Associate Director, Athletic Operations and Facilities

The Associate Athletic Director for Events, Operations & Facilities provides strategic leadership, oversight, and  management of athletic facilities, game and event operations, ticketing services, facility maintenance, and  operational logistics for UC Merced Intercollegiate Athletics. This position is responsible for ensuring safe,  efficient, and customer-focused operations that support student-athlete success, championship-level  competition, campus engagement, and community partnerships.

The Associate Athletic Director serves as a member of the Athletics leadership team and collaborates with  campus departments, external vendors, conference representatives, and community stakeholders to ensure  athletic events and facilities operate at the highest standards while maintaining compliance with university, conference, NCAA, and applicable regulatory requirements.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Athletic Event Management and Operations

• Direct all planning, coordination, and execution of home athletic contests, tournaments, special events, and campus-hosted championships.

• Through subordinate staff, develop event management plans, staffing assignments, and operational procedures.

• Through subordinate staff, coordinate game-day operations including officials, event personnel, security, medical coverage, facility setup, signage, and guest services.

• Ensure compliance with conference, NCAA, university, and risk management requirements.

• Lead event operations meetings and coordinate with coaches, officials, vendors, and campus partners.

• Evaluate event effectiveness and implement continuous improvements to enhance the student-athlete and spectator experience.

• Manage emergency response and incident management procedures during athletic events.

Ticketing and Revenue Operations

• Oversee all athletic ticketing operations, including ticket sales, customer service, box office procedures, and financial reconciliation.

• Develop strategies to increase attendance and revenue through ticketing initiatives and fan engagement programs.

• Manage ticketing software systems and reporting processes.

• Ensure accurate financial controls, cash handling procedures, and compliance with university policies.

• Coordinate ticketing support for special events, tournaments, and postseason competition.

• Generate attendance and revenue reports for Athletics leadership.

Facilities Management and Maintenance

• Provide leadership for the operation, maintenance, and scheduling of athletic facilities and venues.

• Develop preventative maintenance programs to ensure facilities remain safe, functional, and aesthetically maintained.

• Coordinate facility repairs, capital improvement projects, and contracted maintenance services.

• Collaborate with campus facilities management on infrastructure planning and maintenance priorities.

• Monitor facility conditions and address operational deficiencies proactively.

• Ensure compliance with safety regulations, environmental standards, and risk management requirements.

• Assist with long-range facility planning and facility master plan initiatives.

Staff Supervision and Leadership

• Directly supervise facilities personnel, maintenance staff, event operations personnel, and student employees.

• Provide sport supervision to at least one athletic team.

• Recruit, hire, train, schedule, and evaluate staff performance.

• Foster a culture of customer service, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

• Develop operational procedures, training programs, and performance standards.

• Provide leadership and professional development opportunities for staff members.

Budget Administration and Resource Management

• Develop and manage operational budgets for facilities, maintenance, event operations, and ticketing.

• Monitor expenditures and ensure responsible stewardship of university resources.

• Prepare budget forecasts and recommend resource allocations.

• Oversee procurement of equipment, supplies, and contracted services.

• Identify cost-saving opportunities and operational efficiencies.

Strategic Planning and Administrative Duties

• Participate in Athletics leadership meetings and strategic planning initiatives.

• Develop policies and procedures related to event management, facilities, and operations.

• Maintain operational records, reports, and compliance documentation.

• Support departmental goals related to student success, community engagement, and institutional growth.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Sports Management, Business Administration, Recreation Administration, Facilities Management, or related field.

• Advanced degree in Sports Administration, Business Administration, Higher Education, or related field. Preferred

Licenses and Certifications

• Valid California Drivers License & Participation in DMV Pull Program.

Experience

• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in athletics operations, event management, facilities management, or a related field.

• Demonstrated experience managing athletic events and facility operations.

• Experience supervising full-time staff and student employees.