Associate/Assistant Director of Athletics for Revenue Innovation & Advancement

Department

Office of Athletics

Job Posting Title

Associate/Assistant Director of Athletics for Revenue Innovation & Advancement

Job Description

The Associate/Assistant Athletic Director for Revenue Innovation & Advancement is a vital member of the Athletic Department’s senior leadership team, providing strategic leadership across all areas of revenue generation, community relations, marketing and branding, and alumni, sponsor, and donor engagement. This position has direct oversight of the development, execution, and tracking of the department’s external development and revenue strategies that support the athletic department’s mission and long-term goals. The role also carries defined authority in the absence of the Director of Athletics.

This position is responsible for leading all external relations functions within a modern, forward-thinking NCAA Division II athletic department positioned for national prominence. Responsibilities include managing forward-facing initiatives, making independent strategic decisions, identifying and implementing new revenue strategies, and vertically building innovative external programs. The role utilizes a multidimensional approach to elevating external relations and advancing revenue growth. The Associate/Assistant Director works collaboratively with senior leadership to identify strategic priorities, align external initiatives with the department’s vision, report on revenue trends and outcomes, and support and supervise sport-specific external and revenue-related strategies. Additional responsibilities include conducting annual evaluations of all revenue sources, analyzing trends, and identifying efficient and fiscally sound systems for each unit.

As the leader of the external operations unit, the Associate/Assistant Director provides vision, planning, and supervision across sponsorships, auxiliary revenue, community relations, marketing and brand management, creative and strategic communications, promotions, and special events. The position works in close collaboration with the University Foundation on donor and alumni relations and serves as a key liaison between Athletics and various internal and external partners, including University Marketing, the Chief Communications Officer, Student Affairs, Tiger Media Network, sponsors, and community organizations.

The Associate/Assistant Director is responsible for developing and guiding a comprehensive revenue generation and engagement strategy that unites departmental units and campus partners to create a seamless and integrated approach to marketing, branding, engagement, and development. The individual will support the needs of specific sport programs to enhance the overall student-athlete experience and serves as a contributing member of the sport supervision team, with responsibilities aligned to the individual's experience and background.

Department

Office of Athletics

Job Posting Title

Associate/Assistant Director of Athletics for Revenue Innovation & Advancement

Job Description

The Associate/Assistant Athletic Director for Revenue Innovation & Advancement is a vital member of the Athletic Department’s senior leadership team, providing strategic leadership across all areas of revenue generation, community relations, marketing and branding, and alumni, sponsor, and donor engagement. This position has direct oversight of the development, execution, and tracking of the department’s external development and revenue strategies that support the athletic department’s mission and long-term goals. The role also carries defined authority in the absence of the Director of Athletics.

This position is responsible for leading all external relations functions within a modern, forward-thinking NCAA Division II athletic department positioned for national prominence. Responsibilities include managing forward-facing initiatives, making independent strategic decisions, identifying and implementing new revenue strategies, and vertically building innovative external programs. The role utilizes a multidimensional approach to elevating external relations and advancing revenue growth. The Associate/Assistant Director works collaboratively with senior leadership to identify strategic priorities, align external initiatives with the department’s vision, report on revenue trends and outcomes, and support and supervise sport-specific external and revenue-related strategies. Additional responsibilities include conducting annual evaluations of all revenue sources, analyzing trends, and identifying efficient and fiscally sound systems for each unit.

As the leader of the external operations unit, the Associate/Assistant Director provides vision, planning, and supervision across sponsorships, auxiliary revenue, community relations, marketing and brand management, creative and strategic communications, promotions, and special events. The position works in close collaboration with the University Foundation on donor and alumni relations and serves as a key liaison between Athletics and various internal and external partners, including University Marketing, the Chief Communications Officer, Student Affairs, Tiger Media Network, sponsors, and community organizations.

The Associate/Assistant Director is responsible for developing and guiding a comprehensive revenue generation and engagement strategy that unites departmental units and campus partners to create a seamless and integrated approach to marketing, branding, engagement, and development. The individual will support the needs of specific sport programs to enhance the overall student-athlete experience and serves as a contributing member of the sport supervision team, with responsibilities aligned to the individual's experience and background.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead external operations and serve as a key member of the Athletic Department’s senior leadership team.

• Provide oversight and strategic vision for vertically building all revenue-generating initiatives, including sponsorships, auxiliary revenue, and emerging revenue opportunities.

