Organization: Duke University Athletics

Position Title: Duke Athletics Assistant

Reports to: Marketing Department Leadership

Location: Durham, NC

Search Contact: Prodigy Search & McLendon Foundation 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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.

Duke University Athletics is committed to providing a first-class experience for student-athletes, fans, alumni, and the broader Duke community. Through innovative programming, strategic marketing initiatives, and memorable fan experiences, Duke Athletics continues to build one of the nation's premier collegiate athletic brands.

SUMMARY

The Duke Athletics Assistant will support the Marketing Department by assisting with the planning and execution of athletic events, promotional initiatives, and fan engagement activities. This role will provide hands-on experience across event operations, marketing activation, and customer experience while supporting a variety of Duke Athletics programs and events.

The position offers exposure to collegiate athletics administration and event management while providing opportunities to develop communication, customer service, and professional relationship-building skills through interactions with staff, student-athletes, fans, and community stakeholders.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Marketing & Fan Engagement

• Serve as the primary marketing contact for the Duke Field Hockey program.
• Develop and execute marketing plans to increase attendance and fan engagement.
• Build relationships with local community groups and organizations to support program outreach.
• Create and execute game scripts while serving as Game Day Director for assigned events.

Baseball Marketing Support

• Support day-to-day marketing efforts for the Duke Baseball program.
• Partner with Marketing leadership to develop and execute fan engagement initiatives.
• Serve as Game Day Director for assigned baseball events.

Game Operations & Event Support

• Assist with game-day promotions and event execution for football and men's and women's basketball.
• Support operational needs for special events across Duke Athletics.
• Contribute to fan experience initiatives and departmental projects as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Strong interest in athletics, sports marketing, event management, or collegiate athletics administration.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong customer service orientation and professional demeanor.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and athletic event schedules as required.
• Passion for learning and professional growth within the sports industry.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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.