Director I-Fixed-Acad Staff

Michigan State University; East Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan State University is seeking a Deputy Athletics Director and Chief Operating Officer to provide day-to-day executive leadership for Spartan athletics on campus and in external venues. The role includes leading Spartan Ventures, overseeing football operations, capital projects, facilities, events, and cross-functional collaboration with university leadership.

The position requires a master's degree and 10–15 years of senior athletics experience, with a track record of strategic leadership

Qualifications

• Master's degree required.
• 10-15 years of progressively responsible experience in athletics administration and senior leadership positions.
• Demonstrated success leading complex organizations.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day executive leadership for Michigan State Athletics.
• Serve as CEO of Spartan Ventures to implement strategic priorities, increase revenue, and optimize operations.
• Primary sport administrator for the Football program with leadership and accountability for competitive excellence and operational effectiveness.
• Oversee capital projects and infrastructure, facilities management, events and operations.
• Lead departmental operational planning and resource management in a fiscally responsible manner.
• Collaborate with the Spartan Athletic Foundation and Athletics Business and Finance Office.
• Engage coaches, administrators, university leaders, and external stakeholders to support championship-level performance.
• Participate in strategic decision-making as a member of the executive leadership team.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by the Director of Athletics.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Operational leadership

Education

Master's degree

MBA, JD, Master's in Sport Administration, Business or related field

Job description

Working/Functional Title

Deputy Athletics Director, Chief Operating Officer

Position Summary

Responsibilities

MSU Athletics is searching for a Deputy Athletics Director to provide day-to-day executive leadership for Michigan State Athletics and represent the Director of Athletics on University, conference, and external matters. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Serve as the CEO of Spartan Ventures to implement strategic priorities, increase revenue, and optimize operations in support of Michigan State Athletics.
• Serve as the primary sport administrator for the Football program, providing leadership, guidance, and accountability to support competitive excellence and operational effectiveness.
• Oversee and provide strategic leadership for the following areas:
• Non-Philanthropic External Revenue Generation
• Capital Projects and Infrastructure
• Facilities Management
• Events and Operations
• Other units as assigned
• Lead departmental operational planning and execution to ensure efficient, effective, and fiscally responsible management of resources.
• In collaboration with Director of Athletics, provide leadership and support to the Spartan Athletic Foundation and the Athletics Business and Finance Office.
• Collaborate with coaches, administrators, university leaders, and external stakeholders to support championship-level performance across all sport programs.
• Serve as a member of the executive leadership team and participate in strategic decision-making related to athletics administration and Spartan Ventures operations.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by the Director of Athletics.
• Serve as a key advisor to the Director of Athletics.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Masters

Minimum Requirements

• Master's degree
• MBA, JD, Master's in Sport Administration, Business or related field
• 10-15 years of progressively responsible experience in athletics administration and senior leadership positions
• Demonstrated success leading complex organizations

Required Application Materials

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Review of Applications Begins On

09/29/2026

Website

www.msuspartans.com

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.