Esports Program Manager

*Department*Campus Technology Services*Compensation*$80,000.00 to Negotiable Annual* Position Summary* The Esports Program Manager is responsible for leading and managing the University of North Florida’s Esports Program, including competitive teams, the esports arena, and program development. This role oversees day-to-day operations, student engagement, marketing, and partnerships while fostering a strong, inclusive esports community. The manager will collaborate with university departments, students, and industry partners to elevate UNF's presence in collegiate esports. *Responsibilities* *Esports Arena Staff Management* - Hire, train, and supervise esports arena staff, including student workers, volunteers, and support personnel. - Develop work schedules to ensure adequate staffing coverage for daily operations, tournaments, and special events. - Provide ongoing training to staff on gaming equipment, broadcast technology, troubleshooting procedures, and customer service. - Establish clear roles and expectations for esports staff related to facility operations, player support, and community engagement. - Monitor staff performance and provide mentorship, coaching, and professional development opportunities. - Oversee help desk and technical support operations within the arena to ensure quick resolution of gaming hardware/software issues. - Coordinate staff responsibilities during tournaments to manage competition logistics, stream production, and audience engagement. - Ensure compliance with university policies regarding staff conduct, facility use, and workplace safety. - Foster a team-oriented and inclusive environment that supports student growth and professional development. *Program Leadership & Administration* - Develop and implement a strategic vision for the university’s esports program. - Oversee the recruitment, training, and development of student esports teams and staff. - Manage budgets, sponsorships, and fundraising initiatives to support program growth. - Ensure compliance with university policies, tournament regulations, and league requirements. - Develop and enforce codes of conduct, team policies, and program guidelines. *Esports Arena & Facility Management* - Oversee daily operations of the esports arena, including equipment maintenance and scheduling. - Work with IT and facilities teams to ensure optimal gaming infrastructure, software, and network performance. - Coordinate space reservations and promote arena usage for students, teams, and university events. - Manage inventory, procure necessary gaming hardware/software, and ensure accessibility for users. - Manage and maintain audio-visual (AV) technologies within the esports arena, ensuring high-quality sound, video, and display systems for optimal gaming and spectator experiences. - Oversee room management systems, ensuring efficient scheduling and accessibility for tournaments, practices, and community events. - Coordinate and operate AV systems for tournament broadcasts, including live streaming, commentary setups, and audience engagement tools. - Work with IT and AV teams to troubleshoot and resolve issues related to gaming displays, sound equipment, and broadcast hardware. - Ensure the integration of streaming software, capture cards, and production tools for seamless tournament coverage and event recordings. - Maintain relationships with vendors and partners to ensure esports technology remains current and competitive within the industry. *Team & Competition Management* - Organize and oversee team tryouts, player selection, and coaching support. - Schedule practices, scrimmages, and official collegiate competitions. - Support team travel, logistics, and tournament participation. - Analyze performance data and provide feedback to players and coaches to improve competitive results. *Student Engagement & Community Development* - Create opportunities for student involvement through club esports, casual gaming, and academic integration. - Develop mentorship programs, workshops, and networking events for students interested in esports careers. - Foster an inclusive and supportive community for students of all skill levels and backgrounds. - Organize campus-wide gaming events, tournaments, and outreach initiatives to increase awareness and participation. *Marketing, Partnerships & Outreach* - Promote the esports program through social media, live streaming, and digital content creation. - Work with university marketing teams to enhance program visibility and brand presence. - Establish and maintain partnerships with sponsors, industry organizations, and esports governing bodies. - Engage with alumni, donors, and corporate partners to secure funding and expand program opportunities. *Working Conditions* - May require evening and weekend availability for tournaments and events. - Some travel may be required for competitions, conferences, and partnership meetings. - Ability to lift and transport gaming equipment as needed. *Supervision Exercised* Supervises esports arena staff, including student workers, volunteers, and support personnel *Supervision Received* Supervision through a verbal and/or written nature as needed. Supervisor ensures that person in this position is aware of and adheres to state, university, and departmental policies, standards, and procedures. The incumbent develops procedures for performing a variety of complex duties within established guidelines; has considerable freedom while the work is in process and receives instructions on new assignments. *Policy-Making and/or Interpretation* Formulates and recommends to higher management policies and procedures required to provide efficient and effective service to the division's technology users. *Program Direction and Development* Advises higher management regarding current trends in supporting users in a diverse administrative and academic environment. *Monetary Supervision* May assist and be responsible for area specific staffing budgets. *Level of Public Contact:* The level of public contact is high. The incumbent will frequently meet with administrators, staff, faculty, students, external contacts, and vendors . *Statement of Responsibility for Confidential Data* Adheres to the policies set forth by the University. *Compliance* *Background Check* This position requires a background check. In conjunction with the University’s policy, this position may also require a credit check. *Responsible Employee* The holder of this position is designated as a “Responsible Employee” pursuant to their role under Title IX. Therefore, the incumbent must promptly report allegations of sexual misconduct, sexual violence, and child sexual abuse by or against any student, employee, contractor, or visitor to the University’s Title IX Administrator or any divisional Title IX Coordinator. *Position of Trust* Yes * Required Qualifications*Master's and 1 years of relevant experience or Bachelor's degree and 3 years of relevant experience. Or an equivalent combination of education and experience pursuant to Fla. Stat. 112.219. *Departmental Requirements * - Experience managing an esports program, gaming facility, or related initiative. - Knowledge of collegiate esports structures, game titles, and competitive formats. - Familiarity with gaming equipment, broadcasting technology, and IT infrastructure. - Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills. - Ability to manage budgets, sponsorships, and operational logistics. - Passion for esports and student development. - Experience coaching or managing competitive esports teams. - Knowledge of Twitch, YouTube, or other streaming platforms. - Experience in event planning, marketing, or partnership development. - Familiarity with game titles such as League of Legends, Valorant, Rocket League, Overwatch, etc. - Understanding of IT networking, hardware, and software for esports facilities. * Statement(s) of Understanding*This position requires a background check. In conjunction with the University's policy, this position may also require a credit check.The holder of this position is designated as a “Responsible Employee” pursuant to their role under Title IX. Therefore, the incumbent must promptly report allegations of sexual misconduct, sexual violence, and child sexual abuse by or against any student, employee, contractor, or visitor to the University’s Title IX Administrator or any divisional Title IX Coordinator* Equal Opportunity *The University of North Florida (UNF) is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all who interact in our community. In building this environment, we strive to attract students, faculty and staff from a variety of cultures, backgrounds and life experiences. The University of North Florida does not commit or permit discrimination or harassment on the basis of genetic information, race, color, religion, age, sex, disability, marital status, national origin, or veteran status in any educational, employment, social, recreational program or activity that it offers. In addition, UNF will not commit or permit retaliation against an individual who reports discrimination or harassment or an individual who cooperates in an investigation of an alleged violation of university regulation.*Carnegie *UNF is a Carnegie Community Engaged Institution. This designation celebrates the University’s collaboration with community partners from the local to the global level. It reflects UNF’s mission to contribute to the public good and prepare educated, engaged citizens.