Director I-Fixed-Acad Staff

MSU Careers Recent Jobs; East Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan State University in East Lansing seeks a Deputy Athletics Director and Chief Operating Officer to provide day-to-day executive leadership for Spartan athletics and represent the Director in university and external matters.

Responsibilities include serving as CEO of Spartan Ventures to implement strategic priorities, increase revenue, and optimize operations; acting as primary sport administrator for football; leading facilities, events, external revenue, finance, and capital projects;

Qualifications

• Master's degree required.
• MBA, JD, or Master's in Sport Administration, Business or related field preferred.
• 10-15 years of progressively responsible experience in athletics administration and senior leadership positions.

Responsibilities

• 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: 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.
• Collaborate with the Director of Athletics to 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.

Education

Master's degree

MBA/JD/Masters in Sport Administration, Business or related field

Job description

Working/Functional Title

Deputy Athletics Director, Chief Operating Officer

Position Summary

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.

Advertised: Sep 21, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Sep 21, 2028 Eastern Daylight Time