Position Number: 012691Department: Student Union Activities & Rec(Adm)Employment Type: Permanent - Full-timeMonths Per Year: 12Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The Esports Program Director is responsible for leading the strategic planning and implementation of the esports program at UNC Charlotte, as well as developing and administering the comprehensive management of the esports arena located in the Popp Martin Student Union. The Program Director will lead the campus efforts to develop a comprehensive esports experience for UNC Charlotte students to include integrated academic experiences, research and innovation opportunities, career opportunities, and tournaments and gaming experiences. They train, manage, and assign a student staff dedicated to the esports arena, as part of the larger department student employee team, ensuring adequate coverage and high-end customer service. The Program Director is responsible for managing the software used for the gaming systems and the equipment inventory for the arena. They will collaborate with university OneIT to ensure compliance with university policies and plan for necessary software and hardware upgrades. The Program Director is responsible for the advancement of the esports community at UNC Charlotte. They will work with students, advisors, campus partners, and community stakeholders to develop a community of gamers that reinforces the university’s commitments to excellence, innovation, equity, and inclusion.Program Leadership:
Lead strategic planning and implementation of the esports program at UNC Charlotte.
Ensure comprehensive management of, and oversee the daily operations of, the esports arena in accordance with all applicable university policies.
Lead esports committee composed of faculty, staff and student members.
Lead short- and long-term planning efforts for esports at UNC Charlotte.
Operational Management:
Oversee arena operations, staffing, game play scheduling, and allocated budget.
Enforce code of conduct for participants to align with the university code of conduct and mission.
Technology and Infrastructure:
Administer venue management software; manage computer hardware and software needs.
Collaborate with OneIT for hardware and software upgrades; troubleshoot system issues as needed.
Student Engagement:
Develop and conduct a comprehensive training program for the student employees based on industry standards and in alignment with department training initiatives and programs.
Manage the esports arena workforce. Ensure proper workforce levels and initiate hiring processes as needed. Support all aspects of the workforce life cycle.
Support Niner Esports community and support Niner Esports activities within the Student Union and on campus. Ensure compliance with university rules and regulations. Serve as an advocate for the community to campus.
Campus Integration:
Integrate esports-focused academic experiences, research, and co-curricular activities.
Collaborate with university partners to enhance esports visibility on campus.
Collaboration and Networking:
Cultivate relationships with corporate sponsorships and community stakeholders.
Represent UNC Charlotte esports at events and within the community.
Data Reporting and Evaluation:
Implement a data reporting structure for monitoring and evaluating esports initiatives.
Prepare and communicate reports as needed or requested.
Utilize data-driven assessment for continuous program improvement.
Community Development:
Network within the collegiate esports industry and stay updated on trends.
Coordinate social media channels to share information about teams and the arena.
Enhance the esports community through advocacy and collaboration.
Other:
Perform all other duties as assigned.
Minimum Experience / Education:
Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Demonstrated experience in managing esports spaces/arenas or esports teams
Demonstrated knowledge of technology requirements for successful esports space operations
Experience working in an university setting
Experience fundraising and/or experience building relationships with business partners
Demonstrated knowledge of esports industry and trends
Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills
Preferred Education Skills and Experience:
Master’s degree /certification in business management, esports management or similar field
Previous fundraising experience in a university or esports setting
Previous experience in collegiate esports environment
Previous experience in esports team or esports space management
Experience in grant or proposal writing