Director of Game Operations and Athletics Facilities

JOB DESCRIPTION: The Director of Game Operations and Athletic Facilities is responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of all athletic events and the management of athletic facilities. This position ensures that all home contests and special events are conducted in a safe, organized, and fan-friendly manner, while maintaining facilities that support the success and well-being of student-athletes, coaches, and spectators. The Director serves as a key liaison between Athletics and campus partners, external vendors, and visiting teams.

JOB FUNCTIONS:

Game Operations & Event Management

• Oversee and execute all aspects of game day operations for home athletic contests, including staffing, scheduling, setup, and breakdown.
• Serve as the primary game administrator for home events, ensuring compliance with NCAA, conference, and institutional policies.
• Coordinate with officials, visiting teams, sports information, athletic training, and campus safety to ensure smooth event execution.
• Manage game day staff and student workers, including event setup crews, table staff, ushers, ticketing, and security personnel.
• Collaborate with marketing and communications staff to enhance fan experience and presentation of athletic events.
• Prepare and distribute event operation manuals and timelines for each home contest.
Oversee logistics for special events such as tournaments, championships, ceremonies, and campus/community events hosted in athletic venues.

Facility Management & Operations

• Supervise the daily operation, scheduling, and maintenance of all athletic facilities, including fields, courts, locker rooms, and support spaces.
• Serve as the primary contact for facility reservations, internal and external rentals, and scheduling software.
• Coordinate with Facilities Management, custodial, and grounds crews to ensure athletic venues are well-maintained, safe, and game-ready.
• Develop and implement facility usage policies and procedures.
• Identify and communicate facility needs, improvements, and capital project priorities.
• Assist in planning and executing renovations, equipment purchases, and capital improvement projects.

Administration & Leadership

• Hire, train, and supervise part-time staff, student workers, and graduate assistants related to event and facility operations.
• Manage operating budgets for game operations, facility maintenance, and event staffing.
• Assist with emergency action planning and risk management for all venues.
• Serve as a liaison with conference officials and visiting institutions for operational matters.
• Contribute to departmental initiatives related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and community engagement.

EDUCATIONAL OR OTHER HIRING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION

Required

Bachelor’s degree in sport management, business administration, or related field. 3–5 years of experience in athletic operations, facility management, or event coordination. Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills. Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as required by the athletic schedule. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred

Master’s degree in sport management, higher education administration, or related field. Experience in collegiate athletics (NCAA Division II or higher preferred). Familiarity with scheduling software, facility management tools, and budget tracking systems.

Work Environment

This position requires evening and weekend work to support athletic contests and events. The role involves both office and on-site facility work, including physical activity associated with event setup and management. The employee must be able to lift, carry, and move objects up to 50 pounds as part of event and facility preparation duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

APPLICATION

If interested, please submit a cover letter, resume, and list of three professional references via email to human.resources@newberry.edu with the subject "Director of Game Operations and Athletic Facilities."