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Applications received solely through LinkedIn will not be considered.
Job Title: Esports Program Director
Department: Union
Reports To: Associate Director for Operations and Programs
Job Summary: The Esports Program Director at Southern Miss is responsible for providing support and supervision for all aspects of the competitive Esports teams within USM Esports - members of the National Association of Collegiate Esports, the Eastern College Athletic Conference and the National Esports Collegiate Conference, among other leagues. Includes oversight of technology inventory consisting of $150,000 in computer and production equipment along with management of the 1,935 sq. ft. Esports Arena space and 2,554 sq. ft. Game Room in the Union Complex. Supervises three Esports Graduate Assistants and 10 plus student staff. Responsible for building and maintaining relationships and recruitment initiatives with area high schools, community colleges, and athletic associations. Manages approximately 70 Esports Student-Athletes across about 15 teams with a recurring annual operating budget of $50,000.
Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Supervises and manages all aspects of the USM Esports program, demonstrating effective communication and strategic planning. Holds strong organizational and administrative skills with sound decision-making. Facilitates all aspects of team management including organizing, planning, and supporting effective and efficient team practices as well as individual skill instruction sessions, securing competition and communicating event schedules, assisting in space staffing as needed, and offering feedback on the design of Esports spaces. Assists in meeting specified annual enrollment and participation goals by identifying, evaluating and recruiting prospective students to participate as members of the Esports competitive teams. Fosters and maintains a culture of commitment to compliance with all affiliations (NACE, NECC, etc.) rules and regulations, as well as program and institutional guidelines. Fosters and maintains a culture that demonstrates a commitment to creating welcoming, inclusive spaces that foster belonging. Creates records, player handbooks, and other official forms for the program’s operations. Oversee any necessary player contracts, league rules compliance, and players’ academic eligibility. Enforces codes of conduct.
2. Coordinates a digital media broadcasting schedule for programming related to esports and in consideration of USM Esports partners’ needs and interests. Organizes in-person events for esports competitions and exhibitions. Supervises all social media accounts and outreach programs through digital media. Implements a marketing plan to boost the branding of USM Esports and creates promotional materials for USM Esports and all of its teams. Develops and maintains relationships and partnerships connecting USM Esports with on-campus and community constituents to promote student engagement with esports activities and with the local community. Represents the esports program professionally as the public face to current and prospective students, university administration, partners, sponsors, and at esports industry events/conferences.
3. Demonstrates sound fiscal responsibility in managing the approved budget for the program. Initiates and leads ongoing fundraising efforts within the community and beyond. Secures and facilitates donations from sponsors and partners. Ensures that sponsorship deliverables are met and are sufficient for both parties.
4. Advances Esports academic research as it relates to student development, health, wellbeing, and engagement. Evaluates national trends for collegiate esports programs to emulate best practices for student growth. Facilitates professional development and enforces professional standards for student workers, players and interns. Works with partners in academia as it relates to esports curriculum. Involved in relevant esports professional organizations. Attends professional development conferences, LANs, and conventions.
5. Oversees daily operations of the game room ensuring that all electronic games and other equipment in the room are functioning properly. Manages esports staff members who monitor the game room, including staffing, equipment checkout, computer logins, student and guest behavior, events, campus tours, and more. Communicates with students and guests regarding any questions, comments, or concerns about the game room space or its esports gaming section.
6. Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in esports, business, college student personnel, higher education administration, or related area; and a minimum of one (1) year of professional experience managing or coordinating esports programs, teams, or events at the collegiate, amateur, or professional level along with a minimum of three (3) years of substantial and verifiable involvement in the esports world, such as competitive player experience, team leadership, coaching roles, active participation in esports communities and organizations, or content creation with a significant following.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):
Preferred Qualifications:
Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in esports, business, college student personnel, higher education administration, or related area; and at least two year of experience working in a collegiate or professional esports organization.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Graduate Assistants (3)
Undergraduate student staff (14)