Assistant Athletic Director, Director of External Operations

Expectation and Condition of Employment

Howard Payne University, a church-related institution affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas, seeks to employ evangelical Christians who are dedicated to teaching and service as they model the principles of the Christian faith and the University’s sincere religious beliefs.

Howard Payne University (hereafter, University) is committed to the integration of learning and Christian faith in the pursuit of truth. Employees are expected to embrace the Christian Mission Statement and Core Values of the University and must support the University’s affirmation of traditional Christian and Baptist beliefs by leading lives of service through active involvement in Christian activities both on campus and through a local church.

Mission Statement

Howard Payne University is a Christ-centered academic community dedicated to excellence by developing and equipping the whole person for intellectual inquiry, personal and professional integrity, and service to God and humanity.

Core Values of Howard Payne University

We believe and affirm that the University as an institution and each individual called to serve the Lord at Howard
Payne should strive to demonstrate a commitment to these five Core Values:

• Centered on Christ   (cf. Col. 3:17, Matt. 7:24)
• Focused on Community   (cf. Eph. 4:4-6, 1 Pet. 3:8)

Expectation and Condition of Employment

Howard Payne University, a church-related institution affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas, seeks to employ evangelical Christians who are dedicated to teaching and service as they model the principles of the Christian faith and the University’s sincere religious beliefs.

Howard Payne University (hereafter, University) is committed to the integration of learning and Christian faith in the pursuit of truth. Employees are expected to embrace the Christian Mission Statement and Core Values of the University and must support the University’s affirmation of traditional Christian and Baptist beliefs by leading lives of service through active involvement in Christian activities both on campus and through a local church.

Mission Statement

Howard Payne University is a Christ-centered academic community dedicated to excellence by developing and equipping the whole person for intellectual inquiry, personal and professional integrity, and service to God and humanity.

Core Values of Howard Payne University

We believe and affirm that the University as an institution and each individual called to serve the Lord at Howard
Payne should strive to demonstrate a commitment to these five Core Values:

• Centered on Christ   (cf. Col. 3:17, Matt. 7:24)
• Focused on Community   (cf. Eph. 4:4-6, 1 Pet. 3:8)
• Called to Service   (cf. Mark 10:45, Phil. 2:3-5)
• Committed to Excellence   (cf. Gen. 1:31, 1 Cor. 9:24)
• Dedicated to Stewardship   (cf. Gen. 2:15, 1 Pet. 4:10)

As a condition of employment, employees agree to be paid by Direct Deposit. Applicants offered contingent employment based on the University obtaining a clean background check agree the contingent offer of employment may be revoked based on the information obtained in the background check.

If offered employment, your acceptance will indicate that you have read and agree to the Expectations and Conditions above.

Application Procedure

To be considered for this position, please submit the following:

• a letter of application addressing in detail how you meet the position requirements
• a resume or CV (curriculum vitae)
• unofficial transcripts, and
• a completed HPU Employment Application

Job Summary

The Assistant Athletic Director, Director of External Operations oversees all external relations, marketing, and revenue-generating initiatives for the athletic department, serving as an active member of the senior staff and primary media contact for all varsity sports. Responsibilities include managing the athletics website, social media, and creative content, coordinating game day operations and fan engagement activities, and developing community and campus outreach programs to increase attendance and support. The role supervises graduate assistants, student workers, and interns while collaborating with university offices to enhance branding, sponsorships, and fundraising opportunities. Additional duties include producing live video streams, maintaining statistical records, creating digital and print publications, and driving innovative strategies in marketing, partnerships, and fan experience to elevate HPU Athletics.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following.

1. Lead all external relations for the athletic department, including marketing, branding, communications, and revenue-generating initiatives such as ticket sales, sponsorships, events, and the Yellow Jacket Club.
2. Serve as the primary media contact for all varsity sports, coordinating interviews, pitching stories, and expanding HPU’s reach to local and national outlets.
3. Manage the athletics website, ensuring timely updates with game recaps, stories, and statistical information, while overseeing the production of digital and print publications.
4. Oversee all social media accounts, developing creative content, campaigns, and engagement strategies to promote student-athletes, increase attendance, and drive ticket sales.
5. Coordinate and enhance the game day experience, including scripts, music, promotions, in-game entertainment, and special recognitions to engage fans and sponsors.
6. Supervise and train graduate assistants, student workers, and a team of interns responsible for creative content, marketing, and game day support.
7. Develop and execute community outreach programs and partnerships with local organizations to build support and increase fan attendance.
8. Collaborate with University offices such as Advancement, Marketing, Admissions, and Alumni Engagement to align branding, sponsorships, and fundraising initiatives.
9. Produce and manage live video streams, highlight videos, and other multimedia content to showcase HPU Athletics across digital platforms.
10. Maintain statistical records, coordinate media days, create historical archives, and ensure professional communication with visiting teams and conferences.
11. Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

