Assistant Director of Sports Equipment (3828)

Position Information

Posting Detail Information

Working Position Title

Assistant Director of Sports Equipment (3828)

Classification

Intercollegiate Athletics Equipment Specialist

Position Number

00003828

Open Date

View Full Description

Position Information

Posting Detail Information

Working Position Title

Assistant Director of Sports Equipment (3828)

Classification

Intercollegiate Athletics Equipment Specialist

Position Number

00003828

Open Date

03/25/2026

Close Date

03/31/2026

Priority Review Date

Employee Class

Staff

Full-Time/Part Time

Full-Time

FTE

1.00

Position Status

Regular

FLSA

Exempt

Job code

4797

Union Representation

Non-Union

Union Code

N/A

Unit/Department

Intercollegiate Athletics

College/Unit

Intercollegiate Athletics

Division

Div Intercollegiate Athletics

Location

CC 204

Link to Department Website or Custom Search Page

https://niuhuskies.com/

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

| Overview |
Northern Illinois University is a world-class, research-focused public institution that attracts students from across Illinois, the country and the world and currently serves more than 15,600 students. NIU’s vision is to be an engine for innovation to advance social mobility; promote personal, professional and intellectual growth; and transform the world through research, artistry, teaching and outreach. Our mission is to empower students through educational excellence and experiential learning as we pursue knowledge, share our research and artistry, and engage communities for the benefit of the region, state, nation and world. Centrally located in DeKalb, Northern Illinois University is 30 miles west of Aurora, 65 miles west of Chicago, 36 miles west of Naperville, and 45 miles southeast of Rockford. | | Position Summary |
NIU Athletics is accepting applications for the position of Assistant Director of Sports Equipment. This is a full-time, 12-month position with benefits.

Under the direction of the Associate AD for Brand and Equipment Management, this position assists with the equipment operation for assigned sports. This position requires extensive evening and weekend work; independent decision-making in many areas including purchase of sports equipment for safety features; acceptance of responsibility for day-to-day problem solving; management ability to maintain good rapport with athletic administrators and coaches.

This position oversees a graduate assistant. This position is responsible for the following sports: Basketball (M&W), Volleyball, Soccer (M&W), Tennis (M&W), Golf (M&W), Women’s Track and Field, Women’s Cross Country, and Gymnastics. | | Essential Duties and Responsibilities |
Policy & Procedures – 30%

• Coordinate equipment oversight for assigned sports and its alignment with university and department policies and procedures and Athletics Strategic Plan.
• Follow all relevant policies and procedures in accordance with NCAA Standards.
• Oversight of preparation and set-up for opposing teams.
• Work with assigned sports on university and athletic department ordering policies and provides training to all parties on Adidas apparel contract.
• Communicate with student athletes on their needs making sure these needs align with head coaches’ vision and goals for equipment management.

Scheduling & Maintenance – 25%

• Supervise student managers, extra help and/or interns, including scheduling coverage for practices, home events, away events, and laundry.
• Coordinate the laundering, cleaning, and repairing of equipment.
• Coordinate and oversee the process of inventorying apparel and equipment for good ordering practices.
• Train and oversee student managers in processes for setting up and tearing down practices and games.
• Coordinate daily issuing, maintenance, and retrieval of equipment including preparation and delivery of practice and competition gear.
• Assist in process of packing for away events.

Retail Assistance – 15%

• Assist with customer service, monitoring and addressing any quality issues promptly and implementing improvements to prevent recurrence.
• Supervise all part-time help assigned to the retail area(s) to include scheduling and training.

Safety – 15%

• Maintain strictest safety standards and proper fitting requirements for assigned sports athletic equipment, making minor repairs as needed or providing replacements.
• Maintain strictest safety standards in disinfecting/cleaning equipment that cannot be laundered, as well as handling of medical issues (i.e.: blood, infectious diseases such as staph or ringworm) in laundry.
• Maintain and enforce strict equipment safety standards for assigned sports.

Equipment Orders – 10%

• Order equipment and apparel for assigned sports and manages distribution of received orders.
• Create and grow relationships with new and existing vendors.
• Responsible for detailed record keeping for all placed orders using Microsoft Office and departmental inventory system.

