About the Department

The University of Cincinnati Department of Athletics competes at the highest level of intercollegiate athletics with the vision to reach Next Level Success for all 18 varsity teams and more than 500 student-athletes. The Bearcats have a proud athletics history, winning eight national championships and 117 conference titles. The Cincinnati men's basketball team is among the 15 winningest programs all-time, while the football team became the first American Athletic Conference program to compete in the College Football Playoff in 2021. Olympic gold medalist volleyball player Jordan Thompson, NBA Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson and Major League Baseball legend Sandy Koufax are among the several luminaries who have competed as Bearcats. 

UC student-athletes collectively posted a 3.4 overall GPA in the spring of 2024, resulting in 13 consecutive semesters of a 3.3 department GPA or higher.
 
Under the leadership of Director of Athletics John Cunningham, and supported by more than 150 full-time staff members, UC Athletics' mission is to connect our community, enhance our University and impact the lives of student-athletes as they prepare to change the world on and off the field. 

For more information visit gobearcats.com.

Job Overview

The University of Cincinnati Athletics is seeking candidates for a Senior Associate Athletic Director (working title of Senior Associate AD or Executive Senior Associate AD – Revenue Generation & Partnerships depending on the candidate’s experience and qualifications). 

The position will report to the Deputy AD/Chief Revenue Officer, and will be responsible for the sales, service and execution of all Cincinnati Athletics Partnerships (Sponsorships) while following departmental, university, conference, and NCAA policies and regulations.  

Oversight of Premium Ticketing Sales & Service, and Marketing & Fulfillment, may be assigned depending on the successful candidate’s experience and qualifications.  

Essential Functions

• Responsible for all strategic, administrative, and fiscal operations of one or several areas in the Department of Athletics (i.e. sales, service, partnerships, sponsorships, etc.)
• Create, implement, and manage the newly formed Partnership unit for Cincinnati Athletics including the management and annual analysis of strategic sponsorship and premium sales and service plans, policies, procedures, and practices.
• Personally manage select major accounts and develop new major accounts.
• Create an environment for personal accountability, professionalism, and personal achievement.
• Develop strategies and long-range plans for associated areas. Direct and develop designated programs (current and new) and manage associated budgets.
• Develop, implement and review strategic business plans, including sales/financial performance.
• Identify and develop new business categories, inventory, and prospect targets, working with other departments to maximize cross-selling opportunities and the sharing of new ideas.
• Develop a strategy for and coordinate compilation of year-end, qualitative/quantitative reports for key accounts.
• Stay current with industry trends, competitive landscape, and best practices. 
• Act as liaison between the university and affiliated constituents. Represent Cincinnati Athletics in public forums, conferences, and industry events to promote Cincinnati Athletics.
• Responsible for the execution of sales agreements, partnerships and special events. 
• Lead the negotiation and management of sales agreements to maximize revenue and exposure for Cincinnati Athletics to include but not limited to sponsorships, naming rights, and monetization of IP and content. 
• Oversee the execution of all elements of Partnerships, including but not limited to signage, electronic media that includes radio, television and website, print media, hospitality, LED, all promotional activities, in-game elements, social media, community development and fan development.
• Oversee the planning and execution of special events for partners and premium seating owners.
• Aggressively pursue growth in partnerships and community engagement.
• Attend local business events and networking functions for the purpose of strengthening existing and establishing new and meaningful relationships with business leaders.
• Achieve stated revenue goals and increase partnership strengths.
• Grow local, regional, and national sales revenues.
• May act as sport supervisor for designated sports working closely with coaches providing strategic and administrative guidance and support. 
• Provide direct and/or indirect supervision to exempt and non-exempt staff (i.e., hiring/firing, performance evaluations, disciplinary action, approve time off, etc.). Ensure staff is meeting and exceeding standards and sales goals. 
• Perform related duties based on departmental need. This job description can be changed at any time.

Required Education

Bachelor’s Degree.

Required Experience

• Seven (7) years of experience in athletic administration.
• Supervisory experience may be required.

Additional Qualifications Considered

The ideal candidate will have 10 years of professional sales and management experience in a professional or intercollegiate setting. 

Application Information

Interested and qualified applicants must apply online and include a cover letter of interest and a resume. All certifications and other documentation can be uploaded using the Additional Documents section in the application. 

Physical Requirements/Work Environment