The Deputy Athletic Director/Chief of Operations is a senior leader in the Department of Athletics, responsible for marketing and communications, capital projects, fan experience and engagement, strategic direction, facilities, and event management. This role provides strategic direction, operational oversight, and administrative support to enhance the performance and integrity of the Athletics Department. It involves collaborating with various stakeholders, providing leadership, resolving complex issues, and implementing initiatives that align with the University’s mission and values.

Marketing & Communications:

• Direct the development and execution of marketing campaigns to increase attendance, brand affinity, and fan engagement.
• Oversee the creation of digital content strategies, including social media, video production, and website management.
• Ensure consistent, effective storytelling and brand alignment across all external communications.

Fan Experience & Engagement:

• Enhance the fan experience at home events through strategic promotions, game-day presentations, and customer service initiatives.
• Foster strong relationships with students, alumni, and the local community to increase participation and support.

Strategic Direction:

• Serve as an advisor to the AD on department matters, ensuring alignment with strategic goals, the department’s mission, and the University’s mission.
• Act as a liaison between the AD and other areas of the organization, by providing data, facts, and potential consequences to help with decision-making.
• Lead strategic planning efforts by analyzing national, conference, and local data and trends.
• Ensure the team is working to accomplish the organization’s mission.

Capital Projects & Facility Management:

• Provides leadership in capital projects, facility operations and the development of the department’s facility master plan.
• Develop and implement short and long-range plans to improve the physical environment of the facilities.
• Collaborate with the business office to prepare and present a yearly operations budget.

Event Management:

• Oversee all aspects of event operations for athletic competitions and special events, including venue setup and teardown, ticketing, concessions, staffing, and in-event execution to ensure a seamless game day experience.  

Operational Oversight:

• Lead day -to-day operations of the athletics department ensuring effective communication and coordination across all units.

Administration:

• Manage Key departmental contracts and oversee sport budgets, striving to maintain or reduce expenses.

Relationship Management:

• Act as a liaison between the athletics department and university administration, ensuring clear communication and collaboration on shared goals.
• Foster collaborative relationships with university partners, senior leadership, and key stakeholders to ensure alignment of departmental goals.
  Serve as a trusted representative of the Athletics Director in interactions with university officials, trustees, and external partners.

Issue Resolution:

• Proactively identify and address potential issues related to risk, compliance, and departmental integrity.
• Facilitate conflict resolution and mediate disputes within the department to maintain a positive working environment.

Initiatives and integrity:

• Develop and coordinate initiatives that promote diversity, inclusion and ethical standards within the department.
• Ensure adherence to university policies and NCAA regulations, fostering a culture of integrity.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, Business Administration or a related field.
• Minimum 7 plus years of experience in athletics administration or related field, with demonstrated leadership capabilities.
• Strong analytical and problem- solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and foster collaboration.
• This position is exempt and will require flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate the athletics calendar and events.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of NCAA regulations and compliance issues.
• Master’s degree in Sport Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience working in an NCAA Division I, FBS athletics department.

Along with the online application, please attach:

1. Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.  The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions.

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

USU enrolls 28,900 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU Online educates students from all 50 states and 55 countries. For over 25 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns in all of Utah’s counties.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies’ long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by conference championships in multiple sports, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

*updated 09/2025

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.

In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

303-844-5695| OCR.Denver@ed.gov

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

800-421-3481 |  OCR@ed.gov

*updated 06/2025