Organization: Grambling State University Athletics

Position Title: McLendon Leadership Initiative Fellow

Reports to: Associate Athletic Director for External Relations/Chief of Staff

Location: Grambling, LA

Search Contact: Prodigy Search 

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BACKGROUND

The McLendon Minority Leadership Initiative (MLI) is a year-long fellowship program designed to provide real-world experience for individuals pursuing careers in sports. Founded on the core values of John McLendon—Integrity, Education, Leadership, and Mentorship—the program places fellows within collegiate athletic departments and sports organizations nationwide to develop professional skills and industry experience.

RESPONSIBILITIES

A key component of the GSU Athletics program includes a commitment to helping you develop as a professional. This position will report to the Associate Athletic Director for External Relations/Chief of Staff and Associate AD for Ticket Operations Services.

• Assist with the daily setup and breakdown of athletic facilities for practices, games, meetings, and special events 
• Monitor athletic venues to ensure cleanliness, safety, and operational readiness 
• Help maintain equipment inventory and report damaged or missing equipment 
• Support game-day and event operations, including crowd management preparation, signage placement, and facility inspections 
• Coordinate room, field, and court scheduling as assigned 
• Assist with preventative maintenance tasks and communicate facility repair needs to supervisors 
• Operate basic facility and event equipment such as scoreboards, sound systems, tables, chairs, and athletic equipment 
• Ensure compliance with institutional, conference, and safety regulations 
• Provide customer service to coaches, student-athletes, staff, officials, and visitors 
• Assist with emergency response procedures and incident reporting when necessary 
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Marketing

• Assist in Game Day operations for all home sports to include football, men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, soccer, baseball, and softball.
• Assist Associate AD for External Relations with event management and hospitality areas at GSU Athletic Events.
• Exposure to various external areas of department to have a better understanding of the external side of Athletics.
• Work with GSU internal and external stakeholders to increase exposure of games and events to the local region.
• Collaborate with Marketing team on creative strategies to increase fan attendance and fan engagement during games.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in athletics, event operations, facilities management, or customer service preferred 
• Strong organizational and communication skills 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team 
• Ability to lift and move equipment up to 50 pounds 
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours during athletic events 
• Basic knowledge of athletic facility operations and event management preferred 
• Valid driver’s license may be required
• Bachelor’s degree required.

PROFESSIONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including the ability to successfully communicate with the public, other employees, and stakeholders.
• Personable, ability to effectively engage and present to a wide variety of constituents, both internally and externally 
• Strong interpersonal skills: ability to collaborate well with others and manage multiple workstreams simultaneously.
• Self-starter that is detailed oriented, with strong organizational skills.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Exceptional listening skills, and high emotional quotient
• Must be flexible with working nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to work under pressure and under tight deadlines and multiple competing priorities.
• Ability to manage sensitive data.

Must adhere to all Grambling State University, SWAC & NCAA rules, and regulations.

COMPENSATION STRUCTURE / STIPEND 

• This position is in partnership with the McLendon Foundation and includes a stipend of $35,000; $3,500 per month, paid out bi-weekly over a 10-month period by the McLendon Foundation as a 1099 employee. 
• Duration: August 2026-June 2027

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CONTACT INFORMATION

Founded in 2007, Prodigy Search, located in the New York City suburb of Freehold, NJ, boasts over 80 years of experience in the sports and entertainment business. As a renowned nationwide leader in senior-level executive search, Prodigy Search has honed its business principles and expertise, establishing itself as the largest boutique recruiting agency in North America. We recruit with integrity, purpose, and passion.