Mission

We are a community committed to preparing students to be educated and enlightened citizens who lead productive and meaningful lives.

Vision

To be the national model for the engaged university: engaged with ideas and the world.

Who We Are
 
Located in the heart of Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the city of Harrisonburg is approximately 120 miles from Washington, D.C. and Richmond, VA. With a population of just over 53,000, Harrisonburg is one of the most diverse communities in the Commonwealth of Virginia. JMU is a selective, public institution with a growing national reputation for offering experiences that lead to an outstanding education and inclusive environment for students, faculty and staff. The student body includes approximately 20,000 undergraduate and 1,900 graduate students, with over 1,000 full-time instructional faculty.

JMU offers thriving programs in the liberal arts, science and technology, and professional disciplines at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels. The university is committed to expanding diversity, fostering equity and inclusion, and supporting superlative teaching and scholarship. JMU has achieved national recognition for the high quality of its academic programs, focus on maintaining strong student/faculty interaction, and innovative faculty research.

 James Madison University is accepting applications for a Director of Fan Engagement. This position reports directly to the Assistant Athletic Director for Creative Services and Fan Engagement and will be responsible for overall fan engagement including game day programming and promotional activities. The successful candidate will be expected to maintain a high level of communication, outstanding interpersonal skills and professionalism as a member of the JMU Athletics staff. This position is a full-time, 12-month position with a full comprehensive benefits package. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

•  Develop and implement fan engagement outreach plans for JMU Athletics sport programs with an emphasis on the football. This includes but is not limited to both game-day/event programming and promotions as well as strategic campaigns to involve fans and community, which should result in higher attendance, increased ticket sales and revenues and overall fan engagement. Will serve as the primary contact for the football program and other Olympic sports as assigned. 
• Oversee the production of promotional and game day collateral materials in a time-sensitive manner. This includes both physical and digital elements with a focus on maintaining and enhancing the JMU brand and core values. 
• Supervise all in-game and special-event promotions including design, logistics, implementation and execution of outreach plans. These plans should engage fans that will result in increased attendance and ticket revenue. 
• Responsible for overall email marketing plan and execution for promotion of plans and events on social media. Will also be the main contact with Paciolian for digital advertising plans related to fan engagement. 
• Responsible for student outreach efforts – in conjunction with other members of the Creative Services and Fan Engagement staff – to drive participation and attendance at JMU Athletic events. This will include a full digital marketing plan (email, web, social media), in-game promotional efforts and in-person engagement opportunities. 
• Collaborate with Athletics Ticket office and other elements of External Operations on the implementation of tickets sales and related revenue initiatives. 
• Collaborate with the Coordinator of Spirit and Promotions to manage relationship and event logistics with the JMU Marching Royal Dukes, Dukettes and JMU Cheer. Work with other campus entities to execute fan engagement outreach plans to the highest degree. 
• Provide oversight and supervision of the Fan Engagement practicum and internship program.
• Collaborate with JMU Sports Properties to assist in coordination and fulfillment of sponsorship obligations as they relate to assigned sports. 
• Key contributor to video board production strategy for Bridgeforth Stadium – including planning and implementation of features, intro video, and any other in-game elements. 
• Full and part-time staff supervision opportunities to be determined. 

Candidates must have:

• A Bachelor’s degree 
• Experience in fan engagement in Division I Athletics, professional sports or comparable and previous experience creating season long and event specific promotional plans
• Candidates should demonstrate results tied to attendance building, revenue development, ticket campaigns and successful, large-scale promotions in Division I Athletics, professional sports or comparable 
• Previous experience supervising full or part-time staff and students in a collegiate athletic setting 
• Ability to maintain relationships with coaches, other athletic department staff members, campus staff and members of the greater community 
• Effective communication skills 
• Ability to perform detail-oriented, creative work 
• Experience working in a team environment and must be able to work a flexible schedule including nights and weekends 
• Candidates must possess the ability to communicate effectively and work well with all JMU constituents – internal and external to better enhance relationships. 

 Preference will be given to candidates with: 

• A Master’s degree in Marketing, Sports Marketing or Sports Management. 
• Experience with the Adobe suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premier) is highly recommended. 

To apply go to https://joblink.jmu.edu/postings/10868 or visit JobLink.jmu.edu and reference posting number   F1775. Pay Rate: Commensurate with Experience

James Madison University is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.