Deputy Athletic Director, External Relations

About Us

 

Great universities inspire the very best in us. They nurture new ideas, fresh perspectives, and creative problem-solving. They challenge students to discover their passions - and to turn those passions into thriving careers that improve our world.

Columbus State University is exactly that kind of place. With exceptional facilities, ideal class sizes, and unique field experiences, our students have room to create. Here, every faculty and staff member is part of the educational process, actively mentoring students and championing each new step in their journey.

Located just 100 miles southwest of Atlanta, CSU is part of the University System of Georgia and offers a variety of benefits to full-time benefits-eligible employees and some of our half-time (or more) employees. Benefits that may be elected could include health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, Teachers Retirement System (or Optional Retirement Plan), as well as earned vacation time, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays (if applicable). Also, our full-time employees who have been employed with us successfully for more than 6 months can be considered for the Tuition Assistance Program. Consider applying with us today!

Department Information

 

Athletics

Job Summary

View Full Description

About Us

 

Great universities inspire the very best in us. They nurture new ideas, fresh perspectives, and creative problem-solving. They challenge students to discover their passions - and to turn those passions into thriving careers that improve our world.

Columbus State University is exactly that kind of place. With exceptional facilities, ideal class sizes, and unique field experiences, our students have room to create. Here, every faculty and staff member is part of the educational process, actively mentoring students and championing each new step in their journey.

Located just 100 miles southwest of Atlanta, CSU is part of the University System of Georgia and offers a variety of benefits to full-time benefits-eligible employees and some of our half-time (or more) employees. Benefits that may be elected could include health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, Teachers Retirement System (or Optional Retirement Plan), as well as earned vacation time, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays (if applicable). Also, our full-time employees who have been employed with us successfully for more than 6 months can be considered for the Tuition Assistance Program. Consider applying with us today!

Department Information

 

Athletics

Job Summary

 

The Deputy Athletic Director for External Operations serves as a member of the Athletics senior leadership team and reports directly to the Director of Athletics. This position provides strategic leadership and oversight for all external units including marketing, communications, community engagement, fan experience, and athletic annual fundraising initiatives. The position is responsible for advancing the department's brand, strengthening relationships with alumni, fans, corporate partners, donors, and community stakeholders, and creating innovative initiatives that increase engagement, visibility, and annual financial support for athletics programs and the Cougar Club. The Deputy AD ensures all external efforts align with institutional goals, enhance game day environments, and promote a first-class experience for fans, supporters, and student-athletes. 

Primary Goals and Objectives:

• Provide strategic direction for all athletic external operations units.
• Enhance the visibility, reputation, and brand of the Athletics Department.
• Strengthen relationships with donors, alumni, corporate partners, and community supporters.
• Increase annual giving and participation in the Cougar Club and sport-specific initiatives.
• Elevate game day environments and external events to maximize fan engagement and revenue.
• Develop community outreach initiatives connecting Athletics with regional audiences.
• Ensure coordinated messaging across all external platforms.
   

Responsibilities

 

Significant Duties & Responsibilities include: External Operations Leadership - Provide oversight of marketing, communications, fan engagement, community relations, and external events staff. Develop comprehensive external strategies aligned with departmental priorities. Serve as advisor to the Athletic Director on public relations, brand positioning, and external strategy.; Marketing & Communications - Oversee integrated marketing and promotional campaigns for all sports. Direct communications, media relations, digital presence, and brand management. Ensure consistent messaging across all platforms.; Revenue Generation & Annual Giving -  Provide leadership for annual fundraising initiatives supporting athletics programs. Oversee operations and strategy of the Cougar Club, including membership growth and retention. Design campaigns and experiences that increase donor participation and contributions. Collaborate with coaches and administrators on sport-specific revenue strategies.; Relationship Development - Cultivate relationships with alumni, donors, community leaders, sponsors, and supporters. Represent Athletics at institutional and civic events. Foster a culture of hospitality and stewardship for supporters.; Game Day & Fan Experience - Provide strategic vision for game day environments across all sports. Ensure events reflect institutional excellence and enhance fan engagement. Develop concepts to increase attendance and atmosphere.; Community Engagement & Signature Events - Lead outreach initiatives connecting Athletics with the community. Oversee special programs such as youth engagement initiatives and Girls in the Game-type events. Expand partnerships with schools, businesses, and community organizations.; Strategic Planning & Assessment - Establish measurable goals and benchmarks for external units. Analyze data to guide decision-making and improve performance. Prepare reports and updates for the Athletic Director and leadership.; Administrative Leadership - Participate in departmental planning and policy development. Manage assigned budgets responsibly. Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Athletics.
 

