Director of Game Day Experience & Operations

George Mason University; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

George Mason University’s Intercollegiate Athletics department is seeking a Director of Athletic Event Operations to organize, manage, and plan all home competitions for 22 varsity sports, ensuring premier fan experience and safety.

The role oversees staff and volunteers, coordinates with marketing, ticketing, donor relations, and external partners, and leads planning for fundraising events, banquets, and championships with autonomy and decision‑making responsibility.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience supervising employees and interns.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet vehicle use requirements.
• CPR certification or ability to obtain within 30 days.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for 22 varsity home competitions with 100+ game-day staff.
• Lead game-day operations, fan engagement, safety, and service excellence.
• Oversee event planning, staffing models, and post-event evaluation.
• Serve as on-site Game Administrator for designated sports; ensure compliance.
• Develop external partnerships, fundraisers, tournaments, and special events.
• Collaborate with marketing, ticketing, donor relations, and operations teams.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Written communication

Oral communication

Leadership

Staff supervision

Event coordination

Emergency management

Budgeting

Problem solving

Driving license

Education

Advanced degree in related field or equivalent experience

Master’s degree in related field (preferred)

Job description

George Mason University’s Intercollegiate Athletics department is seeking a Director of Athletic Event Operations to organize, manage, and plan all home competitions for 22 varsity sports, ensuring premier fan experience and safety.

The role oversees staff and volunteers, coordinates with marketing, ticketing, donor relations, and external partners, and leads planning for fundraising events, banquets, and championships with autonomy and decision‑making responsibility.