Senior Associate Athletics Director for External Operations

Salary/Position Classification

• $102,700 - $115,000 annual, Exempt
• 40 hours per week

Purpose of Position

The Senior Associate Athletics Director for External Operations provides leadership and oversight for the external units within the UND Athletics Department, including athletics communications, content strategy, marketing, and broadcast properties. This role coordinates and supports the department’s external operations while serving as a member of the Athletics senior staff, helping shape and guide the department’s overall external strategy. 

This position requires a strong commitment to compliance with all NCAA rules and regulations, as well as a dedication to supporting, encouraging, and promoting the safety and well-being of student-athletes.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Oversee External Areas including, but not limited to, Communications, Content, Marketing, & Broadcast Properties
  • Oversee External Operations staff to best serve UND Athletics & UND to formulate and execute plans in their respective areas.
  • Directly oversee the areas of communications, content, marketing, and broadcast properties.
  • Actively meet with coaches & athletic department leadership about needs in their external areas.
  • Implement policies and procedures that ensure the execution of UND Athletics and sports teams external vision.
  • Serve as the main point of contact for external contracts, which include, but are not limited to, television, streaming, radio, website, and corporate sponsorships.
  • Work with the website provider contract, currently SideArm/Learfield, and collaborate on design, premium content, online actions, and other relevant content.
  • Develop comprehensive revenue-generation strategy that expends UND Athletics beyond its traditional focus.
  • Maintain & foster positive relationships with all external revenue-generation entities to include, but not limited to, Fighting Hawks Sports Partnerships, the Ralph Engelstad Arena, the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center, and the Alerus Center.
  • Foster a collaborative relationship for all areas of external operations to ensure alignment on strategy, brand, integrity, and departmental priorities.
  • Identify broader opportunities for auxiliary revenue initiatives aligned with UND Athletics’ brand and community engagement.
  • Participate in NIL strategy sessions for department, if applicable.
• Serve as Communications Contact for Football Program & General Website 
  • Arrange media requests for coaches and student athletes.
  • Respond to media requests and inquiries in timely fashion.
  • Build positive relationships with local and regional media members.
  • Direct press conferences including placement of media backdrops.
  • Execute external operations unit promotion of the program which includes, but is not limited to, social media & website information.
  • Manage press area before, during, and after home competitions, including leading student interns and stat crew.
  • Direct oversight of the functionality for department website (www.fightinghawks.com). 
• Serve as a Member of Athletics Senior Staff 
  • Provide recommendations for strategy to overall athletics department vision.
  • Serve and contribute on search committees for significant hires.
  • Assist in the development and execution of the UND Athletics strategic plan & long-term goals.
  • Assist in the leadership and development of staff members new to the department and workforce.
  • Serve as a positive role model for department staff, coaches, and other internal & external constituents. 
  • Serve as sport administrator for assigned sports, at the discretion of the Director of Athletics.
  • Review all communications from athletic conference(s) & attend conference meetings for assigned sports, if applicable.

Required Competencies

• Must have effective professional working relationship with student-athletes, staff, administration, alumni and general public.
• Excellent interpersonal communication (verbal and written), and computer skills.
• Ability to multi-task, organize, and prioritize.
• Ability to teach and work with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Must have commitment to NCAA compliance and follow all NCAA, conference and und rules and regulations.
• Must have commitment to academic success of student-athletes.
• Must provide support and encouragement and ensure the safety and well-being of the student athletes including having a valid driver’s license.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism or related field.
• 5 years of experience working in college or professional sports
• Experience with broadcast/sports properties management at an NCAA athletic department and/or an NCAA-affiliated Conference Office.
• Experience with college or professional sports marketing, to include ticket sales and increased attendance strategies.
• Experience with public relations in collegiate or professional sports.
• Experience with generating revenue and fulfilling corporate sponsorships in collegiate or professional sports.
• Experience with NCAA rules and regulations.
• Supervisory experience in collegiate or professional sports.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Successful completion of criminal history background check (CHBC).

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree.
• Experience working at the NCAA Division I level.
• 7 years of full-time experience at the NCAA, NCAA-affiliated conference office, and/or professional sports.
• Supervisory experience of full-time employees in collegiate or professional sports.
• Experience with trademarks, licensing, and/or logo usage in college or professional sports.