Director of Esports

Department: Athletics
Reports To: Director of Athletics & Campus Recreation
Employment Type: Full-Time
FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary

Baldwin Wallace University seeks a dynamic Director of Esports to lead and grow its varsity esports program. Housed within the Department of Athletics and Recreation, Yellow Jacket Esports features five varsity and three academy teams competing across multiple collegiate conferences from BW's dedicated esports facility in Loomis Hall.

The Director provides leadership for all aspects of the program, including recruiting, student development, competitive success, operations, facility management, and event hosting. This individual will strengthen campus partnerships, enhance the program's visibility and impact, and oversee major esports events hosted at BW, including regional tournaments and collegiate invitationals.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following.

Program Leadership & Strategy

• Develop and execute the strategic vision, goals, and growth plan for BW Esports.
• Manage program budgets, including equipment, travel, and event operations.
• Serve as the primary representative of BW Esports to prospective students, alumni, media, and industry partners.
• Monitor and report key performance metrics related to enrollment, retention, competitive success, engagement, and student outcomes.

Recruiting & Competitive Leadership

• Lead recruiting efforts across all esports titles, including prospect identification, campus visits, and collaboration with Admissions.
• Oversee team operations, including practices, competition preparation, performance standards, roster management, and eligibility.
• Foster student development through leadership, teamwork, communication, wellness, and academic success.

Facility & Operations Management

• Manage daily operations of BW's esports facility, including scheduling, access, equipment, and maintenance.
• Oversee technology infrastructure, vendor relationships, warranties, and equipment replacement cycles.
• Ensure compliance with university standards related to safety, accessibility, and cybersecurity.
• Supervise student staff and enforce policies governing facility use, equipment, and guest access.
• Monitor student academic progress and coordinate appropriate campus support resources.

Events, Broadcasting & External Relations

• Direct the planning and execution of esports tournaments, showcases, camps, and special events hosted by BW.
• Oversee event logistics, competition operations, streaming production, sponsorship activation, and participant experiences.
• Expand BW Esports' digital presence through broadcasts, content creation, and student production opportunities.
• Represent BW Esports at regional and national competitions, conferences, and industry events.
• Develop partnerships, sponsorships, and community relationships that enhance program visibility, enrollment, and revenue opportunities.

Position Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; master's degree preferred (Sport Management, Higher Education, Business, or related field).
• Minimum three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in collegiate esports, competitive gaming, athletic administration, or a directly related field.
• Demonstrated experience coaching, managing, or directing competitive esports teams at the collegiate, semi-pro, or professional level.
• Working knowledge of the current collegiate esports landscape, including major titles, conferences (NACE, Esports Ohio, ECAC, NECC), and recruiting norms.
• Proven ability to run a live tournament or broadcast from planning through post-event debrief.
• Strong budget management, personnel supervision, and written/verbal communication skills.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays in line with the competitive esports calendar.

Preferred Qualifications

• Head coaching experience in one or more of BW's competitive titles (Valorant, Overwatch 2, Call of Duty, Rocket League, Super Smash Bros., Marvel Rivals).

• Experience recruiting Division III or NAIA student-athletes and working within an admissions-partnership model.
• Familiarity with esports facility design, PC/console hardware, broadcast software (OBS, vMix), and networking fundamentals.
• Prior experience teaching or advising in higher education.
• Existing relationships within Esports Ohio, publishers (Riot, Blizzard, Activision, Psyonix, Nintendo, NetEase/Marvel Games), or endemic sponsors.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

Work is performed primarily in an indoor esports facility and office setting. Evening and weekend hours are required during competitive seasons. Occasional regional and national travel is expected for conference matches, playoffs, and industry events. The position requires the ability to sit or stand for extended periods, operate computer and broadcast equipment, and occasionally lift up to 40 lbs (equipment transport for away events and campus tournaments).

Conditions of Employment

• Must successfully pass an enhanced background check due to working with minors.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license, be insurable, and comply with University driver and vehicle safety policies as part of essential job duties.

How to Apply

Review of completed applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter via the “To Apply” link on Baldwin Wallace University’s Employment and Careers webpage. We appreciate all applicants; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Additional Information

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, meeting applicable pre-employment requirements, and compliance with University and departmental policies, including completion of required training.

Baldwin Wallace University is an EEO employer and educator. W e provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. At BW, we support and encourage diversity in a variety of forms. We value and appreciate inclusive excellence in the classroom, within extracurricular activities and as we engage our community partners.