"Deputy Director, Athletics"

Job Description

Deputy Director, Athletics

Job Description Summary: Reporting to the Director of Athletics, the Deputy Athletics Director serves as second-in-command of the department and acts as Athletics Director in their absence. This senior leadership position oversees daily operations, facilities and event management, sport supervision, and departmental administration, while also fostering strong relationships with alumni, parents, and community partners. The Deputy AD ensures smooth and efficient internal functions that directly support the student-athlete experience, while advancing the department’s profile through targeted alumni, community engagement, and fundraising initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as Sports Management, Business Administration, Education, or Communications (Master’s preferred).
• Thorough knowledge of NCAA Division III rules, regulations, and compliance standards.
• Demonstrated commitment to upholding institutional, conference, and NCAA policies.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with diverse constituencies in written and oral formats.
• Supervisory experience, with the ability to organize, prioritize, and schedule work across multiple teams or departments.
• Demonstrated leadership, initiative, and sound judgment in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Track record of accountability, openness to feedback, and professional integrity.
• Proven ability to adapt to changing university and departmental priorities; open to continuous improvement and evolving practices.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion, with demonstrated ability to build relationships across diverse identities and perspectives.
• Willingness and ability to travel occasionally and work evenings/weekends as required by athletic events and duties.
• Enthusiasm and the ability to thrive in an atmosphere of high stress and constant change.
• Willingness and ability to maintain confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in a related field
• 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in intercollegiate athletics administration
• Experience supervising full-time staff and/or coaches
• Experience with budget management, strategic planning, or compliance oversight in an athletics setting

Specific Duties:

Duty: ATHLETICS OPERATIONS

• Provide strategic leadership and day-to-day oversight of the department’s operational functions, including the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and organizational systems that support administrative efficiency, compliance, marketing, special events, and overall department effectiveness.
• Serve as a key liaison between Athletics and other university divisions (e.g., Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Advancement, and Alumni Relations) to align departmental goals with broader institutional priorities.
• Collaborate with the University’s Communications and Marketing teams to ensure that Athletics communications are consistent with institutional messaging and effectively promote the mission, values, and achievements of Leopard Athletics.
• Foster integration and collaboration across campus through shared programming, events, and initiatives that enhance the visibility of Athletics and strengthen its role in the overall student experience.

Percentage of Time: 30%

Duty: SENIOR LEADERSHIP

• Serve as the acting Athletics Director in their absence, providing leadership and continuity across all departmental functions.
• Represent the Athletics Department on university-wide committees, task forces, and strategic planning initiatives to ensure Athletics is positioned as an essential contributor to institutional goals.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts by identifying and implementing process enhancements that increase operational efficiency, sustainability, and effectiveness across the department.

Percentage of Time: 20%

Duty: COMMUNITY & ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT

• Develop and execute comprehensive engagement strategies that strengthen connections between alumni, parents, and supporters with Leopard Athletics.
• Establish and lead an alumni advisory board or similar committees to foster meaningful involvement and support for the department’s mission and goals.
• Partner with University Advancement and the Alumni Office to coordinate successful alumni events, reunions, and community outreach initiatives that enhance the profile and support of the athletics program.
• Act as a visible ambassador for Athletics within the broader community by representing the department at local functions, civic organizations, and alumni gatherings.
• Amplify the athletics department’s public presence through targeted outreach efforts, including public speaking engagements and active participation in community and civic groups.

Percentage of Time: 15%

Duty: CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS, SPONSORSHIPS, & FUNDRAISING

• Identify, cultivate, negotiate, and manage sponsorship agreements with local, regional, and institutional partners to maximize revenue and brand visibility.
• Lead and oversee key athletic fundraising events such as NCAA tournaments, university golf outings, Hall of Fame ceremonies, jersey retirements, season ticket holder events, Alumni and Homecoming weekends, and other signature departmental initiatives.
• Provide strategic oversight for revenue generation across 18 intercollegiate sport programs, collaborating closely with coaches and program administrators to enhance annual fundraising efforts and increase donor participation.
• Leverage campus resources, including student organizations, faculty, and administration, to support fundraising, community engagement, and fan development efforts that advance athletics and university goals.

Percentage of Time: 15%

Duty: STAFF OVERSIGHT & SUPERVISION

• Provide leadership and supervision for athletic operations staff, including but not limited to facilities management, game operations, athletics communications, and compliance.
• Serve as the sport administrator for assigned varsity teams, offering guidance and support to coaches regarding program management, student-athlete development, and overall welfare.
• Facilitate regular meetings with staff and coaches to review operational efficiency, competitive performance, and progress toward strategic objectives, ensuring alignment with departmental and university goals.

Percentage of Time: 10%

Duty: VENDOR & CONTRACT MANAGEMENT

• Serve as the primary liaison with vendors and contractors providing facility services, equipment, and event support.
• Negotiate, review, and manage contracts to ensure operational needs are met efficiently, cost-effectively, and in compliance with university policies.

Percentage of Time: 5%

Duty: COMPLIANCE & INSTITUTIONAL ALIGNMENT

• Model and promote strict adherence to NCAA, SCIAC, university regulations, and ethical standards throughout the athletics department.
• Highlight and communicate student-athlete academic achievements, leadership, and community service in external and internal storytelling efforts.
• Ensure full compliance with NCAA, SCIAC, and University policies, including academic standards and athletics department guidelines. Promptly report any concerns or violations to the Director of Athletics or the Compliance & Student Services Manager.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Director of Athletics or their designee.

Percentage of Time: 5%

Salary Range

Maximum: $102,823

Minimum: $98,718.83

Benefits Summary:

Applicants, please note that actual compensation is determined by several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to job-related skills, depth of experience, certifications, relevant education or training, and specific work location, among others. The offered wage or salary is only one aspect of an employee’s total compensation.

Benefits include a comprehensive health and wellness plan, tuition remission program for employee, spouse, and dependent children, a generous contribution to the University’s 403B retirement plan, and a generous time off plan.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of a background check and employment verification.

Location:

La Verne Main Campus