Jim Hanauer Named Assistant A.D. for Digital Strategy and Analytics

Staff headshotsPhoto by Joshua McCoy/Ole Miss Athletics.

Jim Hanauer, formerly the Ole Miss Athletics Foundation’s director of development for annual giving, has been named assistant athletics director for digital strategy and analytics for Ole Miss Athletics. In his current role, Hanauer is responsible for enhancing the digital strategy of Ole Miss Athletics using data & analytics to expand the reach of the department & increase revenues.

“Growing our brand digitally is one of the most important initiatives for our department as our fans continue to embrace technology at such a rapid pace,” said Michael Thompson, Ole Miss Senior Associate A.D. for Communications and Marketing. “Furthermore, the analytics we are able to glean from digital, and even non-digital, is astounding, and I’m excited that Jim is able to leverage both of these for Ole Miss Athletics.”

At 28 years old, Hanauer is one of the youngest athletic administrators in the country.

“I’d like to thank Ross (Bjork), Stephen (Ponder) and Michael for the opportunity to serve Ole Miss in this pioneering, new role,” Hanauer said. “I’d also like to thank Keith Carter for his leadership and guidance the past five years that has greatly prepared me for this next chapter in my career.”

Hanauer worked under Carter, the Ole Miss Athletics Foundation’s executive director and senior associate athletics director for development, since March 2011. Most recently, he was a director of development, leading the foundation’s annual giving team. Before arriving in Oxford, he spent time with the Louisville Sports Commission, Louisville Lightning and the Mid-South Conference of the NAIA. Hanauer also worked with the Cardinal Athletic Fund at the University of Louisville during an arena transition for basketball from Freedom Hall to the KFC Yum! Center.

“Big data is everywhere; from tickets and donations to concessions and merchandise, we have to use our data intelligently to create bucket list fan experiences, connect Rebel fans across the country and drive revenue,” noted Hanauer.

Hanauer is a 2009 graduate of the University of Illinois, where he received his bachelor’s degree in business administration and served as the student representative on the Illinois Athletics Board and NCAA Re-Certification process. One year later, he earned his master’s in sports administration from the University of Louisville.