Deputy Athletic Director – Chief Operating Officer

Colorado Mesa University•Grand Junction, CO

5d•$90,000 - $103,000•Onsite

About The Position

Colorado Mesa University (CMU) is seeking a Deputy Athletic Director – Chief Operating Officer to provide executive leadership for departmental operations, ensuring alignment of facilities, events, fiscal resources, personnel, and strategic initiatives with the University's mission and athletic department priorities. This role is a vital seat within the organization, contributing significantly to CMU's mission of providing an affordable and accessible education and forming meaningful partnerships that support the community. The Deputy Athletic Director – Chief Operating Officer will be a member of the Athletic Director's Executive team, supporting student-athletes, coaches, and staff, and providing strategic vision and leadership for the department. The position involves partnering with the Athletic Director to develop, plan, implement, and evaluate departmental strategic priorities and operational effectiveness, with direct oversight for designated varsity sport programs and up to 10 direct reports.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution required
3-5 years of experience athletic administration
3 years people leadership experience
Demonstrated experience creating and managing departmental budgets
Knowledge of NCAA, RMAC, and University rules and regulations
Knowledge of basic principles of athletics administration and management.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively to all levels
Knowledge of NCAA and conference eligibility regulations.
Demonstrated experience enhancing the student-athlete experience through the development and implementation of programs, policies, and procedures.
Ability to read, analyze and interpret general written materials, professional journals, technical procedures, or government regulations.
Ability to write reports and prepare and conduct verbal and visual presentation of materials.
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from top management, public groups, and board of directors.
Strategic and analytical reasoning skills are necessary.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.
Must be able to verify U.S. employment eligibility.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred
Experience in emergency management
Experience building meaningful connections with student-athletes facing challenges across diverse backgrounds and life experiences.
Experience building collaborative relationships with campus partners, external stakeholders, and community organizations to advance departmental goals

Responsibilities

Provides executive leadership for departmental operations, ensuring alignment of facilities, events, fiscal resources, personnel, and strategic initiatives with the University's mission and athletic department priorities.
Member of the Athletic Directors Executive team with work in support of student-athletes, coaches and staff. This position provides strategic vision and leadership for the department.
Partners with the Athletic Director to develop, plan, implement, and evaluate departmental strategic priorities and operational effectiveness.
Provide leadership and oversight for day-to-day operations of athletic facilities, event management and related budgets.
Support facility operations through deferred and routine maintenance planning in collaboration with appropriate personnel and within allocated budgets.
Direct oversight for designated varsity sport programs and of up to 10 direct reports. Including budgets, scheduling, hiring, evaluations, and student-athlete satisfaction oversight.
Assist the Athletics Director in fundraising initiatives.
Lead or assist with special projects or initiatives assigned by the Director of Athletics.
Serves as liaison and meets regularly with key internal and external stakeholders. Represents the department in a positive manner and effectively advocates for the interests of the University and department.
Oversight of Club Sports.
Oversight of Athletics facilities, event management, capital planning and project initiatives, and special events.
Oversight and Manage Coordinator of Athletic Events and Facilities, Graduate Assistants and student workers.
Manage the event operations budget and ensure compliance with institutional financial practices.
Oversee event staffing policies, training programs, and best practices to ensure adequate support and high-quality operations across all athletic competitions and events.
Oversee and ensure implementation of cash policies.
Serves as the department lead for conduct-related incidents, ensuring timely response, documentation, and resolution in accordance with University and NCAA policies.