Deputy Athletics Director, Chief Operating Officer

EXPIRED

Welcome to Stanford’s Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation (“DAPER”), the premier intercollegiate athletics program in the country. With an unparalleled record of 134 NCAA team championships, we are the proud Home of Champions. Our success isn’t just measured in trophies; it’s reflected in the passion of our nearly 900 student-athletes competing across 36 intercollegiate varsity teams. It resonates in our unwavering support for the university’s physical education, recreation, and wellness initiatives. At Stanford, we don’t just embrace excellence; we define it. We don’t just nurture champions; we create them. Our actions are guided by the core tenets of DAPER culture, “The DAPER Way,” which are: Embrace Scholar Athleticism, Pursue and Revere Excellence, Lead with Courage, and Work Cohesively.
 
The Opportunity:
The primary focus of this role is to advance the core missions of both Stanford University and DAPER while also driving forward DAPER's strategic plan. The Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the DAPER will report directly to the Director of Athletics and be responsible for overseeing and managing the day-to-day operations of the department while fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all student-athletes, staff, coaches, and community members. The COO will work closely with the Director of Athletics to develop and implement strategies that enhance the athletic program's competitiveness while equally prioritizing and ensuring that all operations are efficient, effective, compliant with university policies and practices, consistent with budget expectations, and aligned with broader institutional values. The COO is a member of the DAPER Executive Team and will work closely with the Deputy Athletics Director for Student-Athlete Success, the Deputy Athletics Director and Senior Woman Administrator, and the Deputy Athletics Director for Sport Administration. Direct reports to the COO include the DAPER Chief Financial Officer, Executive Associate Athletics Director for External Relations, Senior Associate Athletics Director for Human Resources, and Stanford Golf Course General Manager.

At DAPER, we firmly believe that diverse teams make better decisions, foster innovation, and drive success for everyone involved. We celebrate differences in abilities, backgrounds, and perspectives, recognizing the rich tapestry that fuels our excellence. We are committed to fostering an environment of belonging where every voice is heard, valued, and respected. Your unique perspective is not just welcomed; it’s essential to our continued growth and success.

In this role, you will:

• Acquire a profound comprehension of the distinctive culture of intercollegiate athletics at Stanford and its integration within the university's research and educational mission.
• Offer strategic leadership and guidance to direct reports and DAPER staff and coaches, empowering them to accomplish the department's goals and objectives.
• Continually update and refine the strategic roadmap to ensure alignment with DAPER's and broader institutional goals.
• Develop measurement systems and accountability frameworks to track goal and strategy achievement. These systems should also provide data for course corrections as needed.
• Develop and implement high-value initiatives leveraging available infrastructure and also drive new revenue opportunities.
• Provide strategic leadership and oversee significant financial functions, operations, and activities, including budget planning and financial management of the department to ensure effective utilization of resources.
• Work closely with the Marketing and Communications team to develop and implement marketing and communications strategies to promote the department's programs and events and support both DAPER and the University’s priorities.
• Collaborate with the Chief Diversity Office to champion and lead initiatives that promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging through these goals and objectives.

Welcome to Stanford’s Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation (“DAPER”), the premier intercollegiate athletics program in the country. With an unparalleled record of 134 NCAA team championships, we are the proud Home of Champions. Our success isn’t just measured in trophies; it’s reflected in the passion of our nearly 900 student-athletes competing across 36 intercollegiate varsity teams. It resonates in our unwavering support for the university’s physical education, recreation, and wellness initiatives. At Stanford, we don’t just embrace excellence; we define it. We don’t just nurture champions; we create them. Our actions are guided by the core tenets of DAPER culture, “The DAPER Way,” which are: Embrace Scholar Athleticism, Pursue and Revere Excellence, Lead with Courage, and Work Cohesively.
 
The Opportunity:
The primary focus of this role is to advance the core missions of both Stanford University and DAPER while also driving forward DAPER's strategic plan. The Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the DAPER will report directly to the Director of Athletics and be responsible for overseeing and managing the day-to-day operations of the department while fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all student-athletes, staff, coaches, and community members. The COO will work closely with the Director of Athletics to develop and implement strategies that enhance the athletic program's competitiveness while equally prioritizing and ensuring that all operations are efficient, effective, compliant with university policies and practices, consistent with budget expectations, and aligned with broader institutional values. The COO is a member of the DAPER Executive Team and will work closely with the Deputy Athletics Director for Student-Athlete Success, the Deputy Athletics Director and Senior Woman Administrator, and the Deputy Athletics Director for Sport Administration. Direct reports to the COO include the DAPER Chief Financial Officer, Executive Associate Athletics Director for External Relations, Senior Associate Athletics Director for Human Resources, and Stanford Golf Course General Manager.

