Executive Senior Associate Athletic Director, Administration & Risk

University of Southern California; Glendale (CA); On-site; USD 240,000 - 275,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health benefits

Retirement plans

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The University of Southern California is seeking an Executive Senior Associate Athletic Director to manage human resources, compliance, and risk management for athletics. The role requires strong leadership and legal skills, along with eight years of HR experience.

The ideal candidate will oversee recruitment, ensure compliance with laws, and liaison with legal offices. An annual salary between $240,000 and $275,000 is offered, along with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Eight years of experience in human resources management with labor relations knowledge.
• Experience in contract negotiation and dispute resolution.
• Six years of experience in a management role.

Responsibilities

• Oversee athletics recruitment, hiring, and performance management.
• Serve as primary liaison to legal and compliance offices.
• Advise leadership on sensitive employee and operational matters.

Skills

Excellent communication

Negotiation skills

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field

Job description

The Executive Senior Associate Athletic Director, Administration & Risk will serve as the primary liaison between USC's Athletic Department and University Human Resources (UHR), Office of General Counsel (OGC) and Office of Athletics Compliance (OAC).

Reporting to the Director of Athletics with a dotted line relationship to the Senior Vice President of Human Resources, Ethics & Compliance, this role oversees athletics‑related human resources, compliance, risk management, and legal operations. The Executive Senior Associate Athletic Director partners with university leadership to support workplace culture, employee engagement, hiring and onboarding, compliance initiatives, contract administration, and evolving legal matters impacting college athletics.

Human Resources & Employee Relations

• Oversee Athletics recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and performance management in alignment with university policies and practices.
• Partner with UHR to support employee relations matters, including conflict resolution, disciplinary actions, compensation strategy, and salary equity reviews.
• Collaborate with UHR and WorkWell to implement employee training and professional development programs.
• Ensure Athletics policies and practices comply with university standards and applicable employment laws.
• Meet regularly with UHR partners to align priorities and support implementation of HR initiatives.

Legal, Risk & Compliance

• Serve as Athletics' primary liaison to OGC and OAC on legal, compliance, labor, and risk‑related matters.
• Manage NIL licensing agreements, employee contracts, incentive payments, and ContractLogix administration.
• Support NIL Go administration and monitor transactions for compliance.
• Coordinate with OGC on athletics business agreements, policy development, dispute resolution, litigation matters, and risk management.
• Monitor developments related to NCAA, Big Ten, labor relations, sports law, and related regulatory matters.
• Support Athletics Compliance initiatives, including NCAA, CSC, and Big Ten education and compliance efforts.
• Oversee protection of Athletics intellectual property, including trademark and copyright compliance.

General Responsibilities

• Serve as a member of the Athletics Executive Team and as a sport administrator as assigned.
• Advise leadership on sensitive employee and operational matters in collaboration with UHR and OGC.
• Maintain legal and employee records and documentation.
• Assist with crisis management involving personnel, legal, or workplace issues.
• Perform other related duties as assigned. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or related field(s); combined experience/education qualifies as a substitute for minimum education.
• Eight (8) years of experience within human resources management with an understanding of labor relations, employee benefits and workplace compliance; combined experience/education qualifies as a substitute for minimum experience.
• Six (6) years of experience within a management role.
• Experience in contract negotiation/administration and dispute resolution.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment, managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines.
• Strong problem‑solving skills, with the ability to think strategically and provide practical solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
• Legal experience with understanding of applicable laws and regulations.
• Experience with risk management.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school and admission to the bar in the applicable jurisdiction (please note this role will not serve as a practicing attorney).
• 10 years of work experience within human resources management with an understanding of labor relations, employee benefits and workplace compliance.
• Experience working within college athletics or professional sports.
• Knowledge of the collective bargaining process and/or cap salary management.
• Experience managing employee training and development programs.
• Proven experience in legal practice with a focus on sports law, employment law, or corporate law.
• Complete and working knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations.

Work Environment

• Fast‑paced environment with non‑traditional workhours and high visibility.
• Occasional travel for events, games and meetings is required.
• Evening, weekend, or holiday hours will be necessary.

Benefits

To support faculty and staff well‑being, USC provides benefits‑eligible employees with a broad range of benefits and perks to help protect their and their dependents' health, wealth, and future. These benefits are available as part of the overall compensation and total rewards package.

The annual base salary range for this position is $240,000-$275,000.

The University of Southern California is an Equal Opportunity Employer.