Senior Associate Athletics Director, External Relations

University of California, Riverside; California (MO); On-site; USD 103,100 - 196,300; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits overview available

Job summary

The University of California, Riverside is seeking a Senior Associate Athletics Director to provide strategic leadership for external relations. This role oversees marketing, communications, and ticketing to increase revenue and engagement across all sports programs.

Qualified candidates will possess strong leadership and interpersonal skills, alongside a Bachelor's degree and 8–13 years of experience. The position is essential for enhancing the visibility and financial sustainability of Highlander Athletics.

Qualifications

• 8–13 years of related experience.
• Previous supervisory/managerial experience.
• Must have current work authorization (UC Riverside does not sponsor visas).

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all external-facing functions including marketing, communications, digital strategy, and ticketing.
• Serve as the primary liaison for multimedia rights, campus partners, and corporate sponsors.
• Align cross-functional teams to enhance visibility and financial sustainability.

Skills

Leadership abilities

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving

Project management

Fundraising knowledge

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related area

Master’s degree in a related area (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe Creative Suite

Video editing software

Job description

Position Overview

Senior Associate Athletics Director, External Relations, provides strategic leadership and executive oversight for all external‑facing functions of UC Riverside Intercollegiate Athletics. The position directs marketing, communications, digital strategy, fan experience, broadcasting, and ticketing to drive revenue, boost attendance, and elevate Highlander Athletics. Serving as a key department ambassador and the primary liaison for multimedia rights, campus partners, and corporate sponsors, the Senior Associate Athletic Director aligns cross‑functional teams to enhance the visibility, engagement, and financial sustainability of all 17 sports programs. Salary range: $103,100–$196,300 annually (expected pay up to $173,000).

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all external‑facing functions including marketing, communications, digital strategy, fan experience, broadcasting, and ticketing.
• Drive revenue generation and increase attendance through strategic initiatives.
• Serve as the primary liaison for multimedia rights, campus partners, and corporate sponsors.
• Align and coordinate cross‑functional teams to enhance visibility, engagement, and financial sustainability of all 17 sports programs.
• Develop and execute department strategies, policies, and programs.
• Manage human, financial, and physical resources with a high degree of autonomy.
• Assess risks and establish safeguards to protect organizational assets.
• Evaluate and report on program objectives, ensuring operational success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience/training with a college‑level program.
• Master’s degree in a related area (preferred).
• 8–13 years of related experience.
• Previous supervisory/managerial experience.
• Must have current work authorization; UC Riverside does not sponsor employment visas.

Minimum Requirements

• Strong leadership abilities and interpersonal skills to work effectively with a diverse client and peer group.
• Ability to multi‑task effectively; demonstrates sound judgment and decision‑making; is an effective problem solver and effectively communicates verbally and in writing.
• Advanced knowledge of the intercollegiate athletics function.
• Must maintain current knowledge of applicable rules and standards of the affiliated athletic conference, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) or National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), as well as other associations and agencies to which the campus adheres, and, at all times avoid any and all violations of these rules and standards.
• Ability to foster positive relationships and create partnerships with a wide range of constituent groups; plan, develop, and coordinate multiple projects; work in a fast‑paced environment, multitask, strong attention to detail and keep specific timeliness; and communicate and adhere to University, Big West Conference and NCAA policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
• Working marketing and sales knowledge.
• Interpersonal communication skills to effectively deal with all levels of the organization and external constituencies.
• Working knowledge of fundraising, donor and public relations principles, concepts, procedures and techniques, including identification, cultivation, and knowledge of solicitation strategies.
• Demonstrated track record of creating remarkable customer service experiences.
• Skills to implement and execute programs including skills to achieve predetermined goals and objectives within budget and time constraints.
• Good written, oral and interpersonal communication skills and political acumen to establish and maintain good working relationships within all organizational levels and outside constituencies.
• Project management, critical thinking, problem‑solving and analytical skills, Strong organizational skills.
• Skills to meet predetermined goals and objectives, including securing gifts.
• Basic knowledge of applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, etc.
• Leadership/management skills, including skills to lead, direct, mentor, evaluate and motivate staff.
• Skills to analyze evaluate and improve programs/services.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of the campus and/or medical center, including its achievements, mission, goals, vision, objectives and infrastructure.
• Working knowledge of order entry methods and techniques and related product knowledge.
• Significant knowledge of Microsoft Office. Extensive experience with Adobe Creative Suite and social media platforms outside of personal use.
• Experience with video editing software.

Employee Benefits

Benefits overview available.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under state or federal law. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti‑discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.