What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Director II - Associate Director for Fan Engagement and Athletics Marketing position at Sam Houston State University?
Come and join the Bearkat community!
Named after Texas' legendary hero, General Sam Houston, the university boasts a rich historical legacy that resonates with the spirit of Texas, which provides a balance between a peaceful, natural setting and proximity to urban amenities. With a student population of over 21,000, SHSU offers a vibrant and dynamic community. SHSU has a small town feel with large scale opportunities. Located in the Piney Woods region of East Texas and just an hour drive north of Houston, Huntsville provides area residents with a sense of community and belonging.
SHSU offers compelling options for individuals seeking a fulfilling and impactful career including a superior benefit package, competitive salaries and a flexible work environment fostering work/life balance. SHSU offers programs that support a healthy work-life balance, contributing to employee well-being and job satisfaction, as well as, professional development opportunities with our educational assistance and dependent assistance programs.
Posting Information
This position is security-sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information.
Requisition
202600082S
Title
Associate Director II - Associate Director for Fan Engagement and Athletics Marketing
FLSA status
Exempt
Hiring Salary
This position is a pay grade 11. Please see Pay Grade Table at: https://pa-hrsuite-production.s3.amazonaws.com/116/docs/550174.pdf.
Occupational Category
Professional
Department
IMC Athletics External Engagement
Division
Integrated Marketing Communications
Open Date
04/03/2026
Open Until Filled
Yes
Educational and Experience Requirement
Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, management, communications, public relations, sports management, or a related field. Four years of professional experience in athletics marketing, fan engagement, athletics’ creative services (including graphic design, video, and photography), promotions, or a related field within collegiate or professional athletics. Demonstrated experience leading comprehensive athletics marketing and creative initiatives and collaborating effectively with colleagues, coaches, athletics staff, and institutional leadership preferred. Supervisory experience overseeing full-time professional staff and student employees is preferred. Division I athletics experience and familiarity with Conference USA operations are desirable. A combination of education, experience, and training that would produce the required knowledge and abilities could be considered.
Nature & Purpose of Position
Plans, organizes, and directs the daily operations of athletics marketing and creative services within Sam Houston State University’s Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) Division in collaboration with the Assistant Vice President of Marketing and Branding.
Primary Responsibilities
Develops, manages, and executes comprehensive athletics marketing, fan engagement, and creative strategies to increase awareness, engagement, attendance, revenue, and brand affinity across all sports programs. Ensures consistent brand alignment across all athletics creative assets, digital content, and marketing initiatives in accordance with university and athletics brand standards. Oversees and coordinates marketing and promotional budgets, resource allocation, and expense management within assigned functional areas supporting athletics marketing, fan engagement, and creative services. Collaborates with Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) leadership and the Department of Athletics to support a cohesive, integrated, university-wide marketing strategy. Oversees athletics creative services, including graphic design, marketing video, photography, and digital content creation. Guides creative planning and execution to support season-long campaigns, individual sport priorities, ticket sales initiatives, and key institutional objectives. Leads fan engagement initiatives that enhance the in-venue experience and build lasting relationships with students, alumni, donors, and the broader community. Develops and manage season-long and game-specific marketing plans in collaboration with ticketing operations, including single-game, season, and group sales efforts. Directs the development and execution of game-day scripts and presentations, coordinating music, video board content, public address, spirit groups, band, promotions, and on-field activations to deliver a high-quality and engaging fan experience. Coordinates athletics digital advertising and marketing efforts with the IMC digital team, Paciolian communications, campus email marketing, and department and lead team social media strategies. Collaborates with ticket sales (Learfield Amplify), corporate sponsorships (Van Wagner College), sports and campus communications, and broadcast teams to align marketing, sales, and promotional efforts. Leads community outreach and grassroots marketing initiatives to strengthen community connections and expand support for Bearkat Athletics. Ensures compliance with university policies and procedures, Conference USA regulations, and NCAA rules. Manages multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment while maintaining attention to detail and strategic priorities. Performs other related duties as assigned.
Other Specifications
Strong knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations. Ability to lead teams, manage complex projects, and communicate effectively with internal and external partners in a collaborative environment. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, and related marketing and creative software is required. Knowledge of NCAA and Conference USA rules and regulations is preferred. Excellent administrative, organizational, proofreading, editing, and content creation skills, with the ability to effectively motivate and manage professional and student staff.
This position requires evening and weekend work in addition to regular office hours, based on scheduled games and athletics events.
This position requires evening and weekend work in addition to regular office hours, based on scheduled games and athletics events.
This position may be designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA).
Full Time Part Time
Full Time
Position Number
Quicklink
https://shsu.peopleadmin.com/postings/46779
EEO Statement
EEO Statement
Sam Houston State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and Smoke/Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or protected veteran status. The University takes seriously the initiative to ensure equal opportunity in the workforce and to comply with Title VII as interpreted by the U.S. Supreme Court. Sam Houston State University is an “at will” employer. Employees with a contract will have additional terms and conditions. Security-sensitive positions at SHSU require background checks in accordance with Education Code §51.215.
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report