Director of Marketing and Fan Engagement

The Director of Marketing and Fan Engagement plays a key leadership role in executing strategic marketing initiatives designed to enhance brand awareness, increase game attendance, and drive revenue across all Austin Peay State University athletic programs. This position is responsible for the development and implementation of comprehensive marketing plans, in-game experiences, and fan engagement strategies. The Director will collaborate across departments to ensure a cohesive approach to digital media, creative services, and promotional efforts.

Austin Peay State University is a four-year public, doctoral-level university, with six colleges and four Chairs of Excellence. The University has an enrollment of over 10,000 students and is located in Clarksville, Tennessee, a community of an estimated 180,000 people located approximately 40 miles northwest of Nashville, TN.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and execute integrated marketing and promotional plans for all sports to elevate visibility, fan engagement, and revenue.

• Collaborate on digital media and creative service initiatives, contributing to content development and strategic storytelling.

• Plan and implement game day fan experiences including promotional themes, giveaways, and interactive elements.

• Oversee all aspects of in-game presentation, including scripting, sponsor activations, entertainment, music, video board elements, and spirit squads.

• Support digital and traditional marketing campaigns for ticket sales, including advertising strategies across social media, web, radio, and print.

• Manage the production and distribution of promotional materials such as schedule cards, posters, and ads.

• Drive campus engagement initiatives to boost student, faculty, and staff attendance and school spirit.

• Direct the operation, recruitment, and activation of fan clubs, including youth and student organizations.

• Assist in sponsorship fulfillment and partner activation efforts during athletic events.

• Recruit, train, and supervise marketing interns and game day staff.

• Serve as the liaison between spirit programs including cheer, dance, and the mascot; coordinate with the football marching band and basketball pep band for game day execution.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills.

• Creative thinker with the ability to develop engaging promotional concepts.

• Collaborative mindset and ability to work across multiple departments and stakeholders.

• Comfortable working in fast-paced, dynamic environments including evenings and weekends.

Physical Requirements

• Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, sports management, communications, or a related field.

• Proven knowledge of digital and social media strategy in a sports or entertainment environment.

• Minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience in athletics marketing, fan engagement, digital media, and/or game operations.