Director of Athletic Operations & Engagement

Intercollegiate Athletics


Search  2448- Posted August 24, 2026

Emporia State University Intercollegiate Athletics is seeking an energetic and relationship-focused professional to serve as the Director of Athletic Operations & Engagement. This position provides leadership for fan engagement, community outreach, special events, game day experience initiatives, ticketing operations, and external relations activities. The Director works collaboratively with campus and community partners to enhance attendance, strengthen community connections, support revenue-generating initiatives, and promote a positive experience for student-athletes, fans, donors, and sponsors.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Lead and coordinate fan engagement, community outreach, and game day experience initiatives.
  • Develop and maintain partnerships with campus and community stakeholders to enhance support for Hornet Athletics.
  • Plan and execute special events, donor engagement activities, sponsor events, and community outreach programs.
  • Direct ticketing and customer service operations to ensure a high-quality experience for fans, donors, sponsors, and campus stakeholders.
  • Utilize ticketing software and related systems to improve operational efficiency, customer service, and event coverage.
  • Analyze attendance, engagement, and revenue metrics and recommend strategies to improve departmental outcomes.
  • Coordinate and oversee departmental events, including Hall of Honor activities, auctions, golf tournaments, Kid's Club programming, donor events, sponsor engagements, and fan experience initiatives.
  • Exercise independent judgment in planning and allocating resources to support external operations and engagement efforts.
  • Work within departmental budget allocations to implement strategic community engagement and fan experience initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Qualifications:

A successful candidate must possess a bachelor's degree in sports management, marketing, business, communications, event management, or a related field. Four years of relevant experience may be substituted for the educational requirement.

Candidates should have experience coordinating athletic events and community outreach initiatives.



Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's degree.
  • Experience working within NCAA athletics.

COMPENSATION:

$45,000 - $50,000 annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

BENEFITS:

Base pay is one component of Emporia State University’s total rewards package. We are dedicated to supporting the needs of the “whole you” with our holistic approach to employee benefits by offering comprehensive well-being benefits for you and your family that include:

  • Health Insurance
  • Free Dental insurance for employees
  • Retirement through the Kansas Board of Regents
  • Paid parental leave
  • Up to 31 days paid vacation and holiday days
  • Tuition reduction and tuition assistance
  • Dependent tuition waiver
  • For full details about our benefit plan offerings, please visit the benefits webpage.

APPLY:

Please upload a cover letter, resume, and contact information of three references online. 


Consideration of applications will begin immediately, and will continue until the position is filled.


A background check is required prior to hire.



For more information

Human Resources

humres@emporia.edu

(620) 341-5379

Emporia State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, gender, sex, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other factors which cannot be considered by law.