Esports Program Manager

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Charlotte, NC United States

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Esports Program Director

UNC Charlotte is North Carolina’s urban research university and is in one of America’s fastest growing and most diverse cities. It leverages its location in the state’s largest and most dynamic city to offer internationally competitive programs of research and creative activity, exemplary undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, and impactful community engagement initiatives. UNC Charlotte is the third largest institution within the University of North Carolina system with an enrollment of over 29,000 students. UNC Charlotte is also the fastest growing institution in the UNC System, comprising seven academic colleges offering 171 undergraduate majors in 77 programs leading to Bachelor's degrees, 65 Master's degrees, and 24 Doctoral degrees. UNC Charlotte is proud to have 3,545 passionate and committed faculty and staff members and more than 120,000 living alumni.

The Division of Student Affairs is the 3^rd largest of 9 divisions at UNC Charlotte with over 500 employees and 20 departments. Nearly 6,000 students live on campus with another 7,800 living within walking distance of campus. There are a range of programs and services that support students’ physical and mental wellbeing, introduce them to campus life and Niner Nation and develop skills and competencies that employers desire. The staff work to create inclusive student-centered learning environments where students excel academically and develop personally into their best selves.

As the centers of student life on campus, the Popp Martin Student Union and Cone University Center provide welcoming places for the UNC Charlotte community and guests. Our team enriches the university and community experience by providing quality services and spaces within these facilities.

Summary of 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.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

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.

QUALIFICATIONS

The minimum qualifications are 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, and demonstrated written and verbal communication skills.

In addition to the minimum qualifications, the most competitive candidates will possess a 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, and experience in grant or proposal writing.

The successful candidate will demonstrate their understanding of and ability to advance UNC Charlotte's mission, vision, and guiding commitments (www.strategicplan.charlotte.edu), as well as the goals articulated in the UNC System's strategic plan (www.northcarolina.edu/impact/strategic-plan).

Interested applicants must apply online @ https://jobs.charlotte.edu/postings/55383

If you have additional questions, please contact our search committee chair:

Ms. Morgan Meehan

Director, Popp Martin Student Union and Cone University Center

Morgan.Meehan@charlotte.edu

704-687-7102

Application screening by the search committee will begin April 4, 2024 but will remain open until filled.

Anticipated start date is May 2024.

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and an ADVANCE Institution that strives to create an academic climate in which the dignity of all individuals is respected and maintained. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, gender identity or sexual orientation. All applicants are subject to a criminal background check.

Requirements