At DAPER, we firmly believe that diverse teams make better decisions, foster innovation, and drive success for everyone involved. We celebrate differences in abilities, backgrounds, and perspectives, recognizing the rich tapestry that fuels our excellence. We are committed to fostering an environment of belonging where every voice is heard, valued, and respected. Your unique perspective is not just welcomed; it’s essential to our continued growth and success.

In this role, you will:

• Acquire a profound comprehension of the distinctive culture of intercollegiate athletics at Stanford and its integration within the university's research and educational mission.
• Offer strategic leadership and guidance to direct reports and DAPER staff and coaches, empowering them to accomplish the department's goals and objectives.
• Continually update and refine the strategic roadmap to ensure alignment with DAPER's and broader institutional goals.
• Develop measurement systems and accountability frameworks to track goal and strategy achievement. These systems should also provide data for course corrections as needed.
• Develop and implement high-value initiatives leveraging available infrastructure and also drive new revenue opportunities.
• Provide strategic leadership and oversee significant financial functions, operations, and activities, including budget planning and financial management of the department to ensure effective utilization of resources.
• Work closely with the Marketing and Communications team to develop and implement marketing and communications strategies to promote the department's programs and events and support both DAPER and the University’s priorities.
• Collaborate with the Chief Diversity Office to champion and lead initiatives that promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging through these goals and objectives.
• Offer strategic guidance to enhance and streamline the range of Human Resources functions within DAPER.
• Collaborate with the Facilities and Operations team to ensure that all athletic facilities are well-maintained and provide a safe and welcoming environment for student-athletes, staff, and visitors.
• Establish and maintain positive relationships and effective communication with internal and external stakeholders, including student-athletes, coaches, university administrators, alumni, donors, and community members.
• Participate in fundraising efforts and assist in developing philanthropic programs to support DAPER.
• Ensure that all programs and operations comply with university policies and practices, conference and NCAA regulations, and local, state, and federal laws.

Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, business administration, sports management, or a related field. (MBA or advanced degree preferred.) Minimum of ten years’ progressive experience in operations management, finance, and leadership roles or a combination of education and relevant experience, preferably in a collegiate athletics environment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities to be successful:

• Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis. Experience in strategic planning, project management, and process improvement.
• Excellent leadership and management skills, including the ability to lead and motivate diverse, multi-functional, senior teams to achieve high performance.
• A deep understanding of the athletics industry, including trends, developments, and best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to apply strategic and analytical skills aligned with the mission, strategy, and operating principles of DAPER and the University.
• Proven capability to collaborate effectively with a diverse group of individuals possessing a wide array of skills and experiences. Skilled in building coalitions and cross-functional teams to harness synergistic relationships.
• Strategic and innovative thinker who plans and makes decisions within the framework of the DAPER and the university’s strategic intent.
• Proficient in analyzing and redesigning operations and processes, crafting policies, and devising and executing novel strategies and procedures
• Proven success in enhancing organizational and staff development, with a knack for leading and overseeing transformative change
• Strong interpersonal skills, leadership, and the ability to bring a wide range of stakeholders together to create solutions and to forge a successful conclusion.
• Ability to clearly and effectively present information to internal and external audiences, client groups, and all levels of management and serve as an advisor to senior and university leadership.

DAPER’s Integrity:
This position, along with all DAPER coaches and staff, is responsible for the integrity of Stanford’s intercollegiate athletics program, recreation and wellness department, and for the reputation of Stanford University. This position is responsible for ensuring that your involvement with DAPER activities maintains the integrity of the University’s reputation and does not negatively impact the relationship between the University and its faculty, staff, students, and alumni. Additionally, this position must comply with University policies and procedures, NCAA, and conference rules and regulations.

Pay Range:
The expected pay range for this position is $325,000 - $400,000 per annum. Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/b...) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification 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 accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources at stanfordelr@stanford.edu. For all other inquiries, please submit a contact form.

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.