Senior Associate Director of Athletics – Concessions, Corporate Sponsorship, and Merchandise

Faculty of Arts and Sciences

66771BR

Job Summary

This position is responsible for overseeing the areas of Concessions, Corporate Sponsorship, and Merchandise for the Department of Athletics. The Senior Associate Director of Athletics is responsible for the strategy, execution, and evaluation of each initiative. The position collaborates closely with the other External functions, the University’s Trademark/Licensing Office, the Internal function, our Concessions partner, and our Corporate Sponsorship, to effectively achieve their goals. This position reports directly to the Deputy Director of Athletics – External Operations.

Position Description

I. Provide leadership in planning, coordinating, and implementing a comprehensive corporate sponsorship program.

• Lead corporate sponsorship for the department including hiring and managing internal sales staff and any third-party consultants/vendors.
• Responsible for the development and management of the corporate sponsorship annual budget.
• Negotiate contracts and serve as primary liaison with the Office of Trademark and Licensing, the OGC, and other University departments for all related contracts.
• Act as the primary representative for Harvard Athletics to local and national businesses and corporations in the sales process.
• Manage the development of new assets for current and prospective clients.
• Manage corporate sponsor relationships at various varsity competitions.
• Responsible for generating $500K in annual revenue.

II. Direct the Department’s Concessions Initiatives

• Develop a concessions program that delights fans and drives revenue.
• Work with our concessions provider to manage the P&L.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for our concessions partner.
• Use innovative approaches to grow revenue and improve customer service satisfaction

III. Direct the Department’s merchandise program.

• Develop a merchandise program, working closely with our equipment staff, which delights Harvard Crimson supporters, drives revenue, and generates donations to the One Crimson Fund.
• Responsible for the development and management of the merchandise annual budget.
• Responsible for the management of the Harvard Athletics online team store.

IV. Staff Management

• Responsible for the hiring and managing internal sales staff and any third-party consultants/vendors.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, sports management or related field required
• 8+ years of progressive corporate sponsorship experience
• Supervisory experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Concessions and/or merchandise experience preferred.
• Strong skills required in strategic planning, project management, and project execution.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and manage multiple projects.
• Ability to think strategically while also being able to do a variety of implementations tasks is crucial.
• Experience in sports management or academic environment is helpful.

Physical Requirements

• Able to stand for extended periods of time.
• Occasionally required to lift and carry up to 40 pounds.

Working Conditions

• Evening and weekend work required.
• Occasional local and out-of-state travel is expected.

Work Format Details: On-site

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Additional Information
We will not provide work authorization and/or visa sponsorship for this position.

Harvard is a highly selective liberal arts college whose mission is to educate citizens and citizen-leaders for our society. The College is a residential institution of nearly 7,000 undergraduates and is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Harvard is deeply committed to the intellectual, social and personal transformation of its undergraduates during their four years at Harvard.

The Department of Athletics offers 42 varsity programs for men and women, more than any other Division I school in the United States. We also offer extensive recreational and intramural programs.

Harvard employees have access to a competitive benefits package that includes multiple options for the health and well-being of our employees as well as ongoing professional development.

All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources. We regret that, due to the number of responses we typically receive, we may be unable to respond to phone calls or contact personally those applicants not selected for an interview.

We actively seek and welcome applications from diverse candidates and from those with a demonstrable commitment to a more inclusive society.

Work Format Details
This position is based primarily on-campus, in Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Benefits
We invite you to visit Harvard’s Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Job Function
Communications

Department Office Location
USA – MA – Boston

Job Code
CM0459 Marketing/Sales Mgmt III

Work Format
On-Site

Sub-Unit
Athletics

Salary Grade
059

Department
Athletics

Union
00 – Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Time Status
Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening
Criminal, Education, Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.