Associate Athletics Director of Finance and Business Operations

Position Description

Seattle University seeks a highly motivated financial professional with proven experience and a track record of success to serve as the Associate Director of Athletics for Finance & Business Operations. Reporting directly to the Deputy Athletics Director, this key role leads financial operations for one of the University’s most dynamic and exciting areas. The position provides the opportunity to work closely with the Athletics leadership team, including the Vice President for Athletics, while also collaborating with University finance leaders such as the Controller, Director of Financial Planning and Analysis, and CFO. 

Responsibilities 

Budget Management

• Oversee the financial administration and operations of the Athletics department, ensuring compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), university policies, and NCAA requirements. 

• Prepare and manage annual budgets, including revenue projections, in collaboration with the Vice President for Athletics and the Deputy Athletics Director. 

• Perform financial analysis, including cost modeling, spending trends, budget forecasts, and cost/benefit analyses to support both short- and long-term departmental financial plans. 

Financial Reporting and Compliance

• Prepare annual year-end financial statements and federal/NCAA reports (e.g., EADA, Membership Financial Reporting System). 

• Manage the monthly and fiscal year-end accounting closing process, including account analysis and reconciliations. 

• Develop and implement fiscal policies and procedures to ensure operational efficiency and NCAA compliance. 

Strategic Financial Planning

• Provide strategic budgetary recommendations and projections, including those related to NCAA dashboard indicators. 

• Challenge assumptions, strategies, and initiatives to ensure optimal fiscal stewardship and resource allocation. 

• Monitor and analyze revenue streams (e.g., fundraising, ticket sales, corporate partnerships, licensing, camps, facilities, NCAA/WAC grants). 

Collaboration and Communication

• Serve as the primary liaison between financial units and Athletics, presenting financial information to university leadership and the board of trustees as needed. 

• Collaborate with campus units such as the Controller’s Office, Accounts Payable, University Budget Office, Public Safety, and Human Resources. 

• Represent Athletics on various campus committees and coordinate projects and events with campus partners. 

Procurement and Vendor Management

• Oversee procurement processes, vendor agreements, and related contracts for travel, apparel, food services, equipment, and facilities. 

• Ensure adherence to university procurement policies and manage major purchases and inventory. 

Postseason and Student-Athlete Support

• Forecast and manage postseason budgets and serve as a liaison with the NCAA for postseason travel logistics. 

• Collaborate with compliance and financial aid staff to ensure proper budgetary management of Athletics Financial Aid, including housing, board, and books. 

• Oversee student-athlete meals during preseason and between academic terms. 

Risk Management and Systems Control

• Establish and maintain accounting systems, processes, and controls to safeguard university assets and mitigate risks, particularly in travel, credit card use, equipment, and cash handling. 

• Prepare and maintain databases for tracking budgets, endowed funds, and gift accounts, providing monthly reports to the Athletics Director. 

Facility and Equipment Oversight 

• Manage facility and equipment leases, ensuring proper maintenance and use. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, accounting, or a related field. Five years of progressively responsible experience

• in budget management, financial analysis, or planning. 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 

• Ability to operate independently and collaborate effectively in a team environment. 

• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel or other financial modeling tools. 

• Commitment to promoting inclusive excellence and the university’s mission, vision, and values. 

• High discretion and professional judgment in handling confidential and sensitive information. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• MBA or master’s degree in finance or accounting. 

• Experience in NCAA Division 1 financial management. 

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to convey complex financial information to non-financial audiences. 

• Expertise in presenting financial reports and recommendations to executive management and external stakeholders. 

• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks. 

• Compliance

All employees must adhere to NCAA, conference, and university rules, report any suspected violations, and fully cooperate with investigations. 

This position plays a critical role in ensuring the Athletics department's financial health, compliance, and alignment with university goals and values. 

Application Instructions

Please attach a cover letter with your resume when applying. Job postings are open until filled, unless otherwise specified. 

Compensation at a Glance
Salary Range: $90,000 - $110,000

Seattle University has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, and not based on a candidate’s gender or any other protected status.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. Seattle University provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your total compensation package.