Assistant Athletic Director, Digital Ecosystems for Intercollegiate Athletics (6566U) #85493

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value.

We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.

The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics consists of more than 275 staff members and coaches and sponsors 30 varsity sports programs. These 30 programs include more than 850 student-athletes who participate in the various sports programs annually within the National Collegiate Athletics Association.

The First Review Date for this job is: April 24, 2026

This position provides the overarching strategic vision and leadership for Cal Athletics' digital brand revenue generation. You are responsible for aligning digital innovation with department-wide goals, ensuring that data-driven storytelling effectively translates into increased ticket sales, philanthropic donations, and a premier national reputation. By bridging the gap between high-level institutional objectives and digital execution, this leader ensures the department remains a frontrunner in the evolving collegiate sports landscape.

At the core of this position is integrating the "digital fan and athlete journey" into the broader commercial and competitive strategy. You will oversee the health and growth of the entire digital ecosystem, including web, mobile, social, and AI initiatives, to attract elite recruits and premier corporate partners. You serve as the primary architect for internal collaboration, breaking down silos between marketing, communications, development, and athletic teams to create a unified, high-impact brand voice across all platforms.

Beyond strategy, this leader is responsible for the resource management and professional development required to scale a modern digital operation. They secure the necessary infrastructure and budgets to support a consistent brand story across all numerous sports programs while overseeing the department's commitment to mentorship. By empowering their team to build a professional-grade student and intern workforce, the supervisor ensures Cal Athletics remains a premier training ground for the next generation of sports industry leaders.

Team Management & Talent Development:

• Supervise the Digital Ecosystem team and manage the recruitment, training, and performance of a large workforce of student interns and freelancers.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive "Digital Ecosystem Program" to mentor staff and student staff, ensuring they execute professional-level storytelling that meets brand standards.

Strategic Vision & Brand Alignment:

• Define the long-term roadmap for Cal's digital ecosystem and brand identity, ensuring all storytelling and platform integrations align with the Cal's mission and national competitive goals.

Revenue Generation & Growth Strategy:

• Direct the high-level strategy for maximizing ROI across ticketing, development (donations), and corporate sponsorships, using data-driven insights to hit departmental financial targets.

External Leadership & Internal Integration:

• Lead the seamless collaboration between internal teams to break down departmental silos and ensure a unified "digital fan/athlete journey" across numerous sports

External Partnerships & Reputational Management:

• Manage executive-level relationships with premier brands, digital vendors, and key influencer networks to expand Cal's national footprint, attract elite student-athlete recruits, and generate revenue.

Innovation & Emerging Technology:

• Guide the department's adoption of future technologies, including AI integration and advanced data analytics, to maintain a cutting-edge advantage in the collegiate landscape.

Budget:

• Plan and lead the overall digital ecosystem budget

• Deep understanding of how to align digital narratives with institutional goals for revenue, student-athlete recruitment, and national reputation.
• Strong background in managing staff members in a team environment, promoting an established vision, direction, and goals.
• Mastery of how websites, mobile apps, social media, and emerging technologies (like AI) integrate to create a seamless "fan journey".
• Knowledge of modern sports business models, including digital advertising, corporate sponsorship activation, ticket sales funnels, and donor stewardship.
• Expertise in leveraging CRM systems, marketing automation, and data visualization to drive executive-level decision-making.
• The ability to articulate a compelling vision for the future of the brand and inspire cross-functional teams to achieve high-impact goals.
• Exceptional verbal and written skills for presenting strategy to University leadership, donors, and major partners.
• Proficiency in budget preparation, financial forecasting, and managing complex resource allocations across the team.
• High emotional intelligence and political acumen are needed to build consensus among internal stakeholders and external influencers.
• Skilled at identifying, recruiting, and mentoring high-performing professionals and student workforces to scale departmental support.

• The ability to pivot strategy quickly in response to shifting industry trends or sensitive public relations scenarios.

• Ability to multitask effectively; demonstrates sound judgment and decision-making; is an effective problem solver and effectively communicates verbally and in writing.
• Functional knowledge of the intercollegiate athletics function.
• Must maintain current knowledge of applicable rules and standards of the affiliated athletic conference, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) or National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), as well as other associations and agencies to which the campus adheres, and, at all times avoid any and all violations of these rules and standards.
• Intermediate computer application skills in programs relevant to job duties
• Strong personnel and fiscal management skills required.
• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training
  
  

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $93,000 - $123,000.

• This is a full-time (40 hours/week) career position eligible for UC Benefits.
• This is an exempt, monthly-paid position.
  

This is not a visa opportunity. This position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

This job is part of the Employee Referral Program. If a UC Berkeley employee is referring you, please ensure you select the Referral Source of "UCB Employee". Then enter the Employee's Name and Berkeley E-mail address in the Specific Referral Source field. Please enter only one name and email.

Required to hold valid driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program.

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

This position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter required to report the observed or suspected abuse or neglect of children, dependent adults, or elders to designated law enforcement or social service agencies. We reserve the right to make employment contingent upon completion of signed statements acknowledging the responsibilities of a Mandated Reporter.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.