Deputy Athletic Director

Deputy Athletic Director

Intercollegiate Athletics

South Dakota State University

South Dakota State University (SDState) is seeking a Deputy Athletic Director to join our Intercollegiate Athletics team. In this position you’ll play a pivotal role in driving competitive excellence, elevating student athlete success, and strengthening the department’s strategic impact. This position is a 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position located in Brookings, South Dakota.

SDState is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $94 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities.

SDState is an NCAA Division I institution and competes in the Summit League for all sports except football (Missouri Valley Football Conference), wrestling (Big XII Conference), and women’s equestrian (National Collegiate Equestrian Association).

Must be authorized to work in the U.S.  Sponsorship is not available for this position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

·         Provide leadership for the day-to-day operations of the athletic department.

·         Oversee marketing, communications, and broadcast services within athletics.

·         Act as a primary liaison for campus and community organizations.

·         Represent SDState Intercollegiate Athletics on various university, conference, community, and NCAA committees.

·         Sport supervision.

·         Support athletic development initiatives.

·         Assist with contract management, third party vendors, and maintain policies and procedures with athletics and the university guidelines.

SALARY RANGE:

The salary range for the Deputy Athletic Director is $120,500-$160,000.

BENEFITS:

SDState offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions. Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines. 

QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

·         Earned a master’s degree in Sports Management, Sports Administration or a closely related field by date of application.

·         At least five years of related experience in sports management, intercollegiate athletics, or revenue generation at the Senior Associate Athletic Director level or higher.

·         Demonstrated supervisory experience.

·         Commitment to athletics programs.

·         Demonstrated strong organizational skills; excellent effective communication skills (oral and written); and effective time management skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

·         Understand and comply with all rules, regulations, bylaws, and interpretations of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

·         Commitment to promote an atmosphere of compliance and adherence to institutional, conference, and NCAA rules and regulations.

·         Executive level Division I or II intercollegiate athletics administrative experience.

·         Demonstrated experience in fund raising, budgeting, sport oversight, and corporate sponsorship relations.

·         Demonstrated ability to layout and implement objectives, goals, and strategic plans for broadcast services, tickets, marketing, and corporate sponsorships.

·         Proven career path.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 

Position closes 2/27/2026.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

SDState accepts applications through an on-line employment site.  To apply, visit:  https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu, search by the position title, view the job announcement, and click on “apply for this job.”  This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, resume, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references.  Email applications will not be accepted.  Please contact SDState Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process. 

Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check.  

SDState is a tobacco free environment.   It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students.  This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14. 

For questions on the position, contact the Hiring Manager; Justin Sell, by emailing Justin.Sell@sdstate.edu or calling (605) 688-6388.

South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant access mission. SDSU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits unlawful discrimination of all legally protected classes in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing HR@sdstate.edu. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: (605) 688-4128.