Associate Director of Athletics, Commercial Operations

J  o  b    D  e  s  c  r  i  p  t  i  o  n

Job Information:

Title:

Associate Director of Athletics, Commercial Operations

Classification Title:

Academic Professional

Job Location or Region:

Urbana-Champaign - 133

Job Description Reason:

Vacancy

Appointment Type:

Permanent

Position Number:

UB2098

Position Class Code:

NEBAA-ASSOC DIR  ATHRC

Employee Group:

B - Academic Professionals

COA:

1 - Urbana

Organization Code:

336000

Organization Name:

Intercollegiate Athletics

College/Administrative Unit:

NU-Div Intercollegiate Athletics

HR Information:

Full Time Equivalent (FTE):

1

Is this position Security Sensitive?

Is this a Protection of Minors position?

Purchasing Authority of $5,000 or more?

Supervisory Authority of 20 or more?

Organizational Relationship:

Chancellor

Director of Intercollegiate Athletics

Executive Senior Associate Director of Athletics, Chief Commercial Officer

Associate/ Senior Associate Director of Athletics, Commercial Operations

Various Academic Professional and Civils Service Employees

PRIMARY POSITION FUNCTION/SUMMARY

The Associate Athletics Director for Commercial Operations plays a crucial role in driving financial success and sustainability within the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics. This position is responsible for leading and overseeing revenue-generating initiatives, including the I FUND, premium seating, and the outbound ticket sales and revenue generation. The ideal candidate will possess a strategic mindset, strong leadership and management skills, and a proven track record in revenue generation within the collegiate athletics landscape.

•

Senior Staff Strategic Leadership

• Be an active member on DIA’s Senior Leadership Staff, engaging in critical group think, committee work, and completing special projects;

• Serve as a senior advisor to the executive staff on all commercial operations;

• Through tireless collaboration, create a unified environment encompassing all DIA units to appropriately demonstrate DIA’s commitment to a life changing student-athlete experience;

• Demands a championship mindset from staff focused on integrity, individual contribution and accountability, collaboration, and competitive urgency; and

• Serves as a visible, positive ambassador for University of Illinois and DIA in all public-facing responsibilities, creating stronger partnerships with our various communities (local, regional, state, campus, and industry-specific).

20%

•

I FUND

• Develop and implement comprehensive annual giving strategies to increase donor participation and support for the athletics department;

• Cultivate and steward relationships with donors, alumni, and other stakeholders to maximize fundraising opportunities; and

• Collaborate with Office of Athletics Development staff to identify and prioritize prospects for major gifts.

20%

•

Premium Seating

• Manage premium seating programs, including luxury suites, club seats, and premium hospitality areas, to maximize revenue generation;

• Develop pricing strategies, premium seating packages, and amenities to enhance the fan experience and drive sales; and

• Work closely with marketing, communications, and Oak View Group to promote premium seating opportunities and meet sales targets.

20%

•

Outbound Engagement

• Lead outbound engagement efforts to increase fan engagement, ticket sales, and attendance at athletic events. Play a key role in newly created Illini ERA campaign;

• Develop and execute targeted sales to attract new fans and retain existing ones; and

• Utilize data analytics and market research to identify trends, preferences, and opportunities for engagement and revenue growth.

20%

•

Financial Management

• Develop and manage annual budgets for revenue-generating areas, ensuring alignment with overall departmental goals and objectives;

• Monitor and analyze financial performance metrics, revenue trends, and expenses to identify areas for improvement and optimization; and

• Provide regular reports and updates to senior leadership on revenue generation initiatives, progress, and outcomes.

20%

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required in sports management, business administration, marketing, or related field.

• Minimum of 4 years of progressive experience in athletics fundraising, revenue generation, or related field, preferably within a collegiate athletics environment.

Specialty Factors:

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree preferred, in sports management, business administration, marketing, or related field.

• Substantial experience in revenue generating experience at the Power 5 level; and

• Experience managing and leading a 10 person staff at the power 5 or group of 5 level focused on revenue generation.

Maintain knowledge of, and compliance with, specific NCAA, Big Ten Conference, and institution rules that relate to this position is required.

Championship Mindset and Expectations:

• Displays professionalism and integrity. Understands and displays professionalism that builds and maintains trust between student-athletes and fellow DIA staff;

• Prioritizes and contributes to the life changing student-athlete experience;

• Adheres to University, DIA, Big Ten, and NCAA rules and regulations;

• Commitment to the Athletics Department and University’s mission and values;

• Flexible to various scheduling to include nights, weekend work and some holidays; and

• Maintain professional competency and skills required for professional practice.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS

Providing this information helps ensure that the essential functions of the position are fully documented for the benefit of employees, applicants, and the university.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions Comments:

Manager Approval

Manager Approver

Moreland, Tom

Date Approved/Finalized

6/10/2024