Assistant Athletic Director - Marketing & Game Experience (4914) Specialty Factor

Position Information

Posting Detail Information

Working Position Title Assistant Athletic Director - Marketing & Game Experience (4914) Specialty Factor Classification Marketing Associate - CUSTOM CLASSIFICATION Position Number 00004914 Open Date 07/22/2026 Close Date 07/29/2026 Priority Review Date Employee Class Staff Full-Time/Part Time Full-Time FTE 1.00 Position Status Regular FLSA Exempt Job code 5004 Union Representation Non-Union Union Code N/A Unit/Department Intercollegiate Athletics College/Unit Intercollegiate Athletics Division Div Intercollegiate Athletics Location CC 204 Link to Department Website or Custom Search Page https://niuhuskies.com/

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Overview

Northern Illinois University is a world-class, research-focused public institution that attracts students from across Illinois, the country and the world and currently serves more than 15,600 students. NIU's vision is to be an engine for innovation to advance social mobility; promote personal, professional and intellectual growth; and transform the world through research, artistry, teaching and outreach.

Our mission is to empower students through educational excellence and experiential learning as we pursue knowledge, share our research and artistry, and engage communities for the benefit of the region, state, nation and world. Centrally located in DeKalb, Northern Illinois University is 30 miles west of Aurora, 65 miles west of Chicago, 36 miles west of Naperville, and 45 miles southeast of Rockford.

Position Summary

NIU Athletics is accepting applications for the position of Assistant Athletic Director/Marketing and Game Experience. This is a full-time, 12-month position with benefits.

Reporting directly to the Associate Athletic Director/Strategic Communications and Marketing, this position is a vital role that drives the department's mission to excel in all forms of fan engagement by spearheading innovative marketing, broadcasting, and multimedia strategies. This position will be responsible for elevating visibility, engagement, and fan experience through cutting-edge multimedia content, strategies and broadcasting excellence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Marketing & Sales

• Develop and implement a comprehensive marketing and brand enhancement strategy; Ensure that the strategy reflects the department's values and vision for enhancing its digital presence
• Develop, design, execute and assess strategic marketing plans with goal of increasing revenue generation, fan engagement and community exposure, with particular focus on revenue-generating sports of football, basketball (men's and women's) and volleyball
• Oversee the creation of engaging multimedia content, including videos, podcasts, and other digital materials
• Determine the most effective channels and platforms for distributing multimedia content; Optimize the use of the department's website, social media, email campaigns, and other digital outlets to maximize reach and engagement
• Develop and implement in collaboration with the Sr. Associate Athletic Director/Collegiate Advancement & External Affairs communication plans to effectively convey values and messaging to the target audience
• Responsible for marketing plans, game scripts, and gameday event execution for specific sports as assigned by Sr. Associate AD/Collegiate Advancement & External Affairs

Internal/External Liaison

• Interact and collaborate closely with external units to carry out direct sales and attendance initiatives at sporting events; Assists with coordinating with external relations on collateral materials to ensure brand integrity
• Grow fan support and departmental revenues by working closely with other internal Athletic and College departments
• Develop and implement overall athletic department branding campaign to include advertising and promotional programs
• Research and direct initiatives that allow the department to better understand its consumer base

Supervisory

• Hire, train, evaluate, and oversee all full-time staff within the unit including scheduling, game script review, events calendar, and day-to-day functions of the unit
• Oversee all fiscal cost centers assigned to the unit working closely with the Sr. Associate Athletic Director/External Affairs and the Executive Associate Athletic Director/HR and Finance Administration for budget control

Administration

• Attend Department meetings including Department Heads, Town Hall, individual marketing meetings, as required and/or requested
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Minimum Required Qualifications (Civil Service)

Please see required Specialty Factor below.

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, business administration, communications, public relations, or a closely related field.
• One (1) year (12 months) of professional work experience in marketing, public relations, communications, brand management, or a related professional area.
• Based on position requirements, additional education, training, and/or work experience in the area of specialization inherent to the position, may be required.

Note: Master's Degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year (12 months) of work experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) (Civil Service)

• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Knowledge of recruitment practices.
• Knowledge of social media analytics, social media publishing tools, web analytics, and tracking technologies.
• Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
• Knowledge of media production, including social media platforms and efficiency of use, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, presentation software, spreadsheet software, video creation and editing software, web page creation and editing software, and analytical or scientific software.
• Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems.
• Skill in producing live social media coverage.
• Skill in verbal and written communication.
• Skill in identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Skill in time management, organizing work assignments, and responding quickly and effectively to challenges.
• Ability to develop and execute marketing, and strategic communications plans to effect outcomes.

