Chief of Staff – Women’s Basketball

About the Job

 

Job Summary: 
The Chief of staff for a Division I Women’s Basketball program plays a key role in the strategic and operational success of the team and all student-athletes in the program.  This position will primarily assist with the external facing portions of the program while in a parallel fashion, support the student-athletes development within the program.  This individual is responsible for overseeing administrative functions, being the direct liaison with the fundraising and marketing departments on campus and within athletics, as well as assisting the WBB General Manager from an NIL and Revenue Sharing standpoint within Women’s Basketball.  This individual will also assist the head coach in terms of community, donor, and fan engagement; working to build new partnerships and helping find new ways to increase overall support for the program from both a financial and branding perspective.  

Key Responsibilities:

Program Administration & Operations: 30%

• Assist Head Coach and DOBO in overseeing all off court-activities for the program, including guiding and assisting student athletes in utilizing the resources available to develop the skills they need to balance the demands of academics, athletics, and community outreach while focusing on leadership & personal development.
• Work with compliance regarding donor, NIL, and other requests to ensure that all activities meet NCAA, Campus, and Athletics Department policies. 
• Coordinate directly with marketing and media relations to promote the program.
• Assist General Manager with Student-Athlete Name, Image, & Likeness as well as Revenue Sharing for both current athletes and prospective student-athletes.
• Develop community outreach programming and then coordinate community engagement and volunteer initiatives for student-athletes and staff, strengthening the program’s connection to the broader community.
• Oversee donor and alumni relations.  Collaborate with Student-Athlete Development, M Club and Golden Gopher Foundation (GGF) to identify, cultivate, and steward donors for the WBB program and stay connected to WBB alumni.

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About the Job

 

Job Summary: 
The Chief of staff for a Division I Women’s Basketball program plays a key role in the strategic and operational success of the team and all student-athletes in the program.  This position will primarily assist with the external facing portions of the program while in a parallel fashion, support the student-athletes development within the program.  This individual is responsible for overseeing administrative functions, being the direct liaison with the fundraising and marketing departments on campus and within athletics, as well as assisting the WBB General Manager from an NIL and Revenue Sharing standpoint within Women’s Basketball.  This individual will also assist the head coach in terms of community, donor, and fan engagement; working to build new partnerships and helping find new ways to increase overall support for the program from both a financial and branding perspective.  

Key Responsibilities:

Program Administration & Operations: 30%

• Assist Head Coach and DOBO in overseeing all off court-activities for the program, including guiding and assisting student athletes in utilizing the resources available to develop the skills they need to balance the demands of academics, athletics, and community outreach while focusing on leadership & personal development.
• Work with compliance regarding donor, NIL, and other requests to ensure that all activities meet NCAA, Campus, and Athletics Department policies. 
• Coordinate directly with marketing and media relations to promote the program.
• Assist General Manager with Student-Athlete Name, Image, & Likeness as well as Revenue Sharing for both current athletes and prospective student-athletes.
• Develop community outreach programming and then coordinate community engagement and volunteer initiatives for student-athletes and staff, strengthening the program’s connection to the broader community.
• Oversee donor and alumni relations.  Collaborate with Student-Athlete Development, M Club and Golden Gopher Foundation (GGF) to identify, cultivate, and steward donors for the WBB program and stay connected to WBB alumni.

Basketball/Game Day Experience: 30%

• Collaborate with Gopher Digital Production Team (GDP) to create exciting & energetic video clips and highlights for external audiences such as season ticket holders and donors.
• Assist GGF on a regular & ongoing basis pertaining to the basketball program and all affiliations.
• Work directly with ticketing/marketing as a liason from the WBB staff in terms of assisting the game day experience, driving ticket sales, and helping showcase the team both in person and when watching on TV.

Student-Athlete Experience: 30%

• Lead alumni engagement efforts, creating meaningful opportunities for former student-athletes to stay connected and involved with the program while also helping current student-athletes connect with mentors and future job opportunities.
• Assist and evaluate current rosters ‘brand’ from an external point of view and work directly with the student-athletes to help them maximize their opportunities while a student-athlete at Minnesota and after graduation.
• Assist HC and Staff with the WBB “Elevate” program, including identifying and securing speakers and programming for theme games, summer development, and other student-athlete development opportunities.

Compliance and Governance: 10%

• Adhere to and support full compliance with NCAA, CSC, B1G, and University rules, policies, and procedures.
• Work in coordination with the staff, compliance, and athletics administration to ensure all program related operations are conducted appropriately.

Skills & Competencies:
• Strong leadership & organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
• Proficiency in development/execution of marketing and branding plans 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
• Ability to connect, foster, and develop deep and meaningful relationship 
• Desire to have prior knowledge or quickly learn all NCAA applicable rules/regulations 

Working Conditions & Schedule:
• Evening, weekend, and holiday work may be required based on team schedule.
• Travel may be required but the Chief of Staff must have the ability to perform work in office, event, practice, competition, travel, and remote settings.
• Fast-paced, team-oriented environment
 

Qualifications

 

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree Preferred in Marketing, Branding, Business, Business Administration, Communications, Sports Management, or Public Relations  or a combination of related education and work experience to equal four years. 

Preferred Qualifications & Requirements:

• 5+ years of experience in marketing, development, or athletics administration/related role.
   

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: $80,000-$120,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience 

Time Appointment: 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

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

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 jobcentr@umn.edu.

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. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

 

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 Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.

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