The University of Oklahoma Division of Student Affairs seeks a full-time Assistant Director, Community & Labs to oversee and enhance the Esports and Co-Curricular Innovation (ECCI) department’s community engagement, event programming, and physical spaces. This role is integral to creating a dynamic, inclusive, and impactful gaming culture across campus while expanding the department’s partnerships and outreach initiatives.
OVERALL SCOPE:
Program Culture Foster a positive and inclusive team culture that embraces the diverse gaming communities represented at OU. Ensure accessibility and collaboration across all events, ambassadors, and physical resources in departmental spaces. This role and its team are the epicenter of ECCI, creating programming that is welcoming to all gamers through marketing and execution.
Program Execution & Documentation Manage a year-round operating facility for students, faculty, staff, and the public alike. Ensure proper documentation of financial transactions, training of operational workflows and reservations are executed consistently.
Management & Communication Maintain consistent communication with students, developing policies to support engaging events and standardized procedures for event spaces. Provide mentorship, feedback, guidance, and constructive criticism while addressing challenges promptly.
Fundraising & Sponsorships Identify and advocate for opportunities to highlight events and secure funding. Inspire ambassadors to contribute to the department’s growth and package key performance metrics to attract sponsors, partners, and alumni support.
Outreach Liaison Serve as the primary contact for philanthropic collaborations and regional community partnerships, including youth and K-12 initiatives. Actively seek ways to contribute to areas of need within the community.
Collaboration & Coordination Leverage departmental resources to promote gaming and esports culture through live event coverage, community events, and media features. Build fan engagement and create touchpoints for one of OU’s largest single-topic communities. Be a point of contact for official departmental correspondence with internal and external inquiries.
POSITION SUMMARY:
Combined responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Assists with program planning, development, and delivery.
Develops promotional materials and marketing strategies.
Assists with grant preparation.
Plans and coordinates activities, events, or special projects.
Researches, collects, and analyzes data or information and prepares reports or responses to inquiries.
Serves as liaison with offices on and off campus.
Provides information and counseling to students, facilitating support groups, and advising student organizations.
Resolves academic problems and evaluates students for proper placement in class levels.
Conducts workshops, seminars, classes, and other special programs for students.
Oversees data and record maintenance, to include but not limited to student files, inventory, personnel, and other office files.
Attends events or meetings and serves on committees.
May assist in the management of day-to-day operations or supervise program staff.
Venue Operations Management: Oversee all aspects of the gaming venue, ensuring smooth daily operations and the ability to independently manage the venue in the absence of student employees.
Tour Coordination: Serve as the primary representative of the gaming venue by giving tours to prospective and current students, university administrators, deans, and external partners.
Reservation Management: Manage and schedule reservations for the venue, ensuring efficient use of spaces for events, competitions, and meetings while maintaining accurate booking records.
Revenue Generation: Develop and implement strategies to promote self-sustainability and revenue growth for the gaming venue, including marketing VIP memberships, hosting revenue-driven events, and fostering partnerships with sponsors.
Manage and support a team of volunteer and paid student staff responsible for planning and executing campus events, fostering a collaborative environment to encourage creative and impactful programming.
Staff Training & Oversight: Provide training and support to student employees to maintain operational standards and deliver exceptional customer service.
Community Outreach: Organize and lead community outreach initiatives for K-12 interaction and philanthropic campaigns.
Sponsorship and Partnership Management: Identify, secure, and manage sponsorships while cultivating strong relationships with existing partners to ensure long-term support for departmental initiatives.
Event Logistics: Coordinate logistics for internal and external events, ensuring alignment with the department's strategic goals and campus initiatives.
Process Optimization: Optimize and manage all operational and engagement processes, focusing on improving student interaction and communication through Discord, the department's primary communication platform.
Community Engagement: Actively engage with students, faculty, and external partners to foster a sense of belonging and drive participation in venue activities.
Performs various duties as needed to successfully fulfill the function of the position.
Required Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree, AND:
12 months in student programming, student services, or closely related experience.
Equivalency/Substitution: Will accept 48 months related experience in lieu of the Bachelor's degree for a total of 60 months experience.
Skills:
Industry Knowledge: In-depth understanding of esports, gaming technology, and emerging trends.
Communication Skills: Ability to communicate well and build rapport with students, faculty, and staff in both verbal and written applications.
Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills and accomplishments in collaborative work with internal and external stakeholders.
Strategic Planning: Advanced organizational skills with a proven track record of strategic planning and process improvement.
Problem Solving: Exceptional judgment and analysis in decision-making and problem-solving.
Technical Proficiency: Proficient with Discord, social media platforms, and live streaming technologies.
Detail Oriented: Emphasis on accurate reporting and organization handling multiple tasks and projects concurrently.
Motivation and Initiative: Self-motivated with a proactive approach to improving and developing programs and processes.
Compliance: Ability to read and interpret policy as well as State and Federal regulations.
Certifications:
Driver's License
Advertised Physical Requirements:
Sit for long periods of time.
Occasionally walk and stand.
Ability to bend, lift, stoop, and carry.
Ability to move, engage in repetitive motions including movements of the hands, wrists, or fingers.
Ability to communicate effectively including expressing oneself or exchanging information with others both verbally and in writing.
Frequent exposure to pressure caused by deadlines and busy periods.
Ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies.
Department Preferences:
Master of Business Administration (MBA) and 24 months experience organizing dynamic events centered on gaming culture or gaming-inspired activities.
Previous experience in collegiate/scholastic esports or gaming community management
Experience securing and managing sponsorships and fundraising partnerships
Supervision:
This position supervises approximately 20 undergraduate student employees and 1 graduate assistant.
Special Instructions: If you are selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy. To view the policy, visit https://hr.ou.edu/Policies-Handbooks/TB-Testing.
Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma: The University of Oklahoma fosters an inclusive culture of respect and civility, belonging, and access, which are essential to our collective pursuit of excellence and our determination to change lives. The unique talents, perspectives, and experiences of our community enrich the learning, and working environment at OU, inspiring us to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, and health care services that the University operates or provides.