• Develop and execute a comprehensive external development and revenue strategy aligned with departmental goals.

• Evaluate revenue sources annually, analyze trends, and implement fiscally efficient systems.

• Provide a strategic vision and support for marketing, branding, community relations, promotions, and strategic communications.

• Collaborate with the University Foundation on donor and alumni engagement strategies.

• Strengthen and integrate external engagement efforts across campus and community partners.

• Oversee forward-facing initiatives that elevate the department’s visibility, brand presence, and community impact.

• Provide sport supervision responsibilities based on experience and departmental needs.

• Serve as a liaison with key internal and external partners, including the University’s Foundation, University Marketing, Student Affairs, sponsors, donors, alumni, and community partners.

• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Dedication to ongoing learning and professional development, demonstrating curiosity, a growth mentality, and the pursuit of knowledge via certifications, continuous education, and professional affiliations.  Possess a creative mindset and entrepreneurial approach to developing new initiatives and elevating existing programs.  Proven ability in revenue development and fiscal stewardship.  Ability to cultivate and sustain strong relationships with campus leaders, community partners, donors, and external stakeholders.   Demonstrated leadership and team management.  Strong organizational and project management skills.   Familiarity with CRM systems, revenue tracking tools, and strategies.  High emotional intelligence and relationship acumen.  Ability to communicate vision and inspire stakeholders.  Brand awareness, storytelling capability, and creativity.  Proven ability and experience to develop, implement, and assess strategic revenue or external engagement initiatives and experience managing partnerships (corporate, community, donor, or sponsor).  Adaptability, resilience, and problem-solving ability in a fast-paced environment.   Service-minded professional who genuinely enjoys working in college athletics and supporting coaches and student-athletes.  Demonstrates character, integrity, accountability, and competitive drive.  Passionate about contributing to a first-in-class, championship-level program built on integrity, teamwork, and excellence. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree in sport management, business, marketing, communications, advancement, or related field.  Master’s degree in relevant field preferred.  Progressive experience in athletics external operations, revenue generation, development, marketing, or a closely related field.  Experience in collegiate athletics in external operations, marketing, development, or advancement.  Experience working with or in partnership with a university foundation.  Demonstrated success in revenue generation, including sponsorships, fundraising, premium experiences, auxiliary income, or brand-driven initiatives.  Experience leading marketing, branding, or creative service efforts with measurable outcomes.  Supervisory experience and a track record of mentoring high-performing teams are strongly preferred.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES
Conducted in a fast-paced office and athletic facility setting. 
 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
General office conditions.   General athletic event environments that occur both indoors and outdoors in variable conditions.  In addition, requires some travel and working in the community in various settings. 

Benefits : To review our competitive benefit package, please visit FHSU Benefits.

Application Deadline :  Review of applications will begin January 8, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.

Application Process : To apply for this position, please visit FHSU Careers. Only electronic applications submitted through the webpage will be accepted.

Required Application Documents :  Applicants must submit letter of application addressing the qualifications listed above, a current resume, and the names and contact information of three references. 

Applicant documents must be submitted in one PDF.

Community of Hays

FHSU is located in Hays, a vibrant college town of approximately 20,000, located halfway between Kansas City and Denver on Interstate 70. Hays is the regional center for education, health care, professional services, shopping, culture, and recreation for the western half of Kansas. The community boasts excellent recreational programs and facilities, including the comprehensive Center for Health Improvement, Hays Aquatic Park, Smoky Hill Country Club, Hays Municipal Golf Course, and extensive walking, running, and biking trails. Hays is within 45 minutes of two large lakes that offer great opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping. The Hays Municipal Airport provides connecting service to Denver with several flights daily. The Hays community is home to excellent Pre-K and K-12, public and private schools. With over 60 restaurants, major retail outlets, a low unemployment rate, and very short commute times, the city provides a safe, welcoming, low-cost, high-quality living environment for the residents who call "Hays, America" home.

Notice of Non-discrimination – Fort Hays State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, religion, national origin, color, age, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability or veteran status.

Background Check: Final candidate will have consented to and successfully completed a criminal background check.

Notice to KPERS retirees applying for a position: Recent legislation changes working-after-retirement rules for both you and your employer if you go back to work for a KPERS employer. Please contact your KPERS representative or www.kpers.org for further information on how this might affect you.

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