About Rice: 

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally, and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lecture series, courses, and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.  

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff, and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice’s culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name — RICE — Responsibility, Integrity, Community, and Excellence. 

Position Summary

The associate athletic director of external relations will play an integral role in driving revenue, attendance, and brand awareness for the Department of Athletics. Under the guidance of the deputy athletics director for external affairs, this role is responsible for creating a Rice Athletics marketing (including creative, video, and digital media) and communications strategy and leading a team to execute against this plan.   

This position has direct oversight of communications, marketing, creative services, and broadcast services.  Along with the marketing, branding, ticket sales, sponsorship and communication staff, this individual will be responsible for increasing attendance and revenue, creating a positive and exciting game day atmosphere, increasing fan engagement and furthering the brand of Rice Athletics.   

Additionally, the associate athletic director of external relations will oversee the video services team to develop new ways to entertain fans and promote brand consistency through video and other mediums as well as oversee the Athletic Department’s licensing program and act as liaison for the Athletic Department with the Marching Owls Band (MOB) and spirit squads. Lastly, this position will serve as an on-campus and community partner to ensure that Rice Athletics is a highly visible assets to our local community.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree Three years of experience in the sports marketing field with experience developing marketing plans to drive attendance.

Skills Required

Strong verbal and written communication skills including presentation skills  Good organization and creativity skills  Good analytical problem-solving skills  Video creation and editing capabilities

Essential Functions

Develops and manages the communication and brand strategy for Rice Athletics Recommends, manages, and executes integrated marketing plans / programs and strategies to meet business objectives  Guides event planning and execution  Manages vendors on specific projects  Manages program budget, goals, and objectives in alignment with organizational goals Manages market research and analysis used to make informed decisions regarding strategic marketing direction, product segmentation and customer targeting  Assesses market opportunities and tracks market trends  Recommends marketing improvements based on findings  Writes, designs, and coordinates the production of communication and marketing materials  Performs all other duties as assigned

Preferred qualifications

Master’s Degree

 Working Conditions

 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.   Nights and weekends as event schedules require. Some travel required Ability to travel    Ability to work long periods of time at a desk (up to eight hours)    Ability to work at events outdoors during varying weather conditions

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits-overview

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity at all levels. It considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.