Deputy Athletic Director & Chief of Staff

Position OverviewThe Deputy Athletic Director & Chief of Staff serves as the Athletic Director’s principal operational partner and strategic advisor, with broad responsibilities for overseeing the Athletics Department's day-to-day operations and advancing institutional priorities. This role is designed for a senior leader who can translate vision into execution, build and develop high-performing teams, anticipate challenges, and elevate operational standards across people, finances, and systems.

The Deputy Athletic Director & Chief of Staff plays a critical role in ensuring alignment, accountability, and momentum across the department while supporting UC San Diego Athletics as it continues to compete and evolve within the rapidly changing Division I landscape. Candidates from both collegiate athletics and professional sports, including emerging leagues, are encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Advisory

• Serve as a trusted advisor and thought partner to the Athletic Director on strategy, priorities, and execution.

• Support decision-making by synthesizing information, identifying risks and opportunities, and providing actionable recommendations.

• Represent the Athletic Director in meetings, committees, and campus engagements as assigned.

Departmental Operations and Execution

• Oversee day-to-day administrative and operational functions of the Athletics Department to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.

• Coordinate across internal units to reduce silos, improve communication, and ensure consistent implementation of priorities.

• Lead cross-functional initiatives and special projects critical to departmental success.

• Ensure accountability and follow-through on departmental goals and timelines.

People Leadership and Culture Development

• Build, develop, and retain a high-performing athletics administration team.

• Establish clear expectations, roles, and accountability across staff.

• Foster a culture of collaboration, professionalism, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

• Raise performance standards in a respectful, constructive, and values-driven manner.

Financial and Administrative Oversight

• Partner with senior leadership on budget development, resource allocation, and financial planning.

• Promote fiscal discipline, transparency, and best practices in administrative operations.

• Support long-term planning related to staffing, infrastructure, and operational sustainability.

Athletics Industry Acumen and Change Management

• Apply a deep understanding of Division I athletics, NCAA governance, and the evolving collegiate sports landscape.

• Translate innovative and professional sports best practices into a university setting where appropriate.

• Lead with urgency, adaptability, and sound judgment amid industry change.

Proactive Problem Solving

• Anticipate challenges and address issues before they escalate.

• Develop and implement practical, timely solutions to complex operational and organizational challenges.

• Ensure departmental priorities continue to move forward without disruption.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, Business, Higher Education, or a related field.

• Minimum of eight years of progressive leadership experience in collegiate athletics, professional sports, higher education, or a comparable operational environment.

• Demonstrated experience leading people, managing complex operations, and driving strategic initiatives.

• Strong organizational, communication, and decision-making skills.

• Proven ability to operate with urgency while maintaining professionalism, discretion, and trust.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field.

• Experience serving as a Deputy Athletic Director, Chief of Staff, Senior Associate Athletic Director, COO, or comparable senior operational role.

• Experience with financial oversight, budgeting, and strategic planning.

• Exposure to both collegiate and professional sports environments, including emerging or growth-oriented leagues.

Work Environment

This position is fully on-site in La Jolla, California. Due to the leadership, operational, and relationship-driven nature of the role, remote or hybrid work arrangements are not available. The Deputy Athletic Director & Chief of Staff is expected to maintain a visible, engaged presence within the department.

Compensation

The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $175,000 to $225,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. UC San Diego offers a comprehensive benefits package in accordance with University of California policy.