Graduate Assistant, Fan Experience

Event Presentation

• Oversee all aspects of game day entertainment for assigned sports, including public address announcer, emcee, DJ or music operator, band and spirit squads

• Create engaging content for the videoboard, ensuring that graphics, videos and replays align with event objectives and fan engagement goals

• Ensure proper integration of sponsor messaging and activation strategies

• Ideate and implement in-venue entertainment including contests, recognitions and interactive concourse experiences

• Prepare timing sheets and event scripts to coordinate all elements of game presentation

• Maintain a high-energy, positive atmosphere throughout events, ensuring that the entertainment aligns with the department's brand and enhances the game day experience for all attendees

Fan Experience

• Continuously optimize all areas of the fan experience on gamedays, including parking, ingress and restrooms

• Develop fan-friendly experiences that include food and beverage activations, themed promotions and enhanced service times

• Collaborate to incorporate behind-the-scenes experiences into gamedays for groups and birthday parties

• Develop and distribute post-game and/or postseason fan surveys

• Analyze results and lead occasional meetings with relevant stakeholders to address opportunities for improvement

• Manage relationships with vendors and contractors including promotional suppliers, and special effects operators to ensure items/services are delivered on-time and within budget

Game Day Execution

• Supervise the game day entertainment team including staff and student workers to ensure that all entertainment components run smoothly and according to plan

• Schedule and coordinate logistics with performers, entertainers and contractors including national anthem performers, halftime performers, face painters, and more

• Serve as event showcaller by leading PA announcer, music operator, videoboard operator, emcee, lighting, stage manager, band and spirit through script to ensure alignment amongst all groups throughout event and to adjust as needed

• Assist with management and maintenance of all gameday supplies and equipment including vehicles, t-shirt guns, signage and more.

Special Projects & Event Planning

• Plan and execute select special events for assigned sports including championship celebrations, coaches caravans, and preseason meet-and-greets

• Oversee the presentation and atmosphere of home athletic events for assigned sports, ensuring an exceptional experience for fans and student-athletes.

• Manage the planning of all items that affect fans’ experience in and around athletic venues to drive fan loyalty, retention, ticket sales and attendance.

Skills

• Ability to make decisions and manage multiple elements during high-pressure situations

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across multiple stakeholders and teams

• Creative thinking to solve problems on the fly and to identify innovative ways to entertain fans

• Strong attention to detail to ensure each element of gameday experience has been thoroughly planned and vetted

• Strong organization skills and ability manage multiple projects

Advertised Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to stand, engage in repetitive motions, walk, communicate, hear and see, including color, depth perception and clarity.

• Ability to occasionally lift 30-50 pounds.

Supervision

• Student Interns

Departmental Preferences

• 1-3 years experience with a Division 1 athletics department or professional sports organization with specialization in event presentation

• Experience working with variety of gameday stakeholders including music operators, band, spirit teams, performers and more

• Knowledge of Sound Director and other event presentation programs