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Marketing and Community Engagement Specialist, Athletics

Wayne State University is searching for an experiencedMarketing and Community Engagement Specialist, Athleticsat its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Essential functions (job duties):

Job Purpose

Responsible for enhancing the Wayne State University Athletics and Recreation brand through strategic marketing, creative content coordination, and community outreach. This position develops and executes marketing and promotional strategies designed to increase fan engagement, drive attendance, and elevate the visibility of athletic and recreational programming. Working in collaboration with the Mort Harris Recreation and Fitness Center, the specialist supports the development of marketing materials and engagement campaigns that promote departmental initiatives, competitions, and events. The role plays a vital part in building relationships with key university stakeholders, youth organizations, and community partners, while also assisting in the execution of storytelling initiatives, game day experiences, and external engagement activities. The specialist works as part of the external engagement team and reports to the Associate Director Athletics Marketing and Brand Strategy.

Essential Functions

Marketing Strategy & Execution

+ Plan and implement marketing initiatives for assigned sports, including promotional calendars, social media coordination, ticket sales campaigns, and branding activations.

+ Collaborate with creative services and communications teams to ensure consistent messaging and visual identity.

+ Analyze data and fan behavior to adjust strategies for engagement and attendance growth.

Community Engagement & Outreach

+ Lead strategic community engagement programs, including partnerships with K-12 schools, youth leagues, nonprofits, and cultural organizations.

+ Manage grassroots marketing efforts such as street team deployments, giveaways, and appearances.

+ Develop and maintain a community events calendar that aligns with Athletics branding priorities and inclusive excellence goals.

Student and Campus Engagement

+ Serve as liaison to student groups, student government, residence life, and other campus entities to build a strong student section and in-game atmosphere.

+ Organize student-specific promotions, theme nights, and spirit-building campaigns.

+ Assist with on-campus marketing presence including tabling, digital signage, and class drop-ins.

Gameday Presentation & Fan Experience

+ Support planning and execution of gameday scripts, fan zones, promotions, music, and in-venue video elements.

+ Coordinate with event operations and sponsorship teams to ensure seamless and engaging in-venue experiences.

Digital Engagement Support

+ Collaborate on content ideas that strengthen community and fan engagement across social platforms.

+ Assist in maintaining email marketing lists and executing fan engagement newsletters or push notifications.

Administrative Support and Special Projects

+ Track and report engagement metrics, maintain community contact databases, and support annual marketing planning.

+ Assist with department-wide initiatives such as Homecoming, Giving Day, or collaborative campus campaigns.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

WORK CONTEXT

Job Reports to: Associate Director.

Leadership Accountability: Implements operating plans.

Supervisory Accountability: Supervises associates below supervisory level.

Organizational Accountability: Manages work group within a sub-unit of a department.

Financial Accountability: Monitors expenditures.

Customer Accountability: Interfaces with customers outside the S/C/D.

Freedom to Act: Operates with significant autonomy.

Qualifications:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Bachelor's degree

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Sports Management, Public Relations, or a related field.

Master’s degree preferred.

Experience

Experienced (minimum 2 years of job-related experience).

Experience in marketing, fan engagement, or community outreach, preferably in collegiate or professional athletics.

Demonstrated experience working with diverse communities and a strong understanding of inclusive engagement practices.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Proficiency in marketing strategy, event planning, and grassroots promotions.

Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp), and social media scheduling tools.

Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Highly organized with strong time management and problem-solving skills.

Willingness to work evenings and weekends in support of athletic events and community initiatives.

School/College/Division:

H90 - Athletics

Primary department:

H9001 - Athletics

Employment type:

+ Regular Employee

+ Job type: Full Time

+ Job category: Staff/Administrative

Funding/salary information:

+ Compensation type: Annual Salary

Working conditions:

• Office environment with frequent work at athletic venues, community spaces, and on-campus locations. • Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds of promotional materials. • Will require evening and weekend availability for athletic events and community engagements. • Valid driver’s license and ability to travel locally as needed.

Job openings:

+ Number of openings: 1

+ Reposted position: No

Background check requirements:

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.