Required Qualifications

 

Required Qualifications include: Bachelor's degree required.; Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in athletics administration, external operations, marketing, communications, development, or a closely related field.; Physical and environmental requirements are consistent with standard administrative and event-management roles and may include extended periods of sitting, standing, walking, and working during evenings, weekends, and athletic events.; Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and perform effectively in high-energy environments is required.
 

Preferred Qualifications

 

Preferred Qualifications include: Master's degree preferred.; Supervisory and budget management experience preferred.

Proposed Salary

 

The proposed annualized salary range for this position is $78,162 - 86,432 and includes full benefits.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

 

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities include: Demonstrated leadership in athletics administration or external operations.; Strong strategic planning, communication, and organizational skills.; Ability to build relationships with diverse constituencies.; Experience managing multiple functional areas.; Ability to analyze data and implement results-driven strategies.; Commitment to NCAA compliance and student-athlete success.
 

Contact Information

 

If you have any questions, please contact Justin Hay, Hiring Manager, via email at hay_justin@columbusstate.edu.

USG Core Values

 

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 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....

Institutional Values

 

• Excellence: Actively engaging outstanding methods in teaching, academic discovery, creative pursuits, student success, cultural enrichment and the overall campus community.
• Creativity: Pursuing distinction through inquiry and innovation, challenging convention and focusing on solutions.
• Engagement: Dynamic civic involvement and participation of students, faculty, staff and alumni in the university experience.
• Sustainability: Advancing fiscal responsibility, well-being, innovation, lifelong learning and environmental stewardship.
• Inclusion: Cultivating and championing a campus environment that welcomes diverse backgrounds, ideas, perspectives and practices.
• Servant Leadership: Leading through ethical empowerment and service.

Conditions of Employment

 

All selected candidates are required to submit and successfully pass a background investigation to include reference checks and verification of academic credentials (if applicable). Other additional requirements may be required based upon specific position duties: 

• A credit check completed for Positions of Trust and or approved departmental Purchase Card usage;
• Pre-employment drug testing for positions with high-risk responsibilities.
• Motor vehicle reports are required for positions that are required to drive a Columbus State University fleet vehicle or other vehicle designated as a fleet vehicle. A successful drug screening will be required as a condition of employment a randomly thereafter.
  

 *Applicants for positions of trust may be asked to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment. *

 For Faculty Hires: Final candidates will be required to provide proof of completed academic degree(s) as well as post-secondary coursework in the form of original transcript(s). Those candidates trained by a foreign institution will also be required to provide an educational/credential evaluation.

 All employees are responsible for ensuring the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of sensitive information by exercising sound judgment and adhering to cybersecurity and privacy policies during their employment and beyond. Additionally, all members of the USG community must adhere to the USG Statement of Core Values must also be aware of and comply with the Board of Regents policies on Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Equal Employment Opportunity

 

Columbus State University is proud to be an equal employment, equal access, and equal educational opportunity institution. It is the policy of our institution to recruit, hire, train, promote and educate persons without regard to race, color, national or ethnical origin, age, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status as required by applicable state and federal laws. 

Other Information

 

This is not a supervisory position.
This position does not have any financial responsibilities.
This position will not be required to drive.
This role is considered a position of trust.
This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card).

Background Check

 

• Position of Trust + Education

Special Applicant Instructions

 

Visit Columbus State University's online Careers portal to drive your career with us! The online applicant system provides you with the ability to review job opportunities and apply to those that you are interested in and feel qualified for. Each job posting has a summary description of the position and required qualifications. All job applications must be submitted through the online portal system.
 

Apply Now

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