Executive Associate Athletics Director for Sports Administration

SLAC; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 220,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

18+ PTO days per year

Health benefits start when you start

Flexible work options

$6000+ annual tuition and training

403(b) plan

Mental health and wellness programs

Free and discounted commuter транспорт

Applies to regular full‑time positions

Job summary

Stanford University in Stanford, CA is seeking an Executive Associate Athletics Director for Sport Administration to provide strategic leadership for the Sports Administration Team within DAPER. This role oversees multiple varsity programs, partners with head coaches, and aligns priorities with the department’s strategic objectives.

The position requires strong leadership, budgeting, and interpersonal skills, with travel to events and competition oversight as part of the role.

Qualifications

• Tenure in collegiate athletics administration or related leadership roles.
• Experience directing multiple varsity sport programs and head coaches.
• Proven budget planning and resource allocation in intercollegiate athletics.
• Knowledge of NCAA regulations and conference governance structures.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships and navigate complex org dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Direct staff and provide leadership to achieve the organization’s goals and vision.
• Oversee budget and financial planning for assigned sport programs.
• Lead collaboration with various departments to support student‑athlete success.
• Oversee recruitment, hiring, and performance evaluation of coaches.
• Represent the department in conferences and governance activities.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Budget management

NCAA regulations

Governance experience

Stakeholder communication

People leadership

Job description

Executive Associate Athletics Director for Sports Administration

Stanford, CA, United States (On-site)

Job Description

Executive Associate Athletics Director for Sport Administration

Work Arrangement: Onsite
Budgeted Salary Range : $220,000 – $240,000

Position Overview:

This position provides strategic leadership and oversight of the Sports Administration Team within the Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation (DAPER), including direct administrative oversight of multiple varsity sport programs. Reporting to the Deputy Director of Athletics for Olympic Sports and Student-Athlete Success, the position is responsible for sustaining sport program effectiveness, advancing departmental priorities, and ensuring alignment with DAPER's strategic objectives. Success in this role requires strategic thinking, sound judgment, strong interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to build collaborative relationships and navigate complex organizational dynamics.

Primary Areas of Focus:

Varsity Sport Program Oversight :

• Oversee assigned varsity sport programs, partnering with head coaches to develop and implement strategic plans that promote athletic excellence, transformative student‑athlete experiences, and sustainable program success.
• Provide leadership for Head Coaches and administrative oversight of assigned varsity sport programs, including ensuring compliance with NCAA and ACC regulations, applicable laws, and Stanford University and DAPER policies.
• Partner with DAPER leadership on personnel matters for assigned sports, including head coach recruitment, hiring, and performance evaluation.
• Maintain an active presence at assigned varsity sporting events and NCAA championships, ensuring appropriate sport administration coverage. Travel is required.
• Oversee budgets for assigned sport programs, including expenditure monitoring, and responsible stewardship of resources.
• Lead and manage the Sports Administration team, providing direction, coordinating priorities, and supporting effective and consistent administration across varsity sport programs.
• Convene and lead meetings with sport administrators, head coaches, and other key stakeholders to facilitate communication, coordination, and resolution of program‑related matters.

Cross-Functional Collaboration and Operations:

• Collaborate with departmental leadership and functional partners to address sport‑related issues, support effective day‑to‑day operations, and advance departmental priorities.
• Partner with academic support, sports medicine, student‑athlete development, and other relevant departments to coordinate resources, address emerging needs, and support the academic, athletic, and personal well‑being of student‑athletes.

Success in this Role Requires:

Success in this role requires a collaborative, resourceful, and solutions‑oriented professional who brings:

• Strategic Thinking and Sound Judgment: The ability to navigate complex situations, anticipate challenges, and make thoughtful, informed decisions.
• Relationship Building and Influence: Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust, foster collaboration, and influence stakeholders across diverse teams.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional communication and listening skills, with the ability to engage effectively with coaches, administrators, and leadership.
• Leadership and People Development: A commitment to coaching, mentoring, and developing others while fostering a culture of accountability and high performance.
• Adaptability and Problem‑Solving: The ability to manage competing priorities, navigate ambiguity, and approach challenges with flexibility, diplomacy, and sound judgment.

Preferred Qualifications and Experience

• Eight to ten years of progressively responsible experience in collegiate athletics administration, including experience in sport program oversight and leadership.
• Demonstrated experience providing leadership and administrative oversight for multiple varsity sport programs, including working closely with head coaches and senior athletics administrators.
• Experience supervising and evaluating coaches, sport administrators, or other athletics personnel.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, budget management, and resource allocation within an intercollegiate athletics environment.
• Comprehensive knowledge of NCAA regulations, conference governance, and the operational complexities of Division I athletics.
• Experience representing an athletics department in conference or NCAA governance activities, committees, or other institutional initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate complex organizational dynamics, build collaborative relationships, and exercise sound judgment in sensitive or high‑stakes situations.

Responsibilities

Core Duties:

Direct staff and provide leadership to achieve goals and vision of the organization. Responsible for hiring and retaining staff, career coaching, professional development and accountable for the performance of direct reports.

May independently or in collaboration with human resources managers, guide supervisors in the interpretation and implementation of human resources policies, procedures and programs.

Develop and direct strategic plans for organization or program(s) managed. May develop multi‑year business plans. Identify and resolve strategic issues of substantial significance that affect the overall functioning beyond the immediate unit, consult and advise senior leadership. Make decisions that establish objectives for the overall direction/operation of a significant organization. Oversee allocation of all resources.

Evaluate the effectiveness of the organizational structure and programs to ensure success, development of employees and appropriate use of staff resources.

Responsible for the financial viability and success of the organization, including long term planning.

Advise senior management on programmatic and policy development. May provide input to university leadership on institutional administrative policies and guidelines.

seven years of relevant experience in administrative and financial management, or combination of education and relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Demonstrated leadership, supervisory, planning and change‑management skills.

Excellent oral and written communication skills. Able to influence people, solve problems, troubleshoot, think creatively and resolve conflicts.

Advanced financial expertise in budget planning, and financial forecasting.

Advanced analytical and problem solving skills. Strong knowledge of industry standards and/or regulatory requirements.

Subject matter expertise for area(s) of responsibility.

• Pay Range $201,568-$376,259
• Pay Frequency Annually
• Fixed Term N
• Full time or Part time Full Time
• Regular or Temporary Regular

Benefits that support you, and your future

• 18+ PTO days per year
• Health benefits start when you start
• Flexible work options
• $6000+ annual tuition and training assistance
• 403(b) plan
• Mental health and wellness programs
• Free and discounted commuter transportation
• Applies to regular full‑time positions.

Notice to Applicants
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classifications and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of their job.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Stanford University provides job pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a particular job. The specific pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on a wide range of factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to geographic work location, relevant knowledge, skills and abilities, relevant education, years of relevant experience, depth and breadth of relevant experience, and performance; further including but not limited to other business and organization needs such as the scope and responsibilities of the position, the minimum qualifications, departmental budget availability, and market and internal equity across the university, school/ unit, department, as well as job reporting relations hips.

Why work at Stanford

World-changing work in a culture of continuous learning

An inspiring community that values collaboration

High-quality health and wellness benefits that put you and your family first

Access to world-class education and career development, with tuition reimbursement, training assistance, and more