Director of Football Operations

Director of Football Operations

Division Intercollegiate Athletics

Job Summary

The Director of Football Operations will serve an essential part of the football operations staff in organizing, planning, managing, and supervising services for the University of Illinois football program.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership
  • Oversee the daily set up for practice or gameday.
  • Liaison with Coaching staff and administration.
  • Monitor and analyze overall program budget, including proposed travel budget annually.
  • Authorized to make P-card and T-card purchases on behalf of the assigned sport.
  • Manage the team per diem card program for current student-athletes, staff, and for official visits.
  • This includes working with Financial Operations to order cards and reporting lost/stolen cards.
  

Director of Football Operations

Division Intercollegiate Athletics

Job Summary

The Director of Football Operations will serve an essential part of the football operations staff in organizing, planning, managing, and supervising services for the University of Illinois football program.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership
  • Oversee the daily set up for practice or gameday.
  • Liaison with Coaching staff and administration.
  • Monitor and analyze overall program budget, including proposed travel budget annually.
  • Authorized to make P-card and T-card purchases on behalf of the assigned sport.
  • Manage the team per diem card program for current student-athletes, staff, and for official visits.
  • This includes working with Financial Operations to order cards and reporting lost/stolen cards.
  • Coordinate with the Business Office if special payment arrangements need to be made with vendors.
  • Oversee that all policies are being followed to support DIA, campus and NCAA
  • Collaborate with comprehensive team travel logistics with the Assistant Athletic Director, Football Operations as it relates to travel arrangements for the team/staff and manage needs during home and away competitions related to team communication, itineraries, equipment needs, team meals and per diem cards.
  • Lead the advance travel operations, securing transportation, managing facility access, and serving as voice on-site for away games.
  • Assist with Bowl Game/Post Season operations, including travel party logistics, per diem distribution, nutrition-coordinated BEOs, and post-event analysis.
  • Cultivate strategic partnerships with host institutions and vendors through proactive site visits and relationship management.
  • Administer training camp housing assignments to ensure optimal living arrangements for student-athletes and staff.
• External Relations & Communication
  • Manage branding strategy for Illinois Athletics and, the head coach, by coordinating and developing a communication plan and schedule for the Head Coach.
  • Serving as the primary operational partner to the incoming student athlete transition liaison and assist in leading “Welcome Week” transition to Illinois Football for all incoming student athletes. Coordinate welcome schedule with Medical, Equipment, Video, Academics, Nutrition and related departments.
  • Direct parent and family relations, acting as a professional touchpoint between the program and student-athlete support systems.
  • Administer student-athlete support programs, specifically streamlining current athlete off-campus housing processes and ensuring financial aid compliance.
• Compliance & Program Support
  • Uphold rigorous compliance standards, ensuring all football operations adhere to NCAA, Big Ten Conference, and University of Illinois regulations.
  • Sync with Compliance and Academics and Administration to unify departmental policies and ensure seamless process alignment.
  • Assist with Student Athlete Time Management and CARA logs in collaboration with the Assistant AD to guarantee accurate reporting.
  • Execute operational support for high-impact initiatives, including community engagement, team-bonding, and recruiting events.
  • Analyze and refine organizational strategies and workflows, delivering recommendations to leadership for program enhancement and risk mitigation.

Physical Demands

• Moving items up to 50lbs : Occasionally

Additional Physical Demands

● Demonstrated leadership and management skills
● Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities with proven success coordination complex logistics
● Must be able to communicate effectively with others in a fast paced environment
● Ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekend and extensive air travel
● Frequently move objects weighing up to 50 pounds across the office for various needs

Minimum Qualifications

Required: ● Bachelors degree ● Minimum 2 years of experience in football operations, athletic administration or related field

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred:
● Minimum 2 years of experience in D1 football operations, athletic administration or related field

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Maintain knowledge of, and compliance with, specific NCAA, Big Ten Conference, and institution rules that relate to this position is required.
• Championship Mindset and Expectations Understands and displays professionalism and integrity that builds and maintains trust between student-athletes and fellow DIA staff; Prioritizes and contributes to the life changing student-athlete experience; Adheres to University, DIA, Big Ten, and NCAA rules and regulations; Commitment to the Athletics Department and University’s mission and values; Flexible to various scheduling to include nights, weekend work and some holidays, team travel; and Maintain professional competency and skills required for professional practice.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 4/20/2026. Salary range is $55,000 - $75,000 commensurate with experience. This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on April 14, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Krissy Doran at kdoran@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID : 1035832
Job Category : Education & Student Services
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu

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