Please apply here: https://stcloudstate.peopleadmin.com/postings/3849

Applications submitted via Indeed will not be considered

Job description - Director of Esports

Position Information

Classification Title - MSUAASF Range E

Hire Type - Staff

Division - President's Office

Department - Information Technology Services

Location - SCSU Main Campus, 720 Fourth Avenue South, St. Cloud MN 56301

FLSA - Exempt

Full/Part Time - Full Time

FTE - 1.0

Employment Condition - Probationary

Work Shift - Typically 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, some evenings may be required

Work Schedule - Typically Monday-Friday, some weekends may be required

Posting Details

To learn more about Esports at SCSU please visit https://www.stcloudstate.edu/esports/

The successful candidate will share St. Cloud State’s commitment to our mission, and in particular, the value we place in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as outlined in SCSU’s It’s Time strategic framework. Notably, we uphold the advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion and engage in intentional actions to address systemic inequities throughout the university and surrounding environment. DEI values, practices, and strategies are embedded into the fabric of our institution and campus community, and they align with the priorities expressed in the Minnesota State system’s Equity 2030 initiative. SCSU expects all of its employees to help advance these practices and to contribute to the development of an anti-racist, inclusive community.

Employment for this position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement for the Minnesota State University Association of Administrative Service Faculty (MSUAASF).

Salary Minimum - $63,405

Salary Maximum - $128,300

Salary Type - Annual

Bargaining Unit/Plan - 211, MSUAASF

Desired Start Date - 08/01/2024

Open Date - 05/30/2024

Close Date - 06/28/2024

Job Description

This position advances the mission of SCSU’s Esports comprehensive approach leveraging varsity competition, recreation, and academic program integration. The Esports director provides leadership and is the University expert in all aspects of the SCSU Esports program. This role is responsible for organized Esports competitive play, student recruitment, recreation, community engagement and integration of academic programs and certificates. This position is also responsible for creating and supporting an intentionally structured program environment to foster student success; serving as a connection to Esports and gaming student organizations, and coordinating program representation at department and university functions. Additionally, the Director manages all aspects of program marketing, fundraising, and sponsorship. This position works closely with the director of educational technology integration and the director of campus recreation and other departments to ensure success of the SCSU Esports program. This position will work evenings and weekends, as needed, to support the department’s strategic plan.

Administration of the SCSU Esports Program

This position will be responsible for administration of the Esports program. This role will represent SCSU Esports in a professional/positive manner on campus, in the community, and at sponsored events/contests. This includes incorporating St. Cloud State goals and objectives (e.g., student success, access, and involvement of underrepresented students) into program initiatives and secure partnerships, sponsorships, and financial support for the program. Incumbent will act as a promotional agent for the program to secure local, state and national recognition and represent and advocate for St. Cloud State in state, regional, and national level Esports organizations and conferences.

Incumbent will manage a yearly events calendar to propose the SCSU Esports program and engage student and prospective students (campus events, community outreach, summer camps etc.) and is responsible for all aspects of scheduling competitions and hosting summer camps. This role will work in coordination with the broadcast team to develop and produce live competition and event streams for community viewership. Incumbent is responsible for budgetary planning and oversight, in compliance with Business Office requirements, including developing a multi-year budget plan. This position has authority to spend and decide how to spend the established budget. Director will make determination on current and future staffing needs.

Player Administration

The Director is responsible for creating and executing semester recruitment plans. This role will create and implement outreach campaigns that support those recruitment efforts with target populations. Additionally, this role will collaborate with Admissions to identify, recruit, and enroll new and transfer students with expressed or potential interest in Esports. Participate in recruitment events at high schools, promoting degrees and careers related to Esports. Position also develops and coordinates internship opportunities for students in areas such as streaming productions, marketing, and broadcasting.

Incumbent will develop training and assessment programs to ensure student players are developing successful fundamental skills, in-game strategies and techniques, and out-of- game communication and teamwork competencies. This role is responsible for behavior and well-being of student players while on school-sponsored trips.

Ensure student and team compliance with NACE by-laws and eligibility rules and work with students who are not in compliance, reasons for noncompliance can be complex and lead to emotionally charged conversations.

Student Engagement and Success Coaching

Incumbent will lead students to ensure program academic success. This position will address student success concerns in collaboration with university student support services and resources, as well as community services and resources, such as working with Student Health Services to provide mental health resources for students. Incumbent will develop and coordinate student success and engagement workshops/experiences for Esports program and campus gaming community.

This position will develop and maintain working relationship with teams, registered student organizations, learning communities, and constituents throughout the University and professional organizations to provide partnership and cocurricular learning opportunities for students.

Coordination and Administration of Esports Program Staff

This position is responsible for providing work direction to current and future Esports staff, as the program grows. This includes hiring, training, and evaluating staff. This also includes scheduling, planning and observation of team practices and scrimmages, or coordination with delegated staff. Because this is a new program, incumbent will direct the implementation, maintenance, and oversight of the processes and best practices involved in eSports. This position will also provide work direction, as it relates to Esports, to the following roles: Atwood Building Director, Associate Director of Recreation Sports, IT project manager, IT communications specialist and other key IT resources, University Communications and Admissions staff.

Perform other Duties as Assigned

Ensure the smooth functioning of the department and maintain the reputation of the organization as a viable business partner.

Required Qualifications

· Master’s degree in Sports Administration or Recreation Management or related field plus 3 Years of experience in the Esports industry (preferably as an Esports Director or Head Coach for a College/University) OR Bachelor’s degree and 4 Years of experience in the Esports industry (preferably as an Esports Director or Head Coach for a College/University).

· Excellent understanding of the Esports ecosystem and popular titles to lead a progressive program that recruits and retains students while generating revenue. Strong technical skills to oversee and maintain Esports gaming machines, broadcasting equipment and keep up with ever change integrative technologies

· Ability to adapt to changing conditions and to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

· Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, creative problem solving and service provider skills with strong communications and presentation skills

· Ability to work as part of, and lead a team that collaborates effectively with colleagues

· Ability to thrive in an environment that values high expectations, accountability, holistic health

· Evidence of demonstrated ability to work with persons from culturally diverse backgrounds

Preferred Qualifications

· Experience working for a reputable Esports Organization/Franchise

· Background in/passion for education, teaching, coaching

· Top rank achievements in popular Esports title(s)

Why Work For Us:

The State of Minnesota offers a comprehensive benefits package including low cost medical and dental insurance, employer paid life insurance, short and long term disability, pre-tax flexible spending accounts, retirement plan, tax-deferred compensation, generous vacation and sick leave, and 11 paid holidays each year.

Special Instructions Summary

Posting Contact Christopher Stanley, Search Committee Chair

Director of Educational Technology Innovations & IT Finance

Phone: 320-308-7000

E-mail: cjstanley@stcloudstate.edu

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

St. Cloud State University is committed to excellence and actively supports cultural diversity. To promote this endeavor, we invite individuals who contribute to such diversity to apply, including minorities, women, LGBT, persons with disabilities and veterans. St. Cloud State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, status with regards to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or status as a U.S. veteran. The Title IX coordinator at St. Cloud State University is Chocoletta Simpson. For additional information, contact the Office of Institutional Equity & Access, (320) 308-5123, Admin. Services Bldg. Rm 121.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $63,405.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person