Associate Director, Athletic Operations and Facilities (On-site)

Hiring Range

 

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.   The salary range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $99,816 - $124,765.  

Job Closing Date

 

Initial applicant review will begin on or around November 18, 2026. Posting may close any time after the review date. 

Remote/Hybrid eligibility: This position is fully on-site. 

About UC Merced

 

View Full Description

Hiring Range

 

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.   The salary range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $99,816 - $124,765.  

Job Closing Date

 

Initial applicant review will begin on or around November 18, 2026. Posting may close any time after the review date. 

Remote/Hybrid eligibility: This position is fully on-site. 

About UC Merced

 

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and one of the youngest universities to be designated an R1 research university. With approximately 9,600 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced is a smaller, more intimate campus compared to its sister campuses, while equipped and staffed as a cutting edge, 21st century research institution. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships and a growing community in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff. 

Ranked in the top 30 among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and #1 for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide world class educational opportunities to dynamic and enterprising students in the Valley and throughout the state. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced has launched a rigorous medical education program that will supply the Valley with culturally competent providers dedicated to improving local access to quality care. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and is accelerating the continued economic development of the region.

About the Job

 

The Associate Athletic Director for Events, Operations & Facilities provides strategic leadership, oversight, and  management of athletic facilities, game and event operations, ticketing services, facility maintenance, and  operational logistics for UC Merced Intercollegiate Athletics. This position is responsible for ensuring safe,  efficient, and customer-focused operations that support student-athlete success, championship-level  competition, campus engagement, and community partnerships.

The Associate Athletic Director serves as a member of the Athletics leadership team and collaborates with  campus departments, external vendors, conference representatives, and community stakeholders to ensure  athletic events and facilities operate at the highest standards while maintaining compliance with university, conference, NCAA, and applicable regulatory requirements.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Athletic Event Management and Operations

• Direct all planning, coordination, and execution of home athletic contests, tournaments, special events, and campus-hosted championships.

• Through subordinate staff, develop event management plans, staffing assignments, and operational procedures.

• Through subordinate staff, coordinate game-day operations including officials, event personnel, security, medical coverage, facility setup, signage, and guest services.

• Ensure compliance with conference, NCAA, university, and risk management requirements.

• Lead event operations meetings and coordinate with coaches, officials, vendors, and campus partners.

• Evaluate event effectiveness and implement continuous improvements to enhance the student-athlete and spectator experience.

• Manage emergency response and incident management procedures during athletic events.

Ticketing and Revenue Operations

• Oversee all athletic ticketing operations, including ticket sales, customer service, box office procedures, and financial reconciliation.

• Develop strategies to increase attendance and revenue through ticketing initiatives and fan engagement programs.

• Manage ticketing software systems and reporting processes.

• Ensure accurate financial controls, cash handling procedures, and compliance with university policies.

• Coordinate ticketing support for special events, tournaments, and postseason competition.

• Generate attendance and revenue reports for Athletics leadership.

Facilities Management and Maintenance

• Provide leadership for the operation, maintenance, and scheduling of athletic facilities and venues.

• Develop preventative maintenance programs to ensure facilities remain safe, functional, and aesthetically maintained.

• Coordinate facility repairs, capital improvement projects, and contracted maintenance services.

• Collaborate with campus facilities management on infrastructure planning and maintenance priorities.

• Monitor facility conditions and address operational deficiencies proactively.

• Ensure compliance with safety regulations, environmental standards, and risk management requirements.

• Assist with long-range facility planning and facility master plan initiatives.

Staff Supervision and Leadership

• Directly supervise facilities personnel, maintenance staff, event operations personnel, and student employees.

• Provide sport supervision to at least one athletic team.

• Recruit, hire, train, schedule, and evaluate staff performance.

• Foster a culture of customer service, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

• Develop operational procedures, training programs, and performance standards.

• Provide leadership and professional development opportunities for staff members.

Budget Administration and Resource Management

• Develop and manage operational budgets for facilities, maintenance, event operations, and ticketing.

• Monitor expenditures and ensure responsible stewardship of university resources.

• Prepare budget forecasts and recommend resource allocations.

• Oversee procurement of equipment, supplies, and contracted services.

• Identify cost-saving opportunities and operational efficiencies.

Strategic Planning and Administrative Duties

• Participate in Athletics leadership meetings and strategic planning initiatives.

• Develop policies and procedures related to event management, facilities, and operations.

• Maintain operational records, reports, and compliance documentation.

• Support departmental goals related to student success, community engagement, and institutional growth.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

 

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Sports Management, Business Administration, Recreation Administration, Facilities Management, or related field.

• Advanced degree in Sports Administration, Business Administration, Higher Education, or related field. Preferred

Licenses and Certifications

• Valid California Drivers License & Participation in DMV Pull Program.

Experience

• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in athletics operations, event management, facilities management, or a related field.

• Demonstrated experience managing athletic events and facility operations.

• Experience supervising full-time staff and student employees.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of budget management and financial controls.

• Strong organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and flexible schedules as required by athletic events.

• Experience in collegiate athletics at the NCAA, NAIA, or equivalent level. Preferred

• Understanding of ticketing systems, financial reconciliation, and customer service principles. Preferred

• Experience overseeing athletic facilities and maintenance programs. Preferred

• Knowledge of event security, crowd management, and risk management practices. Preferred

• Comprehensive knowledge of athletic event management and operations.

• Ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships across campus and within the community.

• Strong leadership and supervisory skills.

• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and student-centered service.

• Knowledge of facility maintenance practices and preventive maintenance programs Preferred

Background Check

 

Background check  required. 

This position will be required to complete all pre-employment requirements, including a background investigation, the University's credentialing process, and verification of licensure and/or certification through the appropriate California licensing or certifying board(s), as applicable.

 

Policy Statement

 

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace.  Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an  Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland  Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.e...

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