"Director of Sparty Mascot Program / Alumni Programs Assistant Director"

Position Summary

The Sparty Mascot Program Director leads one of Michigan State University’s most recognizable and beloved traditions, Sparty. A symbol of Spartan spirit and pride, Sparty is a nationally acclaimed mascot who makes more than 400 appearances annually at athletic events, university celebrations, community engagements, and private functions.

Housed within the MSU Alumni Office, this role provides strategic leadership and day-to-day management of all aspects of the Sparty Mascot Program. The Director ensures the program reflects MSU’s high standards for excellence, visibility, and engagement. This position reports to the Assistant Vice President of the MSU Alumni Office.

The Sparty Mascot Program Director will be accountable for the seamless execution of the program while providing exceptional levels of client customer service, maintaining a high level of student engagement, and building relationships with campus and community partners. The Director will also provide supervision, mentorship, and performance oversight to the student squad members who represent Sparty at events throughout the year.

About the MSU Alumni Office: The MSU Alumni Office fosters lifelong connections for more than 550,000 Spartans around the world. Through tradition, storytelling, volunteerism, and events, the office strengthens the Spartan network and cultivates opportunities for alumni to remain engaged with Michigan State University. The Sparty Mascot Program plays a critical role in this work by serving as an iconic link between the university, its alumni, and the broader community.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

Volunteer Selection and Management:

• Oversee recruiting and selection process for the mascot program.
• Design and execute onboarding processes, including curriculum design, assessment, delivery methods, and assessment of training effectiveness.
• Conduct performance reviews of student squad.
• Maintain volunteer discipline and intra-squad relationships.
• Plan and manage squad trips for team building, character development, and leadership development.
• Build relationships with university and community partners to help enhance student experience.

Event Management:

• Coordinate the details and scheduling for all Sparty events, balancing the event load with the work and academic commitments of the squad members.
• Assign students to events and roles.
• Anticipate scheduling conflicts, including down time for students and suit maintenance.
• Maintain a scheduling system to provide students with mobile access to event information.
• Book travel arrangements and maintain necessary paperwork for travel and reimbursements.
• Accompany Sparty to out-of-state events or schedule full-time staff escorts for approximately 50 travel days annually, including weekends.
• Escort Sparty to all home football games and provide back-up escorting services for local events.

Program Marketing and Strategy:

• Partner with campus stakeholders and internal marketing and communications teams to define, implement, and evaluate program goals.
• Collaborate with MSU's branding team to strengthen the visibility, consistency, and future direction of the Sparty Mascot Program.
• Maintain historical records and documentation related to the program’s development, milestones, and appearances.
• Support the creation of engaging content and participate in social media initiatives that enhance the Sparty brand across digital platforms.

Administration:

• Provide information to program assistant, students, and volunteers in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Fundraising in efforts to support the program.
• Assist in development of budget and financial reports.
• Purchase and inventory program equipment and supplies.
• Maintain all equipment used in the program, including vehicles and the mascot suit.

Communications/Interpersonal Relationships

INTERACTS WITH: MSU donors, alumni, deans, directors, faculty, academic staff, and support staff to provide services and information. MSU president, provost, vice presidents, executive managers, the board of trustees, and staff. Event contractors and vendors. Colleagues within University Advancement.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Direction from the MSU Alumni Office’s Assistant Vice President.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: First-level supervision over Sparty Squad student members.

Impact on Programs/Services/Operations

Judgment and decisions may impact the university’s image and integrity as perceived by donors, alumni, and external communities.

Work Environment

Standard office environment. Requires moderate physical effort, including use of a VDT monitor, moving and lifting of moderately heavy event materials, and sustaining physical activity.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to a four-year college degree in Education, Communications, Public Relations, Advertising or Marketing; three to five years of related experience; or equivalent combination.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience planning large-scale programs.
• Experience in marketing, event promotion, and social media.
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with various constituents.
• Strong collaboration, project management, and organizational skills.
• Experience managing budgets.
• Outstanding leadership and judgment skills.
• Familiarity with higher education and alumni engagement.
• May require valid vehicle operator's license.
• Knowledge of basic personal computer operations.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Resume and cover letter.

Special Instructions

If you have questions, contact Patricia Karam at karampat@msu.edu. Screening continues until position is filled.