Director, Marketing & Community Engagement

Who we are

Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the first technological research university in the United States. We bring creativity, science, and technology together to address society's greatest challenges. We cultivate exceptional problem-solvers by immersing them in a culture of rigorous inquiry, disciplined practice, and hands-on application. Our strategic plan, RPI Forward, charts a pioneering course for the next era of RPI. Explore the RPI Forward plan. ↗︎

Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, RPI is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world. 

With top notch employee health and retirement benefits, Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program, tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth. 

Job Summary

The Director of Marketing and Community Engagement manages the Institution's athletic marketing programs and collaborates with Institutional staff on annual signature events (i.e. Homecoming & Reunion, Family Weekend, etc.). The Director is responsible for both print and digital marketing campaigns that support revenue generation and publicity across all 23 RPI Athletics teams. Additionally, the Director manages the game-day event operations for all home football and hockey contests.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of progressively responsible experience in a related area.

Relevant combinations of education, training and experience may be considered.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Requires excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Requires strong organizational skills.
• Requires excellent interpersonal skills
• Requires strong analytical skills and ability to interpret data.
• Requires ability to work effectively under pressure and meet established goals and objectives.
• Requires ability to work with a diverse population.
• Requires strong computer skills and knowledge.
• Demonstrated ability to manage details.
• Possesses and demonstrates skills to fostering positive relationships, teamwork, and cooperation.
• Ability to work irregular hours including weekends and holidays.
• Knowledge and prior experience with media advertising including digital graphic design.

Representative Job Duties

• Develop overall Athletics marketing strategies, including individual varsity programs, strategic objectives, and goals with the Assistant Athletic Director, Communications to ensure Office of Community Engagement and Communications standards are maintained and enhance overall fan experience. Provide recommendations for continuous improvement and effectiveness of marketing strategies. 
• Serve as the primary contact for annual Institute signature events. Collaborate with the Director of Athletics and Institute for Advancement on event needs. Serve as the on-site athletics representative for the event.
• Serve as the primary contact for home football and hockey contests and as the onsite event coordinator managing in-game production and special events for both sports. Serve as the Athletic Department representative at select sporting and community events. - 
• Manage and evaluate the design, development, and branding of projects within athletic facilities. 
• Collaborate with RPITV, ESPN+, and any other streaming or broadcast partner to ensure the quality of production meets the standards set forth by the conference and the league. Increase and maximize visibility of events through use of TV, radio, Internet, billboard signage, and print publications, ensuring institute-wide adherence to policy and standards. 
• Serve as the athletic department contact and enhance community relations to generate enthusiasm and publicity for RPI Athletics (i.e. Chamber of Commerce, Big Brother/Big Sister, Boy/Girls Scouts). 
• Increase ticket revenue through marketing initiatives and collaborations with the Director of Ticket and Revenue Generation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Shift

Non Standard Shift: Non-standard hours, including evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays as required to support athletic events and Institute activities.

Travel

No travel

Driving

Incidental driving possible, but not required

Starting Salary/Rate

Expected hiring range: $62,355

Pay transparency disclosure: The selected c