Associate Director, Gameday Entertainment; U

Associate Director, Gameday Entertainment (5174U) #85545

University of California, Berkeley

The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics consists of more than 275 staff members and coaches and sponsors 30 varsity sports programs, including over 850 student-athletes.

As the primary architect and authority for live athletic productions, this role orchestrates the strategic integration of complex scripting, control room operations, and real‑time show calling within high‑stakes, unscripted environments.

You will lead strategic fan and gameday entertainment for Women’s Basketball and Oski Village for Football and be responsible for creative concepting, show calling, and overseeing gameday presentation and entertainment for Cal Women’s Basketball. You will navigate these high‑pressure settings with split‑second analysis to resolve unprecedented broadcast and venue issues, ensuring a flawless entertainment experience. By formulating a comprehensive fan‑experience strategy, you will align multi‑departmental goals, including marketing, sponsorship, and broadcast production into a powerful emotional narrative that elevates the brand.

Additionally, you will architect a professional‑grade training ecosystem, scaling and mentoring a student workforce to execute elite, Power 4‑caliber productions with precision and excellence.

Show Direction & Executive Production:

• Serve as the show caller and lead architect for all home Women’s Basketball athletic events and support the Assistant AD, Gameday Entertainment with Football; orchestrate end‑to‑end production including detailed scripting, technical control room oversight, video board integration, and musical atmosphere to ensure a professional‑grade fan experience while complying with event standards.

Strategic Brand & Revenue Integration:

• Align marketing campaigns, sponsorship activations, and NIL initiatives into the live show flow; transform commercial requirements into organic, high‑energy entertainment segments that drive partner ROI and department revenue.

Talent Recruitment & Mentorship:

• Mobilize and supervise a scalable workforce of students and interns; architect a professional‑level training program that mentors staff in live production, technical execution, and brand‑consistent storytelling.

Cross‑Functional

Collaboration:

• Synchronize with Facilities, Operations, Marketing, and Spirit squads to ensure seamless logistics; act as the primary point of contact for integrating departmental goals into the live event framework.

Innovation & Experience Design:

• Spearhead the evolution of gameday traditions by integrating emerging technology (lighting, mobile apps, AI) and data‑driven fan feedback to modernize the atmosphere and attract elite recruits and brands.

Budgeting & Strategy:

• Manage gameday entertainment budgets, track expenses, and evaluate fan engagement via feedback and data to improve future events.

Quality Control & Post‑Event Analysis:

• Govern the post‑game review process by analyzing fan sentiment and production performance; implement continuous improvements to maintain Power 4 conference excellence.

• Expert ability to direct live, multi‑camera productions, cueing audio, video, lighting, and on‑field talent with precision.
• Deep knowledge of professional broadcast hardware and show‑flow software.
• Skill in drafting minute‑by‑minute Rundowns of Show (ROS) that integrate technical cues with entertainment segments.
• Proficiency in integrating modern fan‑engagement tools like synchronized LED lighting, mobile app triggers, and AI‑driven content.
• Ability to translate corporate partner KPIs into organic, high‑energy in‑venue moments that drive ROI without losing the crowd.
• Skill in analyzing fan sentiment and attendance data to engineer emotional arcs that increase loyalty and revenue.
• Expert understanding of brand storytelling to ensure every video, graphic, and announcement reinforces the Cal identity.
• Knowledge of navigating Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations to highlight student‑athletes within the live show flow.
• Problem‑solving skills; multi‑task, work with frequent interruptions, and effective listening.
• St…