Director of Facilities and Event Operations (HR Title: Athletics Facilities Manager I)

Southern Methodist University; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Methodist University (SMU) is seeking a Director of Facilities and Event Operations for its Athletics facilities. This on-campus role leads daily operations, manages event execution, and ensures spaces like Armstrong Field House and Washburne Soccer and Track Stadium run at high standards.

Collaborating with coaches and campus partners, you will optimize rentals, oversee gameday operations, and support student-athlete success while advancing SMU Athletics’ strategic goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in facility and event management.
• Experience at intercollegiate or professional level preferred.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and manage day-to-day operational usage and scheduling of facilities.
• Manage rentals for Armstrong Field House (internal and external).
• Liaise with Women’s Soccer for day-to-day needs and gameday management.
• Oversee day-to-day operations of Washburne Soccer and Track Stadium.
• Support other operational and event needs as directed; willing to work weekends/evenings/holidays.
• Performs minimal travel as needed to support Athletics.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Verbal communication

Written communication

Customer service

Scheduling

Outlook

Excel

Teamworks

Event contracts

Forklift operation

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Outlook

Excel

Teamworks

Scheduling software

Job description

Job Description - Director of Facilities and Event Operations (HR Title: Athletics Facilities Manager I) (ATH00000503)

Job Description

Director of Facilities and Event Operations (HR Title: Athletics Facilities Manager I) - ( ATH00000503 )

Description

Salary Range:

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About SMU

SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.

SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem – paired with entrepreneurial drive – creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU’s relationship with Dallas – the dynamic center of one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions – offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.

SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

About the Position:

This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

The Director of Facilities and Event Operations plays a key role in delivering exceptional venue and event experiences for SMU Athletics, the University community, and external partners. This position provides leadership for the daily operations, utilization, and event execution within key athletics facilities, such as Armstrong Field House and Washburne Soccer and Track Stadium, ensuring spaces are managed efficiently and operate at the highest standard.

Working collaboratively with coaches, campus stakeholders, and event partners, the Director helps create an environment that supports student‑athlete success, enhances fan engagement, and advances the strategic goals of SMU Athletics.

Essential Functions:

Monitor, evaluate and communicate the day to day operational usage and scheduling of the Indoor Performance Center.

Ma nage and facilitate all rentals (internal or external) for Armstrong Field House.

Main liaison for Women’s Soccer to include day to day needs and lead gameday manager.

• Help manage and oversee day to day operations of Washburne Soccer and Track Stadium.

Assist with other operational and event needs directed by the Assistant AD or Senior Associate AD for facilities and event operations.

Weekend, evening and/or holiday work will be required to support games and events as needed.

Minimal travel may be required to support the needs of the Athletics Department.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s is required. Master’s is preferred.

A minimum of two (2) years of experience is in facility and event management required.

Experience at the intercollegiate level or professional level is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly, professionally and in a timely manner. Must also be able to build and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. A strong customer service orientation is essential.

Candidates must have the ability to assess evolving situations quickly, adjust plans as needed, and implement effective solutions in real time. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills.

An understanding of event contracts is essential. A strong working knowledge of Outlook, Excel, Teamworks, and scheduling software is required.

The ability to operate a forklift or scissor lift is preferred.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time
• Bend, squat, stand, crawl, climb, push/pull, kneel
• Walk for long distances
• Reach above shoulders
• Handle objects (dexterity)
• Carry/lift 50+ lbs.
• Exposure to excessive noise
• Work around heavy machinery
• Exposure to dust, fumes, gases, radiation, and microwave
• Drives Motorized equipment
• Work in confined quarters

Deadline to Apply:

Priority consideration may be granted to applications received by October 30, 2026.

Position will remain open until filled.

EEO Statement

SMU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of healthand related benefit s. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMUand, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.