Senior Associate Athletic Director of External Affairs

California State University, Chico; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 112,000 - 163,000; Full time

Job summary

Sacramento State Athletics is seeking a Senior Associate Athletic Director of External Affairs to lead external operations, including ticketing, marketing, partnerships, fan engagement, and donor relations, in a highly visible NCAA Division I environment.

Reporting to the Director of Athletics, this role will align external strategies with institutional priorities, drive revenue growth, and strengthen community partnerships while ensuring compliance with NCAA and conference rules.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in intercollegiate athletics or external relations
• Demonstrated experience overseeing multiple revenue-generating functions (ticketing, marketing, partnerships, development)
• Experience supervising professional staff and managing through subordinate leadership structures

Responsibilities

• Provide executive-level leadership and strategic oversight of external affairs operations
• Lead integration of ticketing, marketing, donor engagement, and partnerships into a cohesive model
• Drive attendance, fan and donor engagement, and long-term financial sustainability for Sacramento State Athletics
• Collaborate with campus leadership, corporate partners, donors, alumni, and the broader community

Skills

Leadership experience

External relations

Revenue generation

Staff supervision

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Senior Associate Athletic Director of External Affairs

Job no: 562888
Work type: Management (MPP)
Location: Sacramento
Categories: MPP, Athletics, At-Will, Full Time, On-site (work in-person at business location)

Classification Title: Administrator III

Priority Application Date (Posting will remain open until filled):Sunday, November 22nd @ 11:55pm PT

Hiring Preference
Not Applicable

Position Summary

The Senior Associate Athletic Director of External Affairs serves as a senior leader within the Athletics Department and is responsible for the strategic leadership, integration, and performance of all external operations, including ticket sales and service, marketing and branding, corporate partnerships, fan engagement, and athletics advancement collaboration. The position provides executive oversight of multiple revenue-generating units and establishes a unified external affairs strategy designed to increase revenue, expand audience engagement, and elevate the visibility and reputation of Sacramento State Athletics.

Reporting directly to the Director of Athletics, the incumbent leads through subordinate managers to set direction, establish performance expectations, and ensure accountability across all external units. This role is responsible for aligning ticketing, marketing, donor engagement, and partnership efforts into a cohesive model that drives attendance, strengthens the fan and donor experience, and supports long‑term financial sustainability.

The position operates in a highly visible NCAA Division I environment and serves as a key representative of the Athletics Department with campus leadership, corporate partners, donors, alumni, and the broader community. The incumbent ensures that all external strategies and initiatives align with institutional priorities, brand standards, and NCAA and conference regulations while supporting the overall mission and competitive success of Sacramento State Athletics.

Sacramento State Athletics is seeking an innovative, relationship‑driven, and results‑oriented leader to serve as Senior Associate Athletic Director of External Affairs. Reporting directly to the Director of Athletics, this position will provide strategic leadership for ticketing, marketing, branding, fan engagement, corporate partnerships, donor engagement, advancement collaboration, and NIL initiatives.

The successful candidate will lead through subordinate managers, develop integrated strategies to grow revenue and engagement, elevate the Hornet brand, strengthen campus and community partnerships, and support the long‑term success of Sacramento State Athletics. If you are a strategic and collaborative leader ready to shape the next era of Hornet Athletics, we invite you to apply.

FLSA:Exempt (Not eligible for overtime)

Anticipated Hiring Range:$10,000.00 per month -$14,584.00 per monthplus bonus incentives*

CSU Classification Salary Range: $6,891.00 per month -$22,119.00 per month

Salary placement will be determined based on relevant qualifications and professional experience.

*Available bonus incentives will be discussed with selected candidates during the interview process.

Work Hours: Monday through Friday with the frequent need to work evenings and weekends to meet operational needs.

Department Information

The program of Intercollegiate Athletics is organized and conducted as an integral part of the total educational program of the University. Academic excellence and athletic accomplishments go hand in hand at Sacramento State. There are three separate and unique missions in this program: to contribute to the educational objectives of the University; to provide a healthy, competitive athletic experience to individual student‑athletes; to serve as a public relations vehicle within the community.

The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics offers both academic courses and an intercollegiate athletics program. Academic courses offer the opportunity for individuals to gain knowledge and understanding in a particular area of expertise related to intercollegiate athletics.

Sacramento State has made a strong commitment to the achievement of national excellence at the NCAA Division I level. It also is committed to maintaining an equitable program between men and women.

Intercollegiate Athletics are members of the Big West, Western Athletic Conference, Mid‑Western Athletic Conference, Mountain Pacific Sports Federation and American Athletic Conferences. http://hornetsports.com/landing/index

Required Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education or equivalent work experience.

Experience:

• Five (5) to seven (7) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in intercollegiate athletics, external relations, revenue generation, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience overseeing multiple revenue‑generating functions, including ticketing, marketing, corporate partnerships, and/or development
• Experience supervising professional staff and managing through subordinate leadership structures, including setting expectations and driving accountabilities

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to provide executive‑level leadership and strategic oversight of integrated external affairs operations
• Knowledge of comprehensive revenue generation models, including ticketing, marketing, partnerships, and donor engagement