Associate Athletics Director, Tailgating & Group Experiences

What We Are Looking For

Baylor Athletics is reclaiming a core game day tradition by bringing tailgating operations back in-house and we’re seeking a visionary, high-energy leader to serve as the Associate Athletics Director, Tailgating & Group Experiences.

The Associate Athletics Director, Tailgating & Group Experiences is a strategic leadership role responsible for the end-to-end management of Baylor Athletics’ tailgating environment, RV parking operations, and overall game day outdoor footprint. This includes, but is not limited to, package on-sale and reservations, customer service, operational logistics, financial performance, and execution standards across all athletics tailgating environments.

This position serves as the central point of coordination across Athletics, campus partners, the City of Waco, Baylor Police, and Baylor fans to deliver safe, dynamic, and unforgettable game day experiences. This role oversees the development, management, and operational delivery of Baylor Athletics’ group experience programs, including hosted events, stadium tours, and facility visit experiences, as well as outdoor game day environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, Event Management, Marketing, Hospitality, or a related field.
• 5 years in fan experience, large-scale event management, stadium operations, or high-end hospitality.
• Proven track record of managing complex transitions or "start-up" projects within an organization.
• A deep passion for college athletics and the ability to work long, high-intensity Saturdays with enthusiasm.

All applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

What You Will Do

Strategic Oversight and Vision

• Develop and execute a comprehensive Baylor Tailgating Master Plan aligned with departmental revenue and fan experience goals.
• Lead the strategic in-house transition of fan tailgating, migrating data, equipment, and processes from the current third-party contractor to internal systems.
• Establish Baylor as a leader in fan tailgating experience and atmosphere within the Big 12 and nationally.
• Support long-term growth of the Baylor Group Experience platform as a driver of attendance, engagement, and hosted event opportunities.

Tailgate Operations and Game Day Experience

• Oversee pricing strategy, sales execution, and renewal cycles for all tailgating spaces, RV parking areas, and related packages.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for fans and alumni groups regarding tailgating policies, schedules, and issue resolution, ensuring a seamless booking and communication experience.
• Design and manage the physical layout of tailgating zones, including premium areas, VIP hospitality tents, RV parking areas, student sections, and general public spaces.
• Oversee operational delivery of fan atmosphere elements in alignment with programming direction established by the Marketing & Fan Experience team to curate a fan-first atmosphere through live music, special appearances, interactive fan zones, high-energy pregame activations, and special guest experiences.
• Design and oversee group-based game day experience programs and family-friendly activations; coordinate operational execution of community partner events in collaboration with Marketing & Fan Experience. 
• Lead the creation and execution of outdoor fan experiences beyond traditional tailgating — including lawn activations, themed fan zones, pop-up entertainment areas, and interactive pregame environments that expand the Baylor game day footprint.
• Lead operational planning and execution of new Baylor traditions in partnership with the Marketing & Fan Experience team, providing creative programming support, coordinating student involvement and spirit squad integrations, and executing fan-driven activations that enhance atmosphere and continuity across seasons.
• Serve as the operational lead for execution of game day community engagement activations in coordination with the Marketing & Fan Experience team ensuring Baylor Athletics’ outdoor spaces reflect a welcoming, family-centered, and mission-aligned environment.
• Oversee operational planning and management of game day RV parking, including space allocation, ingress and egress coordination, utility access where applicable, and customer service standards. 

Group Experience Program Leadership 

• Develop and manage group experience offerings across sports. 
• Establish hosting models and service standards. 
• Lead outreach and bookings for non-community partnership groups.
• Oversee hospitality environments and execution.
• Manage growth and performance of group programs. 
• Marketing & Fan Experience team retains leadership of community engagement strategy and partnerships. This role supports execution through operational planning and delivery. 
• Collaborate with Ticket Sales and Marketing & Fan Experience to support growth and development of group attendance initiatives, including coordinated outreach, packaging, and promotional alignment.
• Oversee the planning, scheduling, and operational execution of stadium tours and facility visit experiences as part of the Group Experience platform.

Partnerships and Vendor Management

• Effectively collaborate with internal and external partners (i.e., sponsors, concessionaire, catering, equipment rentals, waste management, and utilities) by working closely with staff in Athletics Event Management & Facilities and Baylor’s third-party service providers. 
• Collaborate with fans to develop unique tailgating experiences and premium hospitality offerings.

Stakeholder and Risk Management

• Serve as the primary liaison between Athletics, Campus Facilities, Baylor Police, Risk Management, and the City of Waco to ensure coordinated and compliant game day operations.
• Ensure all tailgating activities adhere to university policies, local and state regulations, safety standards, and risk management protocols.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Perform all other duties as assigned to support Baylor’s mission
• Ability to comply with University policies
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance

What You Can Expect

As part of the Baylor family, eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, generous time off, tuition remission, and outstanding automatic retirement contributions. Baylor has a comprehensive benefits plan that supports you and your family’s wellbeing and allows you to be a part of the life of a vibrant and active college campus.  To learn more, go to Baylor Benefits & Advantages.

Explore & Engage

Learn more about Baylor and our strategic vision, Baylor in Deeds.  Also, explore our great hometown of Waco and the many opportunities to engage locally.  If you are new to Central Texas, This is Waco!