Associate Director of Equipment Operations

About the Job

Position Summary
Collaborate with director to oversee the day-to-day operations of the athletic equipment operations unit.  Identify unit goals and initiatives.  Coordinate unit budget preparation and reconciliation, develop operations manuals and standard operating procedures.  Establish protocols to ensure compliance with department, University, Big Ten and NCAA rules and regulations.  Manage athletic equipment operations full-time, intern and part-time staff.  Directly oversees the equipment operations for men’s and women's  basketball and volleyball programs. Collaborate with the director on the execution of the Department's multi-year equipment use agreement with Nike and other sport specific equipment supply agreements.  

As with all positions within Gopher Athletics, this position is expected to work cooperatively with others and promote a healthy team atmosphere, comply with rules and regulations, and advance the Department’s mission, vision, and strategic plan, including its commitment to equity and diversity.

Essential Functions 
30%-Manage and provide direct supervisions for multiple athletic equipment operations staff including full-time staff, interns and part-time student staff.   Develop goals and expectations, provide ongoing coaching and feedback  and annual performance reviews.   Ensure each member of the staff is providing high quality service to the teams they support and maintains the appropriate certifications and training.  

30%-Directly oversee the equipment operations for the men's and women's basketball and volleyball programs and other assigned support units.  Oversee ordering, receiving, inventory, issuing and maintenance of basketball and volleyball apparel and equipment. Insures appropriate preparation for all practices and games.  Develop, monitor and reconcile associated equipment operations budget of approximately $500,000. Indirectly oversee the equipment operations for the sports assigned to their direct reports.  Lead the collaboration with University staff and suppliers to develop the brand implementation for apparel, uniform and other related items.  Ensure effective equipment inventory systems are implemented and adhere to all University and department standards.  Supervise all fitting of protective equipment and shoes for the student athletes to ensure a safe and proper fitting.

30%-Collaborate with the director in directing the day-to-day operations of the athletic equipment operations unit.  Identify unit goals and initiatives.  Coordinate oversight for unit budget preparation and reconciliation, develop operations manuals and standard operating procedures.  Establish protocols to ensure compliance with department, University, Big Ten and NCAA rules and regulations.  Collaborate with the director on the execution of the Department's multi-year equipment use agreement with Nike and other sport specific supply agreements.   Serves as  point of contact to resolve any issues or current concerns with the implementation of contracts.   Educates athletic equipment staff on their responsibilities to ensure compliance with contracts.

10%-Perform other related duties as assigned by department leadership.  Attend training sessions, conventions, meet with vendors, etc. to obtain knowledge and continuing education of equipment trends in college athletics.  Continually research and analyze new innovations and upgrades to all equipment, uniforms and apparel ensuring the health, safety and well-being of student athletes.  

About the Job

Position Summary
Collaborate with director to oversee the day-to-day operations of the athletic equipment operations unit.  Identify unit goals and initiatives.  Coordinate unit budget preparation and reconciliation, develop operations manuals and standard operating procedures.  Establish protocols to ensure compliance with department, University, Big Ten and NCAA rules and regulations.  Manage athletic equipment operations full-time, intern and part-time staff.  Directly oversees the equipment operations for men’s and women's  basketball and volleyball programs. Collaborate with the director on the execution of the Department's multi-year equipment use agreement with Nike and other sport specific equipment supply agreements.  

As with all positions within Gopher Athletics, this position is expected to work cooperatively with others and promote a healthy team atmosphere, comply with rules and regulations, and advance the Department’s mission, vision, and strategic plan, including its commitment to equity and diversity.

Essential Functions 
30%-Manage and provide direct supervisions for multiple athletic equipment operations staff including full-time staff, interns and part-time student staff.   Develop goals and expectations, provide ongoing coaching and feedback  and annual performance reviews.   Ensure each member of the staff is providing high quality service to the teams they support and maintains the appropriate certifications and training.  

30%-Directly oversee the equipment operations for the men's and women's basketball and volleyball programs and other assigned support units.  Oversee ordering, receiving, inventory, issuing and maintenance of basketball and volleyball apparel and equipment. Insures appropriate preparation for all practices and games.  Develop, monitor and reconcile associated equipment operations budget of approximately $500,000. Indirectly oversee the equipment operations for the sports assigned to their direct reports.  Lead the collaboration with University staff and suppliers to develop the brand implementation for apparel, uniform and other related items.  Ensure effective equipment inventory systems are implemented and adhere to all University and department standards.  Supervise all fitting of protective equipment and shoes for the student athletes to ensure a safe and proper fitting.

30%-Collaborate with the director in directing the day-to-day operations of the athletic equipment operations unit.  Identify unit goals and initiatives.  Coordinate oversight for unit budget preparation and reconciliation, develop operations manuals and standard operating procedures.  Establish protocols to ensure compliance with department, University, Big Ten and NCAA rules and regulations.  Collaborate with the director on the execution of the Department's multi-year equipment use agreement with Nike and other sport specific supply agreements.   Serves as  point of contact to resolve any issues or current concerns with the implementation of contracts.   Educates athletic equipment staff on their responsibilities to ensure compliance with contracts.

10%-Perform other related duties as assigned by department leadership.  Attend training sessions, conventions, meet with vendors, etc. to obtain knowledge and continuing education of equipment trends in college athletics.  Continually research and analyze new innovations and upgrades to all equipment, uniforms and apparel ensuring the health, safety and well-being of student athletes.  

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree
• 10 Years of equipment operations experience in a Division I College Athletic Department.
• Experience working with the Nike equipment and apparel ordering system and the Teamworks
  inventory system.
• Direct experience working with basketball and volleyball programs

About the Department

With more than 140 years of tradition, Gopher Athletics is one of the oldest and most decorated athletics departments in the country. Minnesota was a charter member of the Big Ten Conference. The University of Minnesota sponsors 22 varsity intercollegiate athletic teams and is represented by more than 625 student-athletes who compete in the Big Ten and Western Collegiate Hockey Association. Minnesota has claimed 29 national championships in eight different sports and has won 217 regular-season conference titles and 42 conference tournament championships. Minnesota has also produced 213 Academic All-Americans, which ranks as the tenth most all-time among college and universities. Housed in the historic Dinkytown neighborhood on the northern edge of the University campus, Gopher Athletics is succeeding against a backdrop unique in college athletics, nestled at the heart of a bustling, modern metro area. We are proud of our decorated history, but we are prepared to achieve even greater success in the years to come. Ski-U-Mah!

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $65,000- 70,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience 

Time Appointment: 75%-100% Appointment 

Position Type:  Faculty and P&A Staff 

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services 
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online.  To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.  You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and motor vehicle records check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).

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