Athletics Marketing Program Manager

Working collaboratively with the Assistant Athletic Director for Media Strategy and the University’s Marketing & Communications team, the Athletic Marketing Manager translates departmental attendance and revenue objectives into targeted marketing plans, promotional initiatives, community outreach efforts, and fan engagement experiences.

The position oversees athletics marketing interns, coordinates grassroots and community-based marketing efforts, and ensures marketing activities align with institutional brand standards while supporting departmental growth objectives.

Essential Functions and percent of time:

Marketing Strategy, Go-To-Market Planning & Campaign Execution – (40%)
Lead the development and execution of comprehensive marketing strategies that drive attendance, ticket revenue, fan engagement, and brand awareness.
Develop and execute annual marketing and go-to-market strategies for all athletics programs.
Create integrated marketing campaigns utilizing traditional advertising, digital media, social media, email marketing, grassroots outreach, promotions, and emerging channels.
Build and maintain the department’s master promotional and campaign calendar.
Own campaign strategy by ticket-holder lifecycle state – season ticket renewal, flex plan conversion, and single game acquisition – as distinct, segment-specific campaigns developed jointly with Ticket Operations.
Collaborate with Ticket Operations, Sponsorship, Communications, and Game Operations personnel to coordinate campaign execution.
Develop sport-specific marketing plans focused on increasing attendance, ticket sales, student engagement, and fan participation.
Establish campaign objectives tied to measurable attendance, engagement, and revenue goals.
Maintain a current, documented record of all active and scheduled paid and organic campaigns – including creative links, spend and performance data and monitor and recommend adjustments based on that record.
Provide strategic marketing input for content, video, and creative assets supporting active campaigns.
Evaluate emerging marketing platforms and technologies to improve effectiveness and audience growth.

Fan Engagement, Promotions, & Game Presentation – (25%)
Develop and implement promotional strategies that enhance the fan experience and strengthen connections with Wright State Athletics.
Own gameday run of show – write the game script and timing sheet for each event and distribute it to coaches and staff in advance – and execute promotional activities designed to increase attendance and fan engagement.
Coordinate student marketing initiatives and campus engagement efforts.
Develop fan engagement programs, contests, giveaways, and special event promotions.
Own gameday show content and talent/vendor relationships (emcee, DJ, band, audio/production contacts) in coordination with Game Operations, which owns in-venue technical production (lighting, video board, sound systems).
Evaluate fan experience opportunities and recommend enhancements that improve satisfaction and retention.
Support promotional initiatives tied to ticket sales campaigns and revenue-generating objectives.

Creative Services & Brand Activation – (20%)
Manage the development and deployment of marketing assets while ensuring consistency with athletics and university brand standards.
Coordinate the design and production of marketing, promotional, and advertising materials across print, digital, and venue-based platforms.
Lead the development of campaign creative concepts and audience-facing promotional materials.
Work collaboratively with the Assistant AD for Media Strategy and University Marketing & Communications to ensure compliance with institutional branding guidelines.
Manage project timelines for creative deliverables supporting marketing campaigns.
Ensure visual consistency and message alignment across all athletics marketing touchpoints.

Community Engagement & Strategic Partnerships – (10%)
Expand the visibility and reach of Wright State Athletics through community-based marketing and partnership development.
Develop and implement grassroots marketing initiatives throughout the Dayton region.
Build collaborative relationships with local businesses, community organizations, university departments, student organizations, and alumni groups.
Create promotional partnerships that expand audience reach and generate awareness of athletics events.
Develop community engagement opportunities that support attendance growth and fan acquisition.
Assist with lead generation efforts through events, promotions, and digital engagement strategies.
Represent Athletics at community events and external outreach opportunities as appropriate.

Marketing Internship Program Leadership – (5%)
Direct and oversee the Athletics Marketing Internship Program.
Recruit, assign, and manage gameday student worker roles (music, contests, stats/table, on-site support) for each event
Assign and manage intern responsibilities related to gameday promotions, fan engagement, event marketing, and community outreach.
Establish professional development opportunities and mentoring experiences for interns.
Utilize intern resources to enhance promotional efforts and expand community outreach capacity.
Monitor project completion, provide feedback, and evaluate intern performance. Required-

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Sports Management, Communications, Business or a related field.
2+ years of experience planning or executing live event logistics – run of show, scheduling, vendor/talent coordination – in any industry
Experience developing and executing marketing campaigns.
Strong understanding of digital and traditional marketing strategies.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, organization, presentation and listening skills.
Ability to make an excellent first impression and develop sound, enduring relationships with a broad range of people.
Must work well individually and in a team environment.
Demonstrated graphic design ability (work samples or portfolio required) using Adobe Creative Suite or Canva; proficient in Microsoft Excel for calendar and campaign tracking

Preferred-

Experience developing attendance- or revenue-driven marketing campaigns.
Experience supervising interns, student workers, or part-time staff.
Knowledge of fan segmentation, customer journey development, and lead generation strategies.
Experience measuring campaign performance through analytics and reporting.
Familiarity with NCAA Division I athletics and collegiate sports consumer behavior.
Experience collaborating with creative services, communications, and digital content teams.