ATHLETIC GROUNDS SME - REMOTE

Compass Group•REMOTE, NC

12d•$90,000 - $100,000•Remote

About The Position

The Athletics Grounds Subject Matter Expert leads SSC’s nationwide athletic grounds program and sets standards for collegiate and K-12 sports facilities. The role partners with sports field managers across the portfolio, builds relationships with athletic directors and clients, and supports business growth and retention. As a visible industry leader, the SME represents SSC and advances practices for natural grass and synthetic surfaces through expertise and influence. This is a remote position requiring 80% travel to client sites. The SME provides technical guidance, training, assessments, program design, and project support across athletic grounds operations, and may step into Unit Director or Operations Manager leadership roles as needed.

Requirements

15+ years of athletic field management experience across collegiate, professional, large K-12, municipal, or similar environments.
Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM) certification required.
Demonstrated expertise with natural grass and synthetic athletic surfaces across football, soccer, baseball, softball, lacrosse, field hockey, rugby, and multi-use fields.
Deep technical knowledge of athletic field agronomy, turfgrass physiology, soil science, fertility, irrigation, compaction relief, pest and disease management, overseeding, renovation, topdressing, infield skin management, synthetic turf maintenance, and field safety testing.
Project management experience, including planning, coordination, budgeting, and execution.
Strong communication skills and ability to present to executives, athletic directors, coaches, and operations teams.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CMMS platforms; familiarity with field assessment, reporting, and project tracking tools.
Valid driver’s license and ability to safely operate company vehicles in accordance with traffic laws and conditions.
Ability to travel 80% to client sites.

Nice To Haves

NCAA Division I experience is strongly preferred.
Bachelor’s degree in Turfgrass Science, Agronomy, Horticulture, Sports Turf Management, or a related field.
Certified Grounds Manager (CGM) certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as SSC’s national expert on athletic grounds, including natural and synthetic surfaces, agronomy, safety, and field performance.
Lead development and continuous improvement of athletic field programs across major sports and high-use turf environments.
Provide technical support through site visits, remote guidance, renovation planning, and leadership coaching.
Train and develop field managers and teams in safety, preparation, turf care, and maintenance best practices.
Conduct site assessments and quality assurance audits, translating findings into actionable improvement plans.
Design site-specific agronomic programs for maintenance, renovation, field preparation, and recovery cycles.
Build relationships with athletic directors, coaches, and stakeholders to align field performance with schedules and safety standards.
Support new site startups with planning, training, budgeting, compliance, and maintenance program setup.
Partner with sales teams on proposals, finalist presentations, client retention, RFP responses, and business development.
Perform GMAX testing and field safety evaluations nationwide.
Represent SSC through conferences, publications, and professional associations.
Develop tools, templates, and resources to standardize and improve field management practices.
Review project plans and specifications, support project execution, and serve as an owner’s representative when needed.
Step into Unit Director or Operations Manager leadership roles as needed and support additional operational priorities.