The Assistant Athletic Director, Director of External Operations will supervise part-time graduate employees, student workers and volunteers.

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

1. Modeling Christian Faith – Must be committed to modeling the Christian faith; displays a proven record of modeling the Christian faith in business operations, management roles, customer service functions, and interactions with others; is committed to continuing to model Christian faith in a manner consistent with the University’s mission Statement and Core Values
2. Analytical – Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs work flows and procedures
3. Design – Generates creative solutions; Translates concepts and information into images; Uses feedback to modify designs; Applies design principles; Demonstrates attention to detail
4. Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics
5. Project Management – Develops and project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Manages project team activities
6. Interpersonal Skills – Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming others; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others’ ideas and tries new things.  Effectively manages difficult or emotional situations; Solicits feedback from others to improve effectiveness; Responds appropriately to requests for service and assistance from all various constituents; Meets commitments
7. Oral Communications – Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings
8. Written Communication – Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information
9. Teamwork – Balances department and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of the department above his/her own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone’s efforts to succeed
10. Visionary Leadership – Exemplifies Christian integrity and ethics; displays passion and optimism; Inspires respect and trust and motivates others to perform well; mobilizes others to fulfill the vision; Provides vision and inspiration to peers and student-athletes. Exhibits confidence in self and others; effectively influences actions and opinions of others; Accepts feedback from others; Gives appropriate recognition to others
11. Ethics – Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds University Mission Statement and values
12. Change Management – Develops workable implementation plans; Communicates changes effectively; Builds commitment and overcomes resistance; Prepares and supports those affected by change; Monitors transition and evaluates results
13. Delegation – Delegates work assignments; Matches the responsibility to the person; Gives authority to work independently; Sets expectations and monitors delegated activities; Provides recognition for results
14. Quality Management – Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness
15. Business Acumen – Understands business implications of decisions; Displays orientation to profitability; Demonstrates knowledge of market and competition; Aligns work with strategic goals
16. Cost Consciousness – Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; Conserves University resources
17. University Support – Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports the University’s Mission Statement and values; Benefits the University through outside activities; Supports affirmative action and respects diversity
18. Judgement – Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgement; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; makes timely decisions
19. Professional Development – Is involved in on-going professional development activities to remain current in his/her chosen teaching discipline.
20. Dependability – Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan
21. Initiative – Volunteers readily; Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Takes independent actions and calculated risks; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed
22. Integration of Faith in Athletics – Provides leadership that results in athletic department employees continually integrating the Christian faith into their job, consistent with the University’s Mission Statement
23. Professionalism – Approaches students in a respectful and tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each Essential Duty and Responsibility listed above satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the Essential Duties and Responsibilities.

1. Education and Experience – A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is required. A master’s degree is preferred.  One to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience is required
2. Language Skills – Must be able to read, write and converse effectively in English in order to follow the University's Administrative Policies and safely perform the essential duties of the job. Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.  Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.  Ability to speak effectively before groups of students, fans, or employees of the University. Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches or presentations to University trustees, administration, other employees and the public
3. Math Skills – Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs
4. Reasoning Ability – Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations
5. Computer Skills – To perform this job successfully, an individual should have a good working knowledge of commonly used Internet browsers; Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel software
6. License – Must be at least 21 years of age and maintain a valid Texas driver's license to drive any vehicle, including personally owned vehicles, on behalf of the University
7. Other Required Qualifications – Must be able to travel to appropriate out of town contests and meetings
8. Physical Demands – The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the Essential Duties and Responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the Essential Duties and Responsibilities. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit and taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus
9. Work Environment – The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the Essential Duties and Responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the Essential Duties and Responsibilities. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to outside weather conditions and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals used to clean and/or renovate buildings and maintain the grounds of the University. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate

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