Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conf (DIII)
About the Job
Job Description
Posting Details
Position Information
Position Title
Director of Esports
Position Category
Staff (Exempt)
FLSA
Exempt
FTE
Posting Details
Position Information
Position Title
Director of Esports
Position Category
Staff (Exempt)
FLSA
Exempt
FTE
1.0
Location
Thousand Oaks
University Background
The mission of California Lutheran University is to educate leaders for a global society who are strong in character and judgment, confident in their identity and vocation, and committed to service and justice. Founded in 1959 in beautiful Ventura County, the university has an enrollment of about 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students who come from across the nation and around the world from a diversity of backgrounds, cultures and faiths. As a federally recognized Hispanic-Serving Institution, Cal Lutheran is looking for candidates with a dedication to and success in working in diverse communities. The university is committed to an inclusive learning and work environment that values individual differences and respects each person’s dignity.
Basic Function
The Director of Esports provides leadership, vision, and strategic direction for the university’s Esports program. This includes recruiting and overseeing competitive varsity teams, marketing CLU Esports, managing facilities, coordinating events, supporting academic and research initiatives related to gaming, and fostering student engagement. The Director will collaborate with departments across campus to advance Esports as a pillar of student life, academic innovation, and institutional visibility.
Representative Duties
Recruit and coach Esports student athletes, meeting a minimum roster threshold each academic year.
Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic plan for the university’s Esports program, focusing on recruiting full and competitive rosters
Build and sustain a culture of excellence, inclusivity, and sportsmanship within the Esports community.
Manage the operational, competitive, and academic aspects of the Esports initiative.
Represent the university in external Esports associations, leagues, and partnerships.
Coordinate practice schedules, travel, and competition logistics.
Ensure compliance with institutional, conference, and league policies.
Oversee recruiting, player development, and team performance analytics.
Manage the Esports arena, gaming lab(s), and associated equipment.
Collaborate with IT and facilities management to maintain high-performance systems and secure digital environments.
Plan upgrades and new technology acquisitions aligned with program growth.
Foster an inclusive community for both competitive and casual gamers.
Support academic success, leadership development, and career pathways in Esports, media, and game-related fields.
Work collaboratively with Sports Management faculty and administration to support the academic program and its students
Partner with campus organizations to integrate Esports into student life and wellness initiatives.
Supervise student interns for social media marketing and promotion of Esports program, events, and competitions.
Develop and manage program budgets, sponsorships, and fundraising initiatives.
Track expenditures and ensure fiscal responsibility.
Coordinate marketing, branding, and outreach efforts for Esports events and recruitment.
Support interdisciplinary initiatives connecting Esports with curriculum, research, and industry partnerships.
Facilitate internships, workshops, and experiential learning opportunities.
Knowledge Of
A variety of different competitive Esports games
Rules and strategies of popular Esports games
Coaching theory, techniques, and strategies: technical and tactical of Esports
Recruitment techniques and team management of an intercollegiate athletics program
Effective promotion of good sportsmanship, academic excellence and character
Effective planning and organizational methods
Basic liability and risk management issues
Principles of team leadership
Ability To
Design and implement a recruiting plan; scout and recruit high-quality Esports student athletes.
Work cooperatively with faculty, staff, students, and constituent groups outside the university to support the continued success and development of Esports.
Effectively communicate with student athletes, faculty, staff, administration, and the community.
Demonstrated experience and expertise in appropriate team-building activities.
Provide leadership to Esports student athletes to encourage both successful academic development and competitive performance.
Possess the skills to demonstrate Esports techniques.
Serve as a positive role model for Esports student athletes and work within a team-oriented philosophy.
Effectively teach skills, regulations, and strategies of Esports during practice sessions and competitions.
Provide a safe environment for students, athletes, visitors, and other constituents.
Work independently, prioritize, schedule and complete work.
Maintain confidentiality of records and information; maintain files accurately, in paper and in software programs.
Operate a personal computer and associated Esports games and general office software, such as Outlook, Word, Excel, Slate, etc
Operate a vehicle to travel and conduct work, work flexible hours with frequent evenings, nights and weekends.
Minimum Qualifications
Any combination equipment to: a Bachelor’s degree in Esports Management, Esports, Game Design, Sports Management, Computer Science, Business, Communications, Digital Arts, or related field, or any Bachelor’s degree with four years of Esports experience and 3 years of experience in Esports management, athletics administration, or a related leadership role.
Preferred Qualifications
Deep understanding of competitive gaming ecosystems, titles, and trends.
Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
Master’s degree in a relevant discipline.
Experience working in higher education or collegiate Esports programs.
Proven record in program development, sponsorship cultivation, and community engagement.
Familiarity with Esports broadcasting, event production, and digital media.
Licenses and other requirements
Possession of or ability to obtain CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) AED (automated external defibrillator) and First Aid certifications within 90 days of employment. Ability to work flexible hours with frequent evenings, nights and weekends is required. Travel is required.
Physical Abilities
Detect to understand appropriate written correspondence; operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer; communicate to exchange information in person, in writing, on the telephone and by email; stationary position for extended periods of time; move or transport light objects; position self to store and/or retrieve files
Environment
Office environment
Hiring Range
$75,000-$82,000
Posting Detail Information
| Posting Number | Staff004762022 |
| Number of Vacancies | |
| Desired Start Date | 02/23/2026 |
| Position End Date | |
| Open Date | 12/03/2025 |
| Close Date | 01/04/2026 |
| Open Until Filled | No |
| Application Procedure/Special Instructions | |
| Statement |
California Lutheran University is committed to providing equal opportunity in employment for all persons, regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by applicable law. No person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in any program, activity or facility of the University on the basis of these factors in a manner consistent with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, ordinances, orders and rules, and University’s policies, procedures, and processes.
Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process can be provided to individuals with qualifying disabilities. Please contact the Human Resources Department for further information or to request an accommodation.
|
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
* Describe your experience building an intercollegiate Esports program.
(Open Ended Question)
* Describe your experience and the techniques you have used to recruit Esports competitors.
(Open Ended Question)
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
1. Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2. Cover Letter