Director of Brand Strategy & Engagement

Position Summary

The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) is seeking an innovative, strategic, and relationship-driven professional to serve as Director of Brand Strategy & Engagement. This position is responsible for advancing the Conference’s brand through integrated marketing, audience development, fan engagement, game presentation, and stakeholder outreach.

The Director of Brand Strategy & Engagement will lead efforts to strengthen the visibility and public connection of the MEAC through promotional campaigns, championship marketing, in-arena fan experience, and coordinated outreach with member institutions and key stakeholder groups. This position will play an important role in driving attendance, enhancing event atmosphere, supporting revenue-generating opportunities, and expanding engagement with alumni, fans, students, supporters, and the broader HBCU community.

The ideal candidate will be a creative strategist, strong collaborator, and effective project manager with a passion for college athletics, fan development, and HBCU culture.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and execute Conference-wide brand strategy and engagement initiatives.
• Lead marketing and promotional efforts for championships, special events, and Conference priorities.
• Build campaigns designed to increase attendance, participation, viewership, and audience engagement.
• Oversee fan development and audience growth strategies across Conference platforms and events.
• Lead game presentation and in-arena fan engagement efforts, including timeout entertainment, halftime promotions, sponsor activations, and crowd-engagement elements.
• Coordinate promotional video board elements and fan-facing run-of-show components.
• Serve as liaison to member institution Alumni Directors, Admissions, and Marketing Directors.
• Support community engagement initiatives and MEAC Foundation-related promotional efforts.
• Collaborate with Creative Services on campaign assets, visual materials, and branded executions.
• Collaborate with Strategic Communications on messaging alignment and content support.
• Coordinate with Digital Media & Production on promotional integration across video, digital, and network platforms.
• Assist with sponsor-supported campaigns and activation opportunities tied to Conference initiatives and events.
• Manage promotional calendars, campaign timelines, advertising efforts, and related tracking.
• Identify creative opportunities to expand the Conference’s brand reach and supporter connection.
• Represent the Conference in a professional manner in interactions with member institutions, partners, supporters, and other external constituents.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Associate Commissioner for External Affairs, Deputy Commissioner / Chief Operating Officer, or Commissioner.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, sports administration, public relations, business, or related field; master’s degree preferred.
• Experience in athletics marketing, brand strategy, fan engagement, event promotion, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of college athletics, event atmosphere, and audience-building strategies.
• Experience developing campaigns across digital, social, and live-event environments.
• Strong organizational, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across multiple departments and with external partners.
• Experience working in intercollegiate athletics, conferences, or higher education environments is preferred.
• Appreciation for the mission, legacy, and cultural significance of HBCUs is strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong strategic thinking and brand-development ability
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Strong relationship-building and collaboration skills
• Understanding of audience engagement and fan experience strategy