Specialty Factors (Civil Service)

• Minimum of three (3) years of professional work experience in marketing, public relations, communications, brand management, or a related professional area.

Preferred Qualifications (Civil Service)

• Master's degree.
• Demonstrated participation with outside community organizations.
• Demonstrated experience with fan engagement and game scripting.
• Familiarity with video board use/creativity.
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suites or other graphic design programs.

Minimum Required Qualifications (SPS)

N/A

Additional Requirements (SPS)

N/A

Preferred Qualifications (SPS)

N/A

Physical demands/requirements

• Sitting for extended periods of time
• Using computer/electronic equipment for extended periods of time
• Must be available to work evenings & weekends when necessary
• Occasional lifting and moving items weighing up to 25 lbs.

Appointment and Compensation Details

Appointment and Compensation Details

Anticipated Appointment Start Date 8/16/2026 Anticipated Appointment End Date Percent of Staff Year 1.00 Standard Hours Per Week 37.50 Working Hours varies; nights/days/weekends Salary $50,000.16/Annually; NIU offers a robust benefits package. Hourly or Semi-monthly Pay Rate/Range $2,083.34/Semi-monthly Earn Type Salary

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

Application Procedures:

• Fully complete the Education and Work History sections of the application. Be specific on your entire work history, including employment dates and duties for all positions held. Applicable part-time work experience will be considered toward qualifying for this position; however, it will be converted to a full-time equivalency to determine combined length of experience. Important: Please upload any unofficial transcript(s) and/or documentation that verifies any education, experience, and/or training you have received.

• If eligible for Veteran's Preference Points, DD214/DD215/NGB22/DD256 paperwork reflecting an Honorable Discharge MUST be uploaded to this application to receive the maximum eligible points on the Civil Service examination.

• After the posting has closed, your submission will be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the classification, including any specialty factors associated with this position. If you meet the minimum required qualifications for this position, you will receive a score based on your education and experience, and your name will be placed on the active employment register.

• Please monitor your e-mail for further information regarding your application. Emails will be generated from jobs@niu.edu and CivilServiceTesting@niu.edu. Please add these emails to your address book to ensure timely delivery of any future communication.

• Illinois residency required within 180 days of the hire date.

Credentials Assessment Examination:

• The examination for this position is a Credentials Assessment and is based on your application materials as submitted for this posting. A Credential Assessment is a rating by the Human Resources Office of an applicant's/employee's education, experience, and special credentials/qualifications (licenses, etc.). Applicants are required to upload documentation to verify the minimum qualifications for this position has been met.
• Required documentation noted in the posting, such as a driver's license, licensures, or certifications MUST be uploaded with your application materials.
• After assessment of all qualified applicants has been completed for this position, the names with the top three (3) scores will be referred to the hiring department for interview.

Additional Details:

• Click on Marketing Associate for more information including salary ranges, typical duties, minimum acceptable qualifications, and testing requirements.

• Applicants who may assume they do not meet the exact minimum qualifications are still invited to apply. Within the application documents, applicants should be sure to explain how their credentials and related qualifications address the requested minimum requirements.

• Please click on Human Resource Services - Benefits for detailed information about Northern Illinois University's benefits package.

• Employment is contingent upon your passing a criminal background investigation. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

Special Instructions Quick Link to Applicant https://employment.niu.edu/postings/94148 Is Background Check Required? Yes EEO Statement Summary

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability (physical and mental), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (identity and expression), political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator

Health Services Building Room 230

TitleIXCoordinator@niu.edu

815-753-5560

Visa Policy

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

ADA Accommodation

NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person's disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form. For further assistance, please contact the office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity (AAEO) at ada@niu.edu.

Safety Information

NIU provides annual reports on campus security and fire safety.

Read the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.

Contact the Ethics and Compliance Office at 815-753-9364 for a hard copy.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter
• Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire)
• List of at least 3 Professional References

Optional Documents

• Military Discharge Documents ONLY (DD214/DD215/NGB22/DD256)
• Other

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • What is the highest level of education attained?

• GED

• High School Diploma

• Associates Degree

• Bachelors Degree

• Masters Degree

• PHD

• • Have you attached all transcripts to support the degrees you are submitting for consideration?

• Yes

• No

• • How many years of experience do you have in this type of position?

• 0-1

• 1-3

• 3-5

• 5-7

• 7+

• • Please provide the name of the employer and the dates of employment where you gained this experience. Please note that this information must be verified on an NIU application and/or résumé. ("See Résumé" is not an acceptable response.)

(Open Ended Question)

• • If applicable, have you attached a copy of your DD214, DD215, NGB22, or DD256 for consideration of Veterans Preference Points? The copy submitted should reflect the status of discharge in order to be considered.
• Yes
• No
• Not Applicable