Director, Strategic Engagement, Athletics

About Us

 

Are you ready to transform lives through academic excellence, innovative research, strong community partnerships and economic opportunity? Do you want to cultivate an inclusive environment that encourages free expression and civil discourse? Kennesaw State University is one of the 50 largest public institutions in the country. With growing enrollment and global reach, we continue to expand our institutional influence and prominence beyond the state of Georgia. We offer more than 190 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to empower our 47,000 students to become thought leaders, lifelong learners, and informed global citizens. Our entrepreneurial spirit, high-impact research, and Division I athletics draw students from throughout the region and from more than 100 countries across the globe. Our university's vibrant culture, career opportunities, rich benefits, and values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity, and accountability make us an employer of choice. We are part of the University System of Georgia. We are searching for talented people to join Kennesaw State University in our vision. Come Take Flight at KSU!

Location

 

(Primary Location for Job Responsibilities) Our Kennesaw campus is located at 1000 Chastain Road NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144.  

Our Marietta campus is located at 1100 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta, GA 30060.

Job Summary

 

View Full Description

About Us

 

Are you ready to transform lives through academic excellence, innovative research, strong community partnerships and economic opportunity? Do you want to cultivate an inclusive environment that encourages free expression and civil discourse? Kennesaw State University is one of the 50 largest public institutions in the country. With growing enrollment and global reach, we continue to expand our institutional influence and prominence beyond the state of Georgia. We offer more than 190 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to empower our 47,000 students to become thought leaders, lifelong learners, and informed global citizens. Our entrepreneurial spirit, high-impact research, and Division I athletics draw students from throughout the region and from more than 100 countries across the globe. Our university's vibrant culture, career opportunities, rich benefits, and values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity, and accountability make us an employer of choice. We are part of the University System of Georgia. We are searching for talented people to join Kennesaw State University in our vision. Come Take Flight at KSU!

Location

Apply Now

 

(Primary Location for Job Responsibilities) Our Kennesaw campus is located at 1000 Chastain Road NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144.  

Our Marietta campus is located at 1100 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta, GA 30060.

Job Summary

 

Oversees various crucial aspects of KSU Athletics, including but not limited to athletics departments, the Varsity Club, the Annual Fund, the Hall of Fame, and community engagement. Manages assigned staff and collaborates with external and internal teams to develop strategies for engaging former student-athletes, Owls Fund Members, fans, and the community. Works closely with department and division leadership. Responsible for the day-to-day operations of The Owls Fund annual giving campaign, driving strategic revenue initiatives, and initiating donor-related programs to include identifying, cultivating, and soliciting annual fund prospects, compiling fundraising reports, and organizing stewarding and engagement events to enhance KSU brand affinity.

Responsibilities

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 
1. Supervises department operations and personnel, including staff, student assistants, and volunteers, and contributes to the hiring process
2. Develops and implements a comprehensive strategic engagement plan aimed at enhancing constituent engagement, particularly with former student-athletes, alumni, and Owls Fund members
3. Coordinates strategic engagement reporting, audits, and data analytics to inform decision-making processes
4. Directs strategic engagement efforts within the department, collaborating with athletics staff, coaches, and external partners to execute engagement plans for former KSU and SPSU student-athletes
5. Manages the daily operations of the athletics department's Varsity Club, coordinating with various stakeholders to execute engagement strategies
6. Oversees the Owls Fund retention program and renewal process, conducting proactive outreach efforts in coordination with the Revenue Enhancement Team and Ticket Operations staff
7. Assists with the management of the department's NIL efforts and supports fulfillment of all benefits and collaborates with external constituents to garner external support
8. Collaborates with the compliance department to ensure adherence to NCAA requirements and other regulatory standards related to strategic engagement
9. Plans, organizes, and oversees the Annual Fund and other restricted giving initiatives
10. Manages the distribution of Owls Fund Benefits as outlined in the Benefits Chart
11. Cultivates and stewards donors to The Owls Fund, with a focus on season ticket holders, annual gift prospects, and other supporters of KSU Athletics
12. Plans, implements, and evaluates annual athletics giving activities
13. Supports annual fund and major gift officers in identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding top-level annual fund donors
14. Manages all aspects of the annual giving program, including renewals, direct mail, telemarketing, and online giving functions
15. Oversees internal processes of the priority seating program, including billing and invoicing related to Owls Fund points
16. Directs gift processing for all donations to the KSUAA and ensures accurate tracking of athletic donations routed through the KSU Foundation
17. Provides operational support for post-season games, both home and away

Required Qualifications

 

Educational Requirements
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education

Other Required Qualifications
Current, valid, and unrestricted driver's license

Required Experience
Four (4) years of relevant work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

 

Additional Preferred Qualifications
Proven track record of serving in a role that involves engaging with multiple sets of constituents, such as alumni, donors, fans, and community members

Preferred Educational Qualifications
An advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education in a related field

Preferred Experience
Previous experience in Paciolan Ticketing Software, Salesforce, Raiser's Edge, and/or other CRM system
Demonstrated past experience in effectively managing the operations of an assigned area within a complex organization.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

 

ABILITIES
Strong ability to coordinate logistics and communication between various stakeholders to ensure seamless collaboration and successful execution of initiatives
Capable of representing the Department of Athletics at various business and community functions, including Business Associations, Chambers, and similar events
Demonstrated ability to cultivate and sustain positive working relationships
Able to handle multiple tasks or projects at one time meeting assigned deadlines

KNOWLEDGE
Knowledge of NCAA regulations as they pertain to donors and fundraising

SKILLS
Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem solving, independent judgment, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management and presentation skills
Skilled in effectively working and engaging with staff, faculty, and student-athletes
Proficient with computer applications and programs associated with the position (i.e., Microsoft Office suite)
Proficient in representing the Athletics Ticket Office at designated home and away sporting events
Strong attention to detail and follow up skills
Strong customer service skills and phone and e-mail etiquette

USG Core Values

 

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/sect....

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/sect....

Equal Employment Opportunity

 

Kennesaw State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for living, work and study. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and University policy, the University prohibits harassment of or discrimination against any person because of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment, pregnancy, and medical conditions related to pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity or national origin, religion, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran or military status by any member of the KSU Community on campus, in connection with a University program or activity, or in a manner that creates a hostile environment for members of the KSU community.

For additional information or to file a complaint under the provisions of this policy, students, employees, applicants for employment or admission or other third parties should contact the Office of Institutional Equity at English Building, Suite 225, eeo@kennesaw.edu.

Other Information

 

This is a supervisory position.
This position has financial responsibilities.
This position will be required to drive.
This role is considered a position of trust.
This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card).
This position may travel 25% - 49% of the time

Background Check

 

• Credit Report
• Standard Enhanced
• Education
• DMV
• 9 Panel Lab Drug Test

Per the University System of Georgia background check policy, all final candidates will be required to consent to a criminal background investigation. Final candidates may be asked to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment. Applicants for positions of trust with screening
results which confirm a disqualifying criminal history will be immediately disqualified from employment eligibility.

All applicants are required to include professional references as part of their application process. Some positions may require additional job-based screenings such as motor vehicle report, credit check, pre-employment drug screening and/or verification of academic credentials.

https://www.usg.edu/hr/assets/hr/hrap...

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