Associate Athletic Director for External Operations

LSU New Orleans; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

LSU New Orleans seeks an Associate Athletic Director for External Operations to lead the department’s external functions, including marketing, communications, corporate partnerships, ticket sales, fan engagement, and community relations. This role serves on the leadership team and focuses on visibility, revenue generation, brand development, and external partnerships to support the department’s mission.

The incumbent collaborates with coaches, university partners, alumni relations, and marketing

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree preferred.
• Experience leading athletics external operations and fundraising.
• Proven ability to generate sponsorships and partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for external athletics operations and be part of the executive leadership team.
• Plan and execute marketing, communications, and donor relations strategies.
• Oversee ticket sales, fan engagement, and community relations initiatives.
• Collaborate with alumni, sponsors, and university partners to increase visibility and revenue.
• Manage events, game-day operations, and external partnerships.

Skills

Leadership

Relationship Management

Fundraising

Marketing

Communications

Revenue Generation

Strategic Thinking

Collaboration

Integrity and Accountability

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Department

Intercollegiate Athletics

Job Summary

Job Description

Associate Athletic Director for External Operations Position Summary

The Athletic Director for External Operations provides leadership and oversight for the athletic department’s external functions, including marketing, communications, corporate partnerships, ticket sales, fan engagement, and community relations. This position serves as a key member of the department’s leadership team and is responsible for advancing the department’s visibility, revenue generation, brand development, and external partnerships in support of the department’s mission and strategic goals. The Associate Athletic Director for External Operations collaborates closely with coaches, University Foundation, alumni relations, marketing teams, community stakeholders, and athletic department staff to strengthen support for athletics and enhance the overall student‑athlete experience.

Primary Responsibilities

Leadership & Administration

Provide leadership and oversight for external athletic department operations. Serve as a member of the department’s executive leadership team. Develop and implement strategies that enhance the department’s brand, visibility, and revenue opportunities. Coordinate external relations initiatives and departmental outreach efforts. Assist the Deputy Athletic Director with departmental management and strategic initiatives.

Event Management & External Relations

Assist with planning and execution of athletic events, donor functions, and special events. Coordinate hospitality and VIP experiences for donors, sponsors, and guests. Support external operations related to championships, tournaments, and major athletic events. Ensure professional representation of the athletic department at public functions.

Marketing & Communications

Collaborate with the Foundation’s Marketing Team in promoting the athletic marketing, branding, and promotional initiatives. Direct communication strategies that enhance the visibility of athletic programs. Collaborate with media relations personnel to promote student‑athletes, coaches, and teams. Manage digital/creative content strategies, social media engagement, and public relations efforts. Ensure consistent messaging and brand standards across all athletic communications and the University marketing team.

Ticket Sales & Fan Engagement

Oversee ticket sales strategies, ticket packages, and customer service initiatives. Develop programs that increase attendance and engagement. Coordinate game‑day promotions and special events. Enhance the overall fan experience through innovative marketing and outreach efforts. Monitor attendance trends and recommend strategies for growth.

Community & Alumni Relations

Serve as a primary liaison between athletics and external stakeholders. Foster relationships with alumni, boosters, community leaders, and supporters. Coordinate community outreach programs and public appearances. Promote athletic department involvement in campus and community initiatives. Strengthen alumni engagement and support for athletic programs.

Ticket Office & Tennis Center

Oversee the day‑to‑day operations of the Ticket office and Tennis Center. Facilitate season ticket packages for men and women basketball and baseball to enhance attendance and generate revenue. Create ways to increase revenue for internal and external use of the Tennis Center.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.


• Minimum of five years of responsible leadership experience in athletics and/or NAIA/NCAA administration, fundraising, marketing, communications, external relations, or a related field.


• Demonstrated experience in revenue generation, donor relations, sponsorship development, or marketing initiatives.


• Strong organizational, communication, and relationship‑building skills.


• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work collaboratively across departments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree.


• Experience in intercollegiate athletics administration.


• Knowledge of athletic fundraising and advancement practices.


• Experience with corporate sponsorships, marketing, and brand management.


• Experience with strategic planning and revenue development initiatives.

Key Performance Indicators

• Fundraising and donor engagement results.


• Revenue generation through sponsorships, ticket sales, and partnerships.


• Growth in athletic brand visibility and community engagement.


• Attendance and fan engagement metrics.


• Quality of external stakeholder relationships.


• Successful execution of marketing, fundraising, and special events.

Core Competencies

• Leadership


• Relationship Management


• Fundraising and Development


• Marketing and Brand Strategy


• Strategic Thinking


• Communication


• Revenue Generation


• Collaboration


• Integrity and Accountability

Salary Range

Commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Required Attachments

Please upload the following documents in the Resume/Cover Letter section. Detailed resume listing relevant qualifications and experience; Cover Letter indicating why you are a good fit for the position and LSU New Orleans; Names and contact information of three references; Applications that do not include the required uploaded documents may not be considered.

Posting Close Date

This position will remain open until filled. Note to Applicant: Applicants should fully describe their qualifications and experience with specific reference to each of the minimum and preferred qualifications in their cover letter. The search committee will use this information during the initial review of application materials. References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process. This position may require a criminal background check to be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire. As part of the hiring process, applicants for positions at LSU New Orleans may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform job‑related tasks.

LSU New Orleans seeks to recruit a highly productive workforce and will provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and prospective employees. Employment decisions shall be based strictly on merit and without regard to religious or political beliefs, sex, race, or any other non‑merit factor.