Logo
job logo

Deputy Athletics Director, Chief Operating Officer

Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States


Deputy Athletics Director, Chief Operating Officer Thank you for your interest in Stanford University. While we have instituted a hiring pause for non‑critical staff positions, we are actively recruiting for the positions currently listed on our careers page. Please note: the application portal will be offline for maintenance from Mar 27 at 3 PM to Mar 28 at 3 PM (PT).

Job Summary

DATE POSTED 1 day ago

Schedule Full‑time

Job Code 4155

Employee Status Regular

Grade P

Requisition ID 108569

Work Arrangement On Site

Deputy AD, Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Department:

Stanford Athletics, Physical Education, and Recreation (DAPER)

Location:

Stanford, CA (On‑site)

Reports to:

John Donahoe, Jaquish and Kenninger Chