Marketing Operations Associate Jobs in Encinitas, CA

Position Summary

The Marketing Specialist plays an important role in creating engaging game-day experiences and building excitement around San Diego State University Athletics. Under the direction of the Senior Associate Athletics Director of Marketing & New Media, this position develops and implements marketing efforts for volleyball, swimming & diving, lacrosse, and water polo, including marketing and advertising plans, promotional schedules, game production, video boards, and strategies designed to increase attendance and ticket revenue. The position also supports football and men's basketball promotions, coordinates appearances and game-day involvement for the SDSU Band and Spirit Squads and supports special events and the Aztec Kids Club. Working collaboratively across Athletics and the university, the Marketing Specialist helps strengthen fan engagement and create memorable experiences for the Aztec community. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement marketing plans, promotions, and strategies for assigned sports to increase attendance, ticket revenue, and fan engagement.
• Coordinate game-day marketing for assigned sports, including video boards, music, promotional giveaways, group experiences, and overall game-day atmosphere, while assisting with football and men's basketball promotions.
• Coordinate SDSU Band and Spirit Squad involvement in games and special events, including appearances, uniforms, travel needs, and marketing support.
• Coordinate the Aztec Kids Club, including memberships, communications, special promotions, events, membership materials, and efforts to increase participation.
• Support Athletics marketing efforts through social media, budget coordination, campus event committees, and collaboration with student workers, volunteers, and campus partners.

Why You Should Apply:

• Bring your creativity to life by developing marketing campaigns, promotions, and game-day experiences for NCAA Division I Athletics.
• Help build excitement around Aztec Athletics and create memorable experiences that connect fans with SDSU teams and traditions.
• Gain broad experience across sports marketing, promotions, digital media, special events, and fan engagement.
• Collaborate with Athletics staff, the SDSU Band and Spirit Squads, student workers, and campus partners in a dynamic collegiate environment.
• Join SDSU Athletics and contribute to innovative marketing efforts that strengthen attendance, engagement, and the overall Aztec fan experience.

As part of the California State University (CSU) system, San Diego State University helps power one of the largest and most impactful public university systems in the nation. See what it's like to work at the CSU-watch our video and imagine your future here: Working at the CSU.

Position Information

• This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, temporary position with an anticipated end date of June 30, 2027, with the possibility of reappointment. 
• This position is designated exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation.
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.
• The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

Department Summary

The Department of Athletics, utilizing the services of over 150 employees, is responsible for the intercollegiate athletics program at San Diego State University.  Currently, there are 18 sport programs, approximately 550 student-athletes, and 17 offices in the department.  The offices include the following:  The Aztec Club, Administration, Athletic Medicine, Business Office, Compliance, Corporate Sales, Development, Equipment, Event Management/Facilities and Operations, Human Resources, Information Technology, Marketing, Media Relations, Strength and Conditioning, Student-Athlete Academic Support Services, Ticket Office, and Video.

For more information regarding the Department of Athletics, click here.

Education and Experience

Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field and two years of relevant experience. Additional experience which demonstrates acquired and successfully applied knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis. An advanced degree in a related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

Key Qualifications

• Working knowledge of and ability to design and implement marketing plans for sports and manage multiple tasks/projects simultaneously
• Proficiency in basic office support software (Microsoft Office Suite)
• At least two years of full-time experience in a collegiate athletics marketing environment.
• Experience supervising band and/or spirit squads.
• Familiarity with San Diego State University system, and regional, national, and San Diego sports markets.  Ability to understand the importance of initiating cooperation with promotional marketing within context of SDSU Athletics' marketing. 
• Working knowledge of and ability to:
• Effectively supervise students and/or part-time staff
• Utilize Photoshop or InDesign
• Utilize social/new media

Licenses/Certifications Required

• Valid California Driver's License or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.

Compensation and Benefits

San Diego State University offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth.

Compensation:
Step placement will be determined based on relevant qualifications and professional experience, in alignment with the department's budget and equity guidelines.

• Initial step placement is not expected to exceed Step 1 ($5,178).
• Salary step placement for internal applicants will follow the CSUEU Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• CSU Classification Salary Range: $5,178 - $7,543 per month (Step 1 - Step 20).
• Future increases, including step advancements, are subject to contract negotiations.

Full Benefits Package Includes:

• Generous Time Off: 15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Retirement: CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare, and reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the UC.
• Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision options at low or no cost.
• Education Support: CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents.
• Optional Offerings: FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal and pet plans.
• Campus & Community: Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities.

Our benefits are a significant part of total compensation. Learn more at the SDSU Benefits Overview.

SDSU Values

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community.  Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment.  We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion.

Principles of Community

At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs, and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university. 

SDSU's Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another. 

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California's Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU's Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. 

SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Supplemental Information

Apply by September 2, 2026 to ensure full consideration. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on an as-needed basis, and the position will remain open until filled.

The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. 

San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act. 

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended.  Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant's current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current SDSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click here.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Pang Thao at pythao@sdsu.edu.