Director of Operations, Men’s Ice Hockey

About the Job

Priority consideration will be given to applications received by June 12th.

Position Title: Director of Operations, Men’s Ice Hockey
Sport: Men’s Ice Hockey
Conference: NCHC
Classification: NCAA Division I
Reports To : Head Coach, Men’s Ice Hockey
Employment Type: Full-Time, 12-Month

Position Summary
The Director of Operations, Men’s Ice Hockey, oversees the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of the University of Minnesota men’s ice hockey program. This position supports the Head Coach and coaching staff in team travel, scheduling logistics, budget tracking, recruiting coordination, camps/clinics, equipment/apparel coordination, and internal communication. The Director of Operations plays a key role in ensuring the program operates efficiently, professionally, and in compliance with NCAA, NCHC, and University rules, policies, and procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

About the Job

Priority consideration will be given to applications received by June 12th.

Position Title: Director of Operations, Men’s Ice Hockey
Sport: Men’s Ice Hockey
Conference: NCHC
Classification: NCAA Division I
Reports To : Head Coach, Men’s Ice Hockey
Employment Type: Full-Time, 12-Month

Position Summary
The Director of Operations, Men’s Ice Hockey, oversees the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of the University of Minnesota men’s ice hockey program. This position supports the Head Coach and coaching staff in team travel, scheduling logistics, budget tracking, recruiting coordination, camps/clinics, equipment/apparel coordination, and internal communication. The Director of Operations plays a key role in ensuring the program operates efficiently, professionally, and in compliance with NCAA, NCHC, and University rules, policies, and procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Program Operations and Logistics – 45%

• Coordinate team travel, including itineraries, lodging, ground transportation, meals, practice arrangements, and related logistics.
• Manage daily operational needs of the program, including calendar coordination, practice and game logistics, facility scheduling support, and internal communication.
• Coordinate equipment, apparel, and supply needs with athletics department staff and vendors, as appropriate.
• Support home and away competition logistics, special events, and team functions.
• Responsible for capturing video of competitions and future opponents competitions for use within the various coaching/scouting platforms. Live coding of games to equip coaches for in-game adjustments, official challenges and replays. Hudl Sportscode is used for in-game and post-game video breakdown and statistical analysis to provide physical load data to coaches for playing time decisions.
• Create relationships with the video, analytics, and recruiting software vendors and ensure staff is trained.
• Create scouting packages of upcoming opponents.
• Enhancing the team facility to remain competitive by managing upgrades to improve the student-athlete experience. 
• Responsible for keeping displays located within the team facility up to date to display the excellence of the program.

Administrative Support and Budget Coordination – 25%

• Assist the Head Coach with budget tracking, purchasing, business expense reconciliation, and other administrative processes in accordance with University and athletics department policies.
• Prepare and maintain operational records, manuals, travel documents, and other program materials.
• Coordinate meetings, agendas, schedules, and internal communications for the coaching staff and program.
• Support onboarding and administrative needs for staff and student-athletes as assigned.

Recruiting Coordination – 10%

• Coordinate logistics for official and unofficial visits, including itineraries, schedules, and related materials, in compliance with NCAA, NCHC, and institutional rules.
• Support recruiting operations by organizing recruiting calendars, visit documentation, and communication flow as assigned by the coaching staff.
• Assist with planning, administration, and logistics for program events.
• Support operational aspects of roster management and student-athlete transition processes, as assigned and consistent with institutional procedures.

Compliance and Governance – 10%

• Maintain familiarity with and support adherence to NCAA, NCHC, University, and athletics department policies and procedures.
• Complete and support the timely submission of required operational, business, and compliance-related documentation.
• Coordinate with compliance and athletics administration to ensure recruiting visits, camps/clinics, business expenses, and other program activities are documented appropriately.

External Relations and Other Duties – 10%

• Support alumni events, donor functions, community engagement activities, promotional appearances, and other external initiatives as assigned.
• Represent the program and the University professionally to internal and external stakeholders.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Head Coach or athletics administration.

Physical and Travel Requirements

• Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and travel as needed for competition and program responsibilities.
• Ability to move materials and equipment associated with team operations and events, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Experience in athletics operations, team administration, event coordination, or a related field.
• Strong organizational, administrative, and project-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines with close attention to detail.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with coaches, student-athletes, administrators, and external partners.
• Knowledge of or ability to learn NCAA Division I, NCHC, and University policies and procedures relevant to team operations.
• Demonstrated understanding of the evolving Division I athletics environment, including recruiting operations, roster management processes, transfer-related logistics, and NIL-related institutional processes, with the ability to support those areas accurately and compliantly.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience working in NCAA Division I athletics, preferably in hockey or another team sport.
• Experience coordinating team travel, budget processes, recruiting visits, or camps/clinics.
• Familiarity with hockey operations and the structure of a Division I athletics department.
• Prior experience working with student-athletes and coaching staff in a fast-paced environment.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $68,000 - $70,000 per year; 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

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

About University of Minnesota

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university.  A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

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), 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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