Inside Higher Ed is hiring: Assistant Athletics Director, Broadcast & Technical
Inside Higher Ed, Palo Alto, CA, US
Stanford’s Department Of Athletics, Physical Education And Recreation
Stanford’s Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation (DAPER) is the premier intercollegiate athletic program in the country. We are the proud Home of Champions and lead the nation with 138 NCAA championship titles. We support nearly 900 student-athletes who compete on 36 intercollegiate athletics teams and also support the university’s physical education, recreation and wellness initiatives. Our dedicated staff embodies a culture of excellence, embraces our mission of scholar‑athleticism and exemplifies a relentless championship spirit.
Summary
Stanford Athletics is seeking an Assistant Athletics Director, Broadcast & Technical Operations who will lead the efforts in delivering a first‑class television broadcast experience while overseeing the day‑to‑day technical operations (video boards, audio systems, replay, coaches film). The successful individual will be a self‑motivated, team‑oriented, organized, problem‑solver that can orchestrate live event production(s).
Duties and Responsibilities
- Broadcast Operations
- Collaborate with campus staff, consultants, and external partners on the design, integration, and execution of the department’s new Production Control Room.
- Work closely with the ACC and ESPN on requirements, event schedules, and production needs to meet desired outcomes.
- Oversee the production of live event broadcasts for Stanford on various platforms, including linear, digital, and in‑venue displays.
- Coordinate and supervise training and development of full and part‑time staff in proper control room and production techniques.
- Oversee scheduling and part‑time staff for broadcasting and videoboard staffing at events.
- Assist in identifying, recruiting, developing, training, and scheduling talent for each broadcast.
- Develop and lead a team of broadcast professionals, engineers, and game‑day operators/freelancers to operate all events; conduct ongoing reviews of budgeting and staffing plans, oversee recruiting, training, supervising, and evaluating departmental personnel and service providers.
- Maintain technical knowledge needed to execute broadcasts to the specifications of conference and department partners.
- Ensure all equipment is ready and events are covered through scheduling and strong communication.
- Be prepared to serve in any roles within the production room if needed, including producer and director.
- Video Board Production
- Serve as the main point of contact with the production team in planning, strategizing, and executing live events using venue video boards and online streams.
- Ensure video boards are maintained and operational at all times for athletics events.
- Assist with campus events, venue rentals, local and national television broadcasts in their broadcasts and production of events.
- Co‑lead on any physical video board needs, acquisitions, and replacements with our facilities and capital projects teams.
- Oversee staffing needs to maintain and operate videoboards effectively.
- Financial and Asset Management
- Oversight of the financial budget for daily operations, equipment, staffing, and maintenance.
- Follow campus and department procurement guidelines using transparent means and established financial parameters.
- Develop an equipment inventory and life‑cycle replacement plan for all production room and video board–related assets, especially capital purchases.
- Assist in budget development both annually and long‑term, including space and large item replacements and end‑of‑life needs.
- Oversee all assets related to venue video boards and scoreboards in our athletic facilities as well as in the production control room.
- Administrative
- Understand department vision and goals and align production elements to present the student‑athletes, programs, department, campus, and conference in the best possible manner.
- Develop policies, procedures, and protocols reflecting industry best practices that strategically position Stanford for success in live broadcasts and video board production.
- Responsible for hiring, training, and managing direct reports.
- Keep up to date with the current technological environment and trends that can impact operations and anticipate needs for the department in the short and long term.
- Serve as point person for technical operations and capital projects within athletic facilities (video boards, video control room, and related items).
- Assist with payroll submission and reconciliation for event staffing.
- Participate in training and development programs to stay abreast of the latest technological advances, especially in venue and broadcast operations.
- Represent the athletic department and advise in technical areas with the University or outside production staff for live television broadcasts.
- Work closely with content creation, IT, Operations, and other groups to resolve problems and assist in their areas of need.
- Responsible for all upgrades and maintenance checks on all Daktronics systems and related control room equipment.
- Other Duties
- Staffing of other department‑related events as needed.
- Additional broadcasts of the department and potentially campus events.
- Duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- 5‑7 years of experience in the video industry, including television broadcast, live streaming, and video board production.
- Bachelor’s degree or a combination of education and relevant experience.
- Prior experience integrating, implementing, or refreshing an arena/venue broadcast control room.
- Expert understanding of broadcast control rooms and staffing needs to execute a live event production as well as equipment maintenance and purchasing.
- Familiarity with modern broadcast cabling infrastructure used in broadcast environments.
- Managerial experience in a broadcast control room setting.
- Skill set for conversations with network staff and department leaders about the vision of the product and what is achievable with existing resources.
- Experience leading a group of production and freelance staff as well as game‑day personnel.
- Knowledge of video board production in a sports and entertainment facility.
- Strong understanding of the linear and digital streaming marketplace.
- Ability to forecast and work within budgets to achieve common goals.
- Personality that attracts others and encourages collaboration and innovation.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate with a variety of stakeholders to achieve a common goal.
- Self‑starter with the ability to work independently.
- Organized individual with executive skill set and demonstrated leadership skills.
- Possesses a strategic thinking mindset with the ability to adjust as needed, at times quickly and under time duress.
- Ability to manage internal and external stakeholders and build strong relationships with vendors.
- Prior and specific knowledge of AV production systems, cameras, non‑linear editing, audio, video, and lighting control systems.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, organization, and time management skills.
- Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and occasionally long work shifts.
- Proficiency in meeting deadlines, following priorities, and managing several projects at once.
- Job occasionally requires standing, stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling, and lifting to 25 pounds.
- Knowledge of analog, digital video, fiber, and audio systems.
- Experience in supporting game presentation elements and fan experience staff.
- Strong knowledge of current and emerging audio/video technologies and video production.
DAPER’s Integrity
This position, along with all DAPER coaches and staff, is responsible for the integrity of Stanford’s intercollegiate athletics program and for the reputation of Stanford University. The position must maintain the integrity of the University’s reputation and not negatively impact the relationship between the University and its faculty, staff, students, and alumni. It must also comply with University policies, NCAA, and Pac‑12 rules and regulations.
Compensation
The expected pay range for this position is $127,451 to $130,000 per annum. Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position.
Why Stanford is for You
Benefits
- Freedom to grow – career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or course audit; participate in TED‑Talks, film screenings, and talks by global leaders.
- A caring culture – superb retirement plans, generous time‑off, and family care resources.
- A healthier you – access to exercise facilities, health classes, and excellent health care benefits.
- Discovery and fun – historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
- Enviable resources – free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts, and more.
Additional Information
- Schedule: Full‑time
- Job Code: 4223
- Employee Status: Regular
- Grade: I
- Requisition ID: 107296
- Work Arrangement: On Site
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.