adminserv/smokefree/index.html

Employment for this position is by the California State University, Fresno Foundation. This is not a State of California position.
AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/ADA EMPLOYER

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $4,750.00 per month

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Evenings as needed
• Nights as needed
• Weekends as needed

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person