Deputy Athletics Director - Chief Operating Officer

Intercollegiate Athletics

The University of Missouri Department of Athletics is seeking a strategic and collaborative executive to serve as Deputy Athletics Director - Chief Operating Officer. Reporting to the Director of Athletics, this position serves as the department's senior administrator responsible for leading the operational and administrative functions of Missouri Athletics.

The Chief Operating Officer will ensure that the department operates efficiently, effectively, and in alignment with institutional priorities while fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, exceptional customer service, and operational excellence. As a member of the Athletics Executive Leadership Team, the Deputy Athletics Director - Chief Operating Officer serves as a key advisor to the Director of Athletics and will play an integral role in strategic planning, organizational leadership, and execution of departmental priorities.

Key Responsibilities

1. Department Operations and Administrative Leadership (30%)

* Serve as the senior executive responsible for the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of the athletics department.
* Provide leadership and oversight for business operations, facilities, event management, information technology, communications, and other assigned administrative units.
* Develop operational strategies that improve organizational efficiency and service delivery.
* Establish department-wide operational standards, policies, and procedures.
* Promote collaboration among administrative units to ensure seamless support for student-athletes and sport programs.
* Identify opportunities to improve organizational effectiveness through innovation and process improvement.
* Lead departmental operational planning and implementation of strategic initiatives.
* Coordinate department-wide operational priorities and executive projects.

2. Financial and Resource Management (25%)

* Provide executive oversight of departmental budgeting, financial planning, procurement, and fiscal management.
* Partner with business operations to develop long-range financial strategies aligned with departmental priorities.
* Monitor operational expenditures and resource allocation across administrative units.
* Evaluate organizational structure and staffing needs to maximize efficiency.
* Assist the Director of Athletics with financial forecasting and strategic investments.
* Oversee operational aspects of capital projects and major facility improvements.
* Support revenue-generating initiatives by ensuring operational readiness and cross-departmental coordination.

3. Organizational Leadership and Personnel Management (20%)

* Directly supervise senior administrative leaders and provide leadership, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.
* Establish performance expectations and accountability measures for assigned departments.
* Collaborate with Human Resources on recruitment, organizational development, compensation planning, and employee relations.
* Assist in succession planning and organizational design.
* Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
* Lead regular leadership meetings to improve communication and organizational alignment.

4. Strategic Planning, Facilities, and Operational Excellence (15%)

* Collaborate with senior leadership to establish departmental strategic priorities.
* Oversee operational planning for major events, championships, and special initiatives.
* Partner with campus and external stakeholders on facility planning, maintenance, and capital construction projects.
* Lead operational risk management initiatives and business continuity planning.
* Monitor emerging trends in collegiate athletics operations and recommend best practices.
* Direct special projects as assigned by the Director of Athletics.

5. Governance, Compliance, and Executive Leadership (10%)

* Serve as a member of the Athletics Executive Leadership Team.
* Ensure operational compliance with University policies, SEC regulations, NCAA rules, and applicable laws.
* Advise the Director of Athletics on operational, financial, and organizational matters.
* Assist with crisis management, institutional planning, and executive decision-making.
* Represent the department on University committees and external organizations as assigned.
* Perform other duties and strategic initiatives as assigned.

Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm

A Bachelor's degree in related/ relevant area or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 6 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Market Position; salary is commensurate with education and experience.
University Title: Senior Associate Athletic Director
Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.