Associate Director of Athletics for Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL)

Utah State University (USU) is currently hiring an Associate Director of Athletics for Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) (Assistant Director in HRIS System). This position will be a pivotal member of the Athletics Department, driving initiatives that empower student-athletes to build their personal brands, develop business acumen, and maximize NIL opportunities. This role involves managing NIL platforms, providing educational programming, and fostering relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, including coaches, compliance staff, donors, sponsors, and multimedia partners.

The Assistant Director will oversee all NIL-related operations, from creating educational resources and analyzing transaction data to coordinating mentorship programs and ensuring compliance with NCAA, state, and institutional regulations. This position requires a strategic and innovative approach, integrating NIL efforts with the university's mission while staying current on evolving legislative and industry trends. The Assistant Director will also serve as the primary liaison to the Office of Legal Affairs, compliance staff, and other university units, ensuring adherence to all applicable laws and policies.

Responsibilities

NIL Coordination and Oversight:

• Serve as the primary coordinator for the department's NIL initiatives, reviewing and processing NIL opportunities to ensure NCAA, conference, and university compliance.

• Develop and implement comprehensive NIL strategies that support student-athletes' personal branding, entrepreneurship, and business development.

• Monitor NIL activities, social media platforms, and other engagements to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

• Work with external NIL platforms (e.g., INFLCR, ARMS, Opendorse) to manage NIL-related documentation, education, and reporting.

• Ensure NIL-related content is aligned with the department's overall messaging and mission.

• Stay updated on the latest NIL trends, legislative advancements, and NCAA compliance regulations.

• Provide strategic recommendations to ensure the university's NIL initiatives remain innovative and competitive within the evolving landscape.

Regulatory Affairs & Reporting:

• Collaborate with the compliance unit to ensure that all NIL activities comply with NCAA, state, and institutional regulations.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for compliance-related questions and communicate with the Office of Legal Affairs regarding state law application and legal concerns related to NIL.

• Generate, analyze, and distribute monthly NIL transaction reports, tracking the success of student-athletes' NIL activities.

• Develop and produce an annual NIL report, summarizing key activities, transactions, and strategic outcomes related to the NIL program.

• Share insights and outcomes with key university leadership and external partners.

Educational Initiatives and Student-Athlete Support:

• Coordinate NIL educational programming for student-athletes, coaches, and staff, including personal branding, contract negotiations, and financial literacy.

• Deliver programming on NIL-related topics, including personal branding, marketing strategies, and business acumen.

• Support student-athletes in developing and evaluating NIL opportunities that align with their goals.

• Assist with student-athlete development initiatives tied to NCAA compliance and and NIL.

Stakeholder and Community Engagement:

• Build and maintain strong connections with external partners, including sponsors, donors, and other key stakeholders to enhance NIL opportunities.

• Cultivate relationships with internal units such as compliance, student-athlete development, external engagement, multimedia rights holders, and the Office of Innovation.

• Serve as a point of contact for NIL inquiries from internal and external stakeholders, including boosters, agents, and prospective students.

• Represent the Athletics Department on compliance and NIL-related calls, webinars, and educational workshops.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Support game management operations for select events.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in business, sports management, law, or a related field; master's degree preferred. 

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in business development, athletics compliance, or sports administration.

  • Including at least one year of experience in NIL coordination, or a related role (internship or graduate assistantship included).

  • Knowledge of state law impacts on policies, procedures, and guidelines related to NIL.

  • Strong project management, organization and detail orientation with an ability to manage and track large amounts of information for accuracy and timeliness.

  • Effective written and verbal communication skills.

  • Ability to follow processes and procedures with attention to detail.

  • Strong interpersonal skills to deal effectively with individuals of all levels; ability to work with a diverse group of students, coaches, faculty and staff.

  • Proficiency in technology including Google Suite, Microsoft Office suite and social media applications. Knowledge of ARMS or Teamworks preferred.

  • Knowledge of and commitment to NCAA and University rules and regulations; ability to understand, interpret and provide compliance-related information sessions.

  • Ability to manage multiple tasks effectively in a dynamic environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree.

• Familiarity with NIL-related policies and industry.

• Experience with digital content creation and social media marketing.

• Background in personal brand management or creative content strategy.

• Proven ability to work with diverse populations and high-energy personalities.