Other Related Duties – 5%

• When practical under the circumstances, intercollegiate athletic staff are encouraged to attend athletic events to promote audience participation and support for NIU team efforts.
• Assist with departmental needs as requested.
• Attend departmental meetings as required.

| | Minimum Required Qualifications (Civil Service) |
1. High school diploma or equivalent. 2. Three (3) years (36 months) of experience in the repair and maintenance of athletic equipment and uniforms at the high school or college level. 3. Possession of a valid State of Illinois driver’s license, the class of the license depending on the type of the vehicle(s) to be operated.

| | Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) (Civil Service) |
1. Knowledge of specific equipment and their uses in individual sports. 2. Knowledge of general standards and safety regulations for athletic equipment. 3. Knowledge of commercial/institutional laundry operations, equipment capabilities, and maintenance requirements. 4. Knowledge of current laundry industry techniques, processes, and supplies. 5. Knowledge of cleaning agents and buffing procedures for helmets. 6. Knowledge of shall preparation for painting of helmets. 7. Skill in the operation of the following machines: - sewing machines (straight stitch, zig-zag, darner, leather strength) - football helmet polisher and buffer - rivet machine for shoulder pads and selected die cuts - metal grinder - ball air inflater

1. Skill in the operation of motor vehicle(s) required by the position.
2. Ability to learn rules and regulations regarding equipment for student athletes as prescribed by specific intercollegiate athletic conferences.
3. Ability to move heavy travel cases, bags, and additional equipment.

| | Specialty Factors (Civil Service) |
None | | Preferred Qualifications (Civil Service) |
- At least one (1) year of collegiate athletic equipment experience. - Skill in active listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. - Ability to supervise, motivate, develop, and direct people as they work, identifying the best people for the job. - Ability to monitor/assess performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action. - Ability to effectively handle difficult and/or angry people. - Able to obtain AEMA certification within one (1) year (12 months) of hire.

| | Minimum Required Qualifications (SPS) |
N/A | | Additional Requirements (SPS) |
N/A | | Preferred Qualifications (SPS) |
N/A | | Physical demands/requirements |
- Heavy Lifting - Evening and weeknight hours possible

|

Appointment and Compensation Details

Appointment and Compensation Details

| Anticipated Appointment Start Date | 04/16/2026 | | Anticipated Appointment End Date | | | Percent of Staff Year | 1.00 | | Standard Hours Per Week | 37.50 | | Working Hours | 8-4:30pm; varies days, nights, weekends | | Salary | $45,424.08/Annually; NIU offers a robust benefits package. | | Hourly or Semi-monthly Pay Rate/Range | $1,892.67/Semi-monthly | | Earn Type | Salary |

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

| Application Procedure |
Application Procedure:

1. F ully complete the Education and Work History sections of the application. Be specific on your entire work history, including employment dates and duties for all positions held. Applicable part-time work experience will be considered toward qualifying for this position; however, it will be converted to a full-time equivalency to determine combined length of experience. Important: Please upload any unofficial transcript(s) and/or documentation that verifies any education, experience, and/or training you have received.

   • If eligible for Veteran’s Preference Points, DD214/DD215/NGB22/DD256 paperwork reflecting an Honorable Discharge MUST be uploaded to this application to receive the maximum eligible points on the Civil Service examination.

2. After the posting has closed, your submission will be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the classification, including any specialty factors associated with this position. If you meet the minimum required qualifications for this position, you will receive a score based on your education and experience, and your name will be placed on the active employment register.

3. Please monitor your e-mail for further information regarding your application. Emails will be generated from jobs@niu.edu and CivilServiceTesting@niu.edu

4. Illinois residency required within 180 days of the hire date.

Credentials Assessment Examination:

• The examination for this position is a Credentials Assessment and is based on your application materials as submitted for this posting. A Credential Assessment is a rating by the Human Resources Office of an applicant’s/employee’s education, experience, and special credentials/qualifications (licenses, etc.). Applicants are required to upload documentation to verify the minimum qualifications for this position has been met.
• Required documentation noted in the posting, such as a driver’s license, licensures, or certifications MUST be uploaded with your application materials.
• After assessment of all qualified applicants has been completed for this position, the names with the top three (3) scores will be referred to the hiring department for interview.

Additional Details:

• Click on Intercollegiate Athletics Equipment Specialist for more information including salary ranges, typical duties, minimum acceptable qualifications, and testing requirements.

  • Applicants who may assume they do not meet the exact minimum qualifications are still invited to apply. Within the application documents, applicants should be sure to explain how their credentials and related qualifications address the requested minimum requirements.

• Please click on Human Resource Services – Benefits for detailed information about Northern Illinois University’s benefits package.

• Employment is contingent upon your passing a criminal background investigation. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

| | Special Instructions | | | Quick Link to Applicant | https://employment.niu.edu/postings/9... | | Is Background Check Required? | Yes | | EEO Statement Summary |
In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability (physical and mental), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (identity and expression), political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator
Health Services Building Room 230
TitleIXCoordinator@niu.edu
815-753-5560 | | Visa Policy |

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

| | ADA Accommodation |
NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person’s disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form. For further assistance, please contact the office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity (AAEO) at ada@niu.edu. | | Safety Information |
NIU provides annual reports on campus security and fire safety.
Read the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.
Contact the Ethics and Compliance Office at 815-753-9364 for a hard copy. |

Applicant Documents

Required Documents 1. Resume/Curriculum Vitae 2. Cover Letter 3. List of at least 3 Professional References

Optional Documents 1. Military Discharge Documents ONLY (DD214/DD215/NGB22/DD256) 2. Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire) 3. Other

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * What is the highest level of education attained?

   • GED
   • High School Diploma
   • Associates Degree
   • Bachelors Degree
   • Masters Degree
   • PHD

2. * Have you attached all transcripts to support the degrees you are submitting for consideration?

   • Yes
   • No

3. * If applicable, have you attached a copy of your DD214, DD215, NGB22, or DD256 for consideration of Veterans Preference Points? The copy submitted should reflect the status of discharge in order to be considered.

   • Yes
   • No
   • Not Applicable

4. * Select the answer that best describes your work experience issuing and receiving equipment according to athletic conference and NCAA guidelines:

   • No work experience directly related to the job function described.
   • My work experience relevant to the job function was performed under guidance.
   • My work experience relevant to the job function described was performed independently.

5. * Please provide the name of the employer and the dates of employment where you gained this experience. Please note that this information must be verified on an NIU application and/or résumé. (“See Résumé” is not an acceptable response.)

(Open Ended Question)

1. * Select the answer that best describes your work experience with routine fitting and maintenance of specific athletic equipment, such as football helmets and shoulder pads:

   • No work experience directly related to the job function described.
   • My work experience relevant to the job function was performed under guidance.
   • My work experience relevant to the job function described was performed independently.

2. (Open Ended Question)

3. * Select the answer that best describes your work experience inspecting equipment (such as apparatus for gymnastics [ring and high bar grips], track, wrestling, volleyball and tennis [net repairs], and correct locations of padding on football blocking sleds) and removing from service those found to be defective or unsafe; performing or securing repairs or replacement of equipment:

   • No work experience directly related to the job function described.
   • My work experience relevant to the job function was performed under guidance.
   • My work experience relevant to the job function described was performed independently.

4. * Please provide the name of the employer and the dates of employment where you gained this experience.  Please note that this information must be verified on an NIU application and/or résumé.  (“See Résumé” is not an acceptable response)

(Open Ended Question)

1. * Select the answer that best describes your work experience performing detailed record keeping of equipment and uniforms for student athletes and maintaining related inventory:

   • No work experience directly related to the job function described.
   • My work experience relevant to the job function was performed under guidance.
   • My work experience relevant to the job function described was performed independently.

2. * Please provide the name of the employer and the dates of employment where you gained this experience.  Please note that this information must be verified on an NIU application and/or résumé.  (“See Résumé” is not an acceptable response)

(Open Ended Question)

1. * Select the answer that best describes your work experience soaking, spot cleaning, and/or hand scrubbing practice and competition uniforms using specific chemicals and detergents; operating industrial sized washers and dryers and performing minor general maintenance/repairs on equipment:

   • No work experience directly related to the job function described.
   • My work experience relevant to the job function was performed under guidance.
   • My work experience relevant to the job function described was performed independently.

2. * Please provide the name of the employer and the dates of employment where you gained this experience.  Please note that this information must be verified on an NIU application and/or résumé.  (“See Résumé” is not an acceptable response)

(Open Ended Question)

1. * Select the answer that best describes your work experience maintaining lockers/locker rooms; securing equipment, rooms, and contents from unauthorized personnel:

   • No work experience directly related to the job function described.
   • My work experience relevant to the job function was performed under guidance.
   • My work experience relevant to the job function described was performed independently.

2. * Please provide the name of the employer and the dates of employment where you gained this experience.  Please note that this information must be verified on an NIU application and/or résumé.  (“See Résumé” is not an acceptable response)

(Open Ended Question)

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