Director, Athletic Event Operations & Experience

George Mason University; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

George Mason University seeks an experienced Director of Athletic Event Operations & Experience to lead all intercollegiate home competitions across 22 varsity sports. You will oversee event strategy, staffing, safety, and fan engagement, ensuring premium service and brand alignment at Mason Athletics venues.

This role requires advanced degree or equivalent experience, strong leadership, and the ability to manage complex events, partnerships, and emergency operations.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree or equivalent work experience required.
• Experience supervising employees/interns/student workers.
• Ability to work with a diverse group of people and cultures.
• Working knowledge of NCAA rules and conference regulations.
• Strong interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work frequent evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to operate in extreme weather conditions and manage field conditions.
• Valid driver's license and compliance with vehicle policies; MVR review may be required.
• CPR certification required or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Lead operations for 22 varsity athletic home competitions and 200+ annual events.
• Oversee game-day experience, fan engagement, and operational excellence across venues.
• Act as event administrator for designated sports and major championship events.
• Plan staffing, scheduling, run-of-show, and post-event evaluations.
• Ensure safety, risk mitigation, and compliance with NCAA and conference rules.
• Develop partnerships to enhance revenue, concessions, and fan experience.

Skills

Leadership

Event operations planning

Staff supervision

Budget management

Communications

Safety & risk management

Education

Advanced degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Director, Athletic Event Operations & Experience

Job ID: 10004724

Classification: Administrative or Professional Faculty

Job Category: Administrative or Professional Faculty

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: On Site Required

Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

Motor Vehicle Records Check: Yes

Important Eligibility Requirement

Employees in this position are required to operate university vehicles in accordance with George Mason University Vehicle Use Policy 1411. Applicants must possess and maintain an active, valid driver's license that satisfies university requirements. Final candidates are subject to a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) review, and successful completion of the review is a condition of employment.

Minor or major driving violations may affect eligibility for employment. Applicants with prior driving infractions need to review the Eligibility & MVR Review Information (English / Spanish) before applying.

About the Department:

George Mason Athletics unites communities by developing champions with a mission to inspire and transform lives through the power of sports. Mason Athletics serves 500 student-athletes in 22 NCAA Division I sports. We are a proud member of the Atlantic 10 Conference with over 20 Conference Championships, NCAA Championships in Women's Soccer and Men's Indoor Track, an NCAA appearance in Women's Basketball, and an NCAA Final Four appearance with Men's Basketball, and over 30 individual National Champions. We are student-focused, education-centered, and committed to providing transformational experiences for our student-athletes and staff. Our five priorities are Student‑Athlete Experience, Competition, Resources, Storytelling & Engagement, and Championship Culture.

About the Position:

As an integral part of the Events and Facilities team, the Director organizes, manages, and plans all intercollegiate athletic home competitions. In addition, the Director also assists in planning certain fundraising events, golf tournaments, banquets, galas, and department social activities. High level of autonomy, professionalism, and immediate decision-making responsibilities. Responsible for managing events, staff (George Mason employees, volunteers, support staff, contractors, and officials) at the event, the safety of players and officials, fan conduct, and making decisions in emergency situations and weather-related issues. The Director position is very forward-facing - responsible for creating and maintaining a positive brand and image for the University.

Responsibilities:

Athletic Event Operations & Experience Leadership

• Provide strategic leadership, planning, and execution oversight for all intercollegiate athletic home competitions for 22 varsity sports, with direct responsibility for marquee and high-impact events and supervisory oversight across 200+ annual competitions;
• Serve as the lead architect of the game day experience, enhancing fan engagement, atmosphere, and operational excellence across all venues;
• Act as primary event administrator for designated sports and championship-level events, ensuring seamless execution, premium service delivery, and alignment with institutional brand standards;
• Oversee comprehensive event planning including scheduling, staffing models, run-of-show development, and post-event evaluation to continuously improve operations and experience;
• Serve as onsite Atlantic 10 Conference Game Administrator, responsible for safety, risk mitigation, and operational decision-making, including execution of Emergency Action Plans (EAPs);
• Ensure full compliance with NCAA and conference regulations, proactively mitigating risk of administrative penalties;
• Provide leadership for external event partnerships including fundraising events, tournaments, banquets, and special events, enhancing revenue generation and community engagement;
• Oversee concessions strategy for offerings to elevate the spectator and student‑athlete experience;
• Collaborate with marketing, ticketing, communications, multimedia, and donor relations (Patriot Club) to integrate promotions, branding, and fan engagement strategies; and
• Build and maintain strong relationships across campus, external vendors, conference partners, and community stakeholders.

Facilities

• Provide strategic oversight for assigned athletic facilities (e.g., RAC, AFC, Stadium, Spuhler Field, Softball Complex, practice fields, tennis courts, rowing boathouse), ensuring they support a first‑class competition and event environment;
• Establish and maintain facility readiness standards focused on safety, functionality, and premium presentation;
• Identify and implement enhancements to improve fan experience, operational efficiency, and revenue opportunities within venues; and
• Support capital planning initiatives and facility upgrades aligned with departmental and institutional objectives.

Personnel & Staff Development

• Provide leadership and direction for event operations staff, including full‑time employees, interns, and part‑time workforce;
• Oversee hiring, onboarding, scheduling, payroll, and performance management for event staff, practicums and interns;
• Direct the management of 100+ game day staff, student employees, and volunteers, ensuring high performance, professionalism, and service excellence;
• Develop training programs focused on customer service, safety protocols, and event execution standards; and
• Foster a culture of accountability, inclusion, teamwork, and continuous professional development.

Budgeting, Finance & Revenue Operations

• Develop and manage budgets for athletic events, including NCAA and Atlantic 10 competitions;
• Oversee purchasing, expense tracking, and financial reporting, including use of institutional systems (e.g., eVA, P‑Card reconciliation);
• Monitor and optimize expenditures related to game operations, staffing, and hospitality;
• Track and manage event‑related revenues, deposits, and financial settlements; and
• Identify opportunities to drive cost efficiencies and enhance revenue generation through event operations and experience enhancements.

Strategic Initiatives & Administrative Responsibilities

• Support departmental strategic priorities tied to fan experience, revenue growth, and operational excellence;
• Contribute to policy development, long‑range planning, and cross‑functional initiatives; and
• Perform other duties as assigned by senior athletics leadership.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in related field or training and work experience at a level that equates to an advanced degree;
• Experience and knowledge in supervising employees/interns/student workers;
• Experience and ability in working with a diverse group of people;
• Working knowledge of relative NCAA rules;
• Strong interpersonal, written and oral communication skills;
• Ability to work frequent evening, weekend and holiday events;
• Ability to work in extreme weather conditions (heat, cold, and rain);
• Demonstrated knowledge and competency with computer hardware and software systems;
• Ability to lift and carry 35lbs, with or without reasonable accommodation;
• Valid driver's license: must currently possess an appropriate, active, valid motor vehicle operator's license that meets all of GMU's requirements for operating state vehicles and equipment under Mason's Vehicle Use Policy 1411 https://universitypolicy.gmu.edu/policies/vehicle-use/. The Office of Risk Management reserves the right to review the driver's licenses and Motor Vehicle Reports (MVRs) of all candidates selected with employment contingent upon a favorable review; and
• CPR certification required, or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in related field; and
• Generally, two to three years of applicable experience in event management in collegiate athletics or related field.