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Description

Department Chair and Director of Esports American Public University System

The Department Chair and Director of Esports is a key leadership position within the university. This dual role ensures a quality learning experience for students by maintaining coherence in the discipline and relevance to practice. The Department Chair contributes to activities that support student learning outcomes, program quality, and discipline integrity, with a focus on student success, teaching quality, and retention.

In addition to overseeing academic programs and faculty, the Department Chair also provides strategic leadership and direction for the university’s esports initiatives, serving as both the academic lead for esports degree programs and the Director of Esports for competitive and recreational co-curricular activities. This includes oversight of competitive, academic, and community engagement components of the esports program, ensuring alignment with the university’s mission and goals.

Essential Functions: Oversee operations of esports-related programs, including faculty management, curriculum, and teaching quality.

Ensure discipline and program continuity, currency, and relevance in esports and related fields.

Hire, develop, and evaluate faculty; coach/mentor faculty in teaching quality and curriculum development.

Convene faculty meetings and collaborate on course progression and academic standards.

Develop program and course assessments to evaluate student learning and instructional effectiveness.

Analyze and report on data related to student learning and retention.

Engage with external reviewers and convene Industry Advisory Council meetings.

Prepare and present program reviews for esports-related programs.

Participate in strategic planning, budgeting, and accreditation-related processes.

Demonstrate excellence in teaching within esports or related programs.

Serve as first line of contact for student concerns and grievances. Director of Esports Responsibilities (Integrated): Provide strategic leadership and daily management of the university’s esports co-curricular program.

Develop and implement a comprehensive vision for esports, including competitive, academic, and community engagement components.

Oversee program budget, compliance, and coordination with collegiate esports leagues.

Lead recruitment of student-athletes in collaboration with admissions, financial aid, and marketing.

Recruit, hire, and supervise coaching staff, analysts, and support personnel.

Foster partnerships, sponsorships, and external engagement opportunities to grow esports programs.

Serve as coordinator and sponsor of the university’s Esports Club, supporting student participation and leadership.

Collaborate with marketing to build program branding, streaming, and social media presence.

Support student development through mentorship, academic engagement, and career readiness initiatives. Critical Skills and Job Complexity: Leadership and innovation in academic administration and esports program development.

Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Ability to coach and develop others (faculty, staff, and students).

Expertise in esports, including competitive structures, compliance, and student development.

Critical thinking, adaptability, and attention to detail.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with streaming platforms preferred. Required Education & Experience: Terminal degree or master’s degree and significant professional experience in esports, sports management, or a closely related discipline.

Five or more years of leadership experience required; 3–5 years in esports, athletic administration, or related student engagement strongly preferred.

Work Environment and Physical Demands: Remote/online position.

Extensive use of keyboard and sitting.

Required attendance at faculty and leadership meetings as assigned. About Us:

American Public University System (APUS) is an Online University based in Charles Town, WV. Our University has over 100,000 students. Our emphasis is educating our nation’s military and public services communities with quality and affordable education. APUS provides partnership and commitment in helping students realize the dream of a higher education and the opportunities that brings.

It is the policy of American Public University System (APUS) to afford equal opportunity to all qualified persons. We treat all qualified individuals equally as to their recruitment, hiring, assignments, advancements, compensation, and all other terms and conditions of employment. American Public University System (APUS) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, or physical, mental, or sensory disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.