The Marketing & Fan Engagement Graduate Assistant supports the planning, execution, and promotion of Oakland University Athletics events while enhancing the overall fan experience across assigned sports programs. This position combines responsibilities in marketing, creative content production, game presentation, intern supervision, and event operations. The Graduate Assistant serves as an essential member of the Athletics Marketing team by helping execute engaging game-day experiences, maintaining brand consistency, and supporting departmental marketing initiatives.
Primary Responsibilities
Marketing & Creative
- Develop and execute marketing and promotional plans for assigned athletic programs.
- Design weekly and monthly promotional graphics while maintaining Oakland Athletics brand standards.
- Produce newsletters and promotional communications.
- Support creative content approvals and distribution across platforms.
Game Presentation & Event Operations
- Build, organize, and execute complete game presentation scripts.
- Coordinate music, videos, sponsor activations, promotions, and live entertainment during home contests.
- Operate and troubleshoot game presentation systems, including video boards, audio, lighting, and scoreboard software.
- Coordinate game-day setup, promotional tables, giveaways, sponsorship fulfillment, and post-game breakdown.
- Ensure all game presentation elements are executed accurately and on schedule while adapting to live-event changes.
Leadership & Operations
- Supervise and coordinate marketing interns during events.
- Assign responsibilities, monitor deadlines, and review creative work prior to publication.
- Assist with community relations initiatives and departmental office responsibilities.
- Maintain inventory of promotional materials and assist with sponsor activation efforts.
- Communicate effectively with athletics staff, performers, sponsors, and campus partners.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Sports Management, Marketing, Communications, or a related field.
- Experience working in collegiate athletics marketing, fan experience, creative services, or game operations preferred.
- General knowledge of NCAA guidelines related to marketing, fan experience, game management, and creative services.
- Working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop.
- Strong organizational, communication, and multitasking skills.
- Ability to meet deadlines while working independently and collaboratively.
- Flexible, adaptable, and willing to work evenings, weekends, and athletic events.
Graduate Assistant Requirements
- Must be admitted to Oakland University Graduate School before accepting the position.
- Must remain enrolled full-time (minimum 8 graduate credits) throughout the appointment.
- Must maintain a minimum cumulative 3.0 graduate GPA and make satisfactory academic progress.
- Required to work approximately 20 hours per week during the assistantship.
Compensation & Benefits
- Tuition assistance covering up to 9 graduate credits each Fall and Winter semester.
- Graduate Assistant stipend paid in monthly installments.
- Stipends are provided during the Fall and Winter semesters only.
- No summer stipend is included.
Expected Outcomes
A successful Graduate Assistant will:
- Deliver exceptional game-day experiences for fans and student-athletes.
- Execute live events confidently and independently.
- Maintain consistent branding across all assigned sports.
- Produce high-quality creative and digital content.
- Effectively lead and mentor student interns.
- Demonstrate professionalism, adaptability, and strong communication while supporting the mission of Oakland University Athletics.