Senior Associate Athletic Director of External Relations

The Senior Associate Athletics Director of External Relations will lead and execute the brand, marketing and revenue generation strategies for Pepperdine Athletics, using a data driven approach. Reporting to the director of athletics, the position will have oversight of marketing/fan experience, communications, video, ticketing and sponsorships. In addition, this position will serve as the primary liaison to Pepperdine Advancement working in close collaboration to drive fundraising strategies.

The position will work in close collaboration with Integrated Marketing and Communication to develop brand strategies that measurably enhance the national reputation of Pepperdine Athletics and Pepperdine University, particularly its Christian mission. The position will also work with campus business services to grow campus partnerships such as licensing and apparel. The Senior Associate AD will serve on the senior leadership team of the athletics department and will act as a sports administrator as assigned by the director of athletics.

Duties

The Senior Associate Athletics Director of External Relations will lead and execute the brand, marketing and revenue generation strategies for Pepperdine Athletics, using a data driven approach. Reporting to the director of athletics, the position will have oversight of marketing/fan experience, communications, video, ticketing and sponsorships. In addition, this position will serve as the primary liaison to Pepperdine Advancement working in close collaboration to drive fundraising strategies.

The position will work in close collaboration with Integrated Marketing and Communication to develop brand strategies that measurably enhance the national reputation of Pepperdine Athletics and Pepperdine University, particularly its Christian mission. The position will also work with campus business services to grow campus partnerships such as licensing and apparel. The Senior Associate AD will serve on the senior leadership team of the athletics department and will act as a sports administrator as assigned by the director of athletics.

Duties

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• Develop and execute strategies for brand growth and revenue generation, employing a data-driven approach to set clear goals and metrics for areas such as customer base size, media impressions, ticket sales, and sponsorships. Identify new sources of revenue and develop strategies to pursue opportunities.
• Lead and manage external relations team (marketing/fan experience, communications, video, ticketing, and sponsorships), including the development and hiring of functional leadership.
• Collaborate with university Advancement on annual and capital fundraising strategies and the connection to other areas of athletics revenue (e.g. ticket sales and sponsorships). Manage, cultivate and steward small portfolio of major donors, and identify new potential donors.
• Form strong alliances and relationships with the Malibu, Conejo Valley, and Greater Los Angeles community for the purpose of developing partnerships and generating additional resources. Speak to and serve on local community boards.
• Collaborate with various campus partners (e.g. integrated marketing and communications, student affairs, etc.) to promote the strategic goals of the athletics department and Pepperdine University, including stronger campus connectivity with athletics and telling the story of Pepperdine Athletics.
• Serve as sports administrator for assigned sports, supporting assigned head coach in the development of their program.
• Serve as member of athletics senior staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Uphold University mission through work performed.

The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Skills and Qualifications

Required: Bachelor’s Degree and 6-8 years of experience in business or external relations roles with demonstrated leadership. Leadership and strategic management experience. Problem-solving and data analysis skills. Strong relationship building and record of successful collaboration and team building. Excellent communication skills, both oral and written. Ability to work independently and exercise good judgement.

Preferred: Master’s Degree – MBA preferred; experience in athletic leadership. Experience with ticket and sponsorship sales.

Qualified individuals should be able to articulate a strong commitment to diversity, and have the ability to work effectively with individuals from different backgrounds.

Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal, education, and employment screening. The University conducts such screenings in compliance with applicable laws and with the objectives of evaluating risk and supporting a safe environment for students, faculty, staff, and guests; safeguarding key University assets including people, property, information, and the University’s reputation; and providing comprehensive job-related information to University leaders to enable them to make prudent hiring decisions. Qualified individuals with criminal histories will be considered for employment in compliance with applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.

This is a Restricted, Exempt, 40 hour per week position.

Expected Pay Range: $110,000 - $130,000 per year 

The above pay range reflects what Pepperdine University reasonably expects to pay for this position at time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on relevant factors such as work experience, market conditions, education/training, and skill level. In addition to base pay, Pepperdine offers a robust and highly competitive benefits package.

Pepperdine is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Interested candidates should contact Kaity McKittrick, Vice President at Bowlsby Sports Advisors: kaity@bowlsbysportsadvisors.com