Position Summary:

The University of Iowa Athletics Department seeks a self-motivated, results-oriented individuals with the knowledge, ability and interpersonal skills required to serve as Deputy Director of Athletics for Strategic Initiatives -  a full-time position, salary commensurate with qualifications and experience, including full University benefits.  The University of Iowa is an NCAA Division I institution and a member of the Big Ten Conference.  The Department of Athletics manages 22 varsity sports programs and related events with a workforce of approximately 230 regular employees and 300 temporary employees. Athletics is a people-centric organization that operates under a “Win. Graduate. Do It Right.” philosophy. For more information regarding Athletics, please click here.

About The University of Iowa:

Founded in 1847, The University of Iowa located along the picturesque Iowa River in Iowa City, is the state's oldest institution of higher education.

A member of the Association of American Universities since 1909 and the Big Ten Conference since 1899, the University of Iowa is home to one of the most acclaimed academic medical centers in the country, as well as globally recognized leadership in the study and craft of writing. Iowa is known for excellence in both the arts and sciences, offering world-class undergraduate, graduate, and professional academic programs in a wide variety of fields. 

Home of the Hawkeye Wave, the best tradition in college sports. When the Kinnick clock hits zero, at the end of the first quarter, 70,000+ football fans turn their attention from the field to UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital. In unison, they wave to the pediatric patients and their families watching the game. The patients and family members view this genuine act of kindness as life-changing, inspiring…a wave of hope.

The University of Iowa is a place for great minds to work, grow, and thrive.  This is why we offer one of the most competitive benefit packages in the Big 10.

Living and Working @ Iowa:

Iowa City perennially ranks as one of America’s best places to live. Featuring a college-town atmosphere with big-city cultural richness, the Iowa City area has something for everyone including Big 10 sports and world-class music, literature, dance, and theater. In the Iowa City and Cedar Rapids corridor, traffic is measured in terms of rush minutes rather than rush hours. This convenience combined with an attractive cost of living, affordable health care, an excellent education system, and a highly educated workforce is what makes living in our collaborative and supportive community so desirable.

Key Responsibilities:

The Deputy Director of Athletics for Strategic Initiatives is responsible for providing administrative oversight for all Athletics Department day-to-day operations, including various sports programs and administrative support units such as Revenue Generation, Ticket Operations, Fan Experience and Marketing, Muti-Media Rights and Sponsorships, Capital Projects, Strategic Communications, Fundraising and Business and Finance Operations.  Will serve as departmental decision maker in absence of the Director of Athletics. 

Benefits Highlights:

Excellent fringe benefit package including paid vacation and sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans.  The University of Iowa is a Big Ten, nationally ranked research university with 30,000 students located in Iowa City. A vibrant community boasting excellent public schools, safe, comfortable neighborhoods, affordable housing, a highly educated population, and numerous cultural, recreational and sporting opportunities and events contribute to the Iowa City area frequently appearing high on the best-places-to-live listings. Go to “Working at Iowa” to learn more.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience;

• Minimum of 10 years of progressively more complex administrative and managerial experience within an NCAA Division I Athletics program and/or related industry;

• Demonstrate extensive knowledge and ability to:

• Communicate effectively and build relationships with a wide variety of constituents, including students, coaches, Athletics executive team, Athletics staff, parents, institutional staff, NCAA and conference personnel, supporters, media personnel, Faculty Athletics Representatives, Presidential Committee on Athletics, and others;

• Hire, manage and organize personnel (coaches and/or administrative staff) to achieve an efficient work environment;

• Form and lead a team to success, including set strategic goals, monitor progress, evaluate performance and follow-up to achieve specific objectives;

• Develop and maintain campus/community partnerships and relationships;

• Develop and monitor budgets;

• Effectively resolve service challenges.

• Demonstrated experience and expertise to work effectively with an Athletic Conference on national intercollegiate athletics issues;

• Professional experience working effectively with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills and ability to build trusting relationships;

• A working proficiency in general office software applications, such as Microsoft Office Suite/Office 365, and online database systems.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Management experience at a high profile NCAA Division I institution or related industry;

• Previous experience in a Director of Athletics, Commissioner or Executive level role within and athletics program, professional sports organization or relate  position;

• Extensive knowledge and experience in some combination of the following critical intercollegiate athletics functional areas:

  • Revenue Generation Activities

  • Ticket Operations

  • Fan Experience and Marketing

  • Multi-media rights/sponsorship

  • Capital Projects

  • Strategic Communication

  • Fundraising

  • Business and Finance Operations

• Demonstrated hands-on, collegial and collaborative leadership style that is effective throughout all levels of the organization.

The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, gender identity, or associational preferences.

Any interested candidates should contact TurnkeyZRG directly.

Contacting the University of Iowa will only delay consideration of your qualifications.