Senior Associate Athletics Director for Internal Operations

Winston-Salem State University

Winston-Salem (NC)

On-site

USD 150,000 - 190,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

Winston‑Salem State University seeks a Senior Associate Athletics Director for Internal Operations to lead day‑to‑day internal operations. You will report to the Director of Athletics and ensure operational excellence, NCAA and institutional compliance, and effective administration of internal athletic department functions.

You will supervise the Associate Athletic Director for Operations, guide HR, game day planning, and student‑athlete initiatives, including NIL, while coordinating with campus

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required; master’s preferred.
Four plus years in Division I athletics compliance or equivalent leadership.
Strong written and verbal communication; relationship building with coaches and staff.
Ability to educate on NCAA and conference rules and regulations.
Proficiency with computers, CAI or similar compliance software.

Responsibilities

Lead internal operations of the Athletics Department with a focus on efficiency.
Oversee HR, game day operations, and NIL initiatives for student‑athletes.
Supervise senior staff and oversee performance evaluations and development.
Ensure NCAA, CIAA, UNC System and state/federal compliance across functions.
Support fundraising, alumni engagement, and community outreach efforts.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Operations management

HR oversight

NCAA compliance

Game day operations

Staff development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, or related business area

Master’s degree in business administration, public administration, or related business area

Job description

Position Details

Classification Information

Position Classification Title

Athletics Professional, Senior

FLSA

Exempt

Position Class

89850

Position Overview

Join the Ramily!

Winston‑Salem State University ( WSSU ) is a distinguished institution that combines academic excellence, community engagement, and a commitment to fostering student success. We are proud to be North Carolina’s only university to earn the distinguished designation of Opportunity College by the Carnegie Classifications of Higher Education and the American Council on Education ( ACE ). WSSU is dedicated to preparing students for leadership roles through rigorous programs in health sciences, business, education, and the humanities. Known for its supportive environment, the university fosters a close‑knit community that nurtures both professional and academic excellence.

Situated in Winston‑Salem, North Carolina—known as the City of Arts and Innovation, WSSU provides students with opportunities to engage in a dynamic mix of professional, social, and cultural experiences. Winston‑Salem is home to thriving arts, healthcare, and technology sectors, offering both students and faculty unique collaboration opportunities and professional development pathways.

With its beautiful campus, strong sense of community, and dedication to fostering personal and professional growth, Winston‑Salem State University is an ideal place to teach, work, and learn.

Find information about our current benefits and retirement options, our holiday schedule, and other discounts and perks at the links below:

UNCSystem Employee Benefits Central

UNC System Retirement Benefits

WSSU Holiday Schedule

WSSU Discounts and Perks

Position Summary

Winston‑Salem State University is seeking a new Senior Associate Athletic Director for Internal Operations.

The Senior Associate Athletic Director for Internal Operations serves as a member of the Athletics Executive Leadership Team and provides strategic leadership, oversight, and management of the day‑to‑day internal operations of the Winston‑Salem State University Department of Athletics. Reporting directly to the Director of Athletics, this position is responsible for ensuring operational excellence, NCAA and institutional compliance in assigned areas, and the effective administration of internal athletic department functions.

The Senior Associate Athletic Director oversees all internal operations, including human resources, game day and event management, student‑athlete Name, Image and Likeness ( NIL ) initiatives, assigned sport supervision, and serve as the student‑athlete advisory committee advisor. This position directly supervises the Associate Athletic Director for Operations and serves as the department’s primary administrator for operational planning and execution.

Responsibilities of the Senior Associate Athletic Director for Internal Operations include

Serve as a member of the Athletics Executive Leadership Team and assist the Director of Athletics in establishing and implementing departmental strategic priorities.
Develop, implement, and evaluate policies and procedures that promote operational efficiency and organizational effectiveness.
Represent the Director of Athletics on internal and external committees as assigned.
Serve as a member of the department’s senior leadership team for strategic planning, crisis management, and organizational decision‑making.
Provide leadership in fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and student‑athlete success.

Supervision

Directly supervise:
- Associate Athletic Director for Operations
- Assigned operational staff
- Assigned game day personnel
- Student interns as appropriate
Provide leadership, mentoring, goal setting, and annual performance evaluations for assigned employees.

Internal Operations

Direct and oversee the day‑to‑day internal operations of the Department of Athletics.
Develop operational standards that ensure efficient and effective delivery of athletic services.
Coordinate departmental operational calendars and internal administrative processes.
Ensure compliance with NCAA, CIAA, UNC System, university, state, and federal regulations.
Manage departmental risk management initiatives in coordination with campus partners.

Human Resources

Serve as the Athletics Department liaison with the University’s Office of Human Resources.
Oversee recruitment, onboarding, orientation, and offboarding of athletics personnel.
Coordinate employee performance evaluation processes and professional development initiatives.
Monitor staffing plans and organizational effectiveness.
Assist with position descriptions, personnel actions, salary recommendations, and workforce planning.
Promote a positive workplace culture emphasizing accountability, diversity, equity, inclusion, and employee engagement.

Game Day and Event Operations

Provide executive oversight for all home athletic contests and special events.
Supervise game day operations, facility readiness, staffing, event management, and customer service initiatives.
Coordinate security, emergency action plans, officials’ services, visiting team accommodations, ticket operations, and event logistics.
Ensure all NCAA and CIAA game management requirements are met.
Evaluate game day operations to continuously improve the student‑athlete and fan experience.

Sports Administration

Serve as the primary sport administrator for assigned sports:

Direct supervision and evaluation of head coaches.
Competitive excellence and program assessment.
Student‑athlete welfare and academic success.
Scheduling, travel oversight, and strategic planning.
Personnel recommendations and program development.
NCAA and conference compliance oversight.
Support fundraising, alumni engagement, and community outreach efforts.

Position Information

Position Number: 315777

Working Position Title: Senior Associate Athletics Director for Internal Operations

Building and Room No.: Bowman Gray Fieldhouse, Room 232

Appointment Type: Permanent Full-Time

If Time Limited: No

Appointment Length: 12

Requirements and Preferences

Position required to work during periods of adverse weather or other emergencies: Emergency

Normal Work Schedule

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Nights and weekends required.

Department Required Skills

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, or related business area
Minimum of four years experience in Division I athletics compliance in a university setting.
Knowledge of, or ability to learn, policies, procedures and guidelines established by the CIAA Conference and the NCAA.
Highly effective written and verbal communication skills, demonstrated ability to build relationships with coaches, staff, and student‑athletes
Ability to work with and educate coaches, staff, and student‑athletes on NCAA and conference rules and regulations.
Must have the ability to operate a personal computer with a general understanding of application software, and an understanding of the Internet and Compliance Assistance Software ( CAI )

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training,Education

Master’s degree in business administration, public administration, or related business area
Five to ten years of administrative management or business management experience.

Required License or Certification

Valid US Driver's License: Yes

Commercial Driver's License Required: No

Physical Required: No

Posting Details