Senior Associate or Associate Director of Athletics, Commercial Operations

• 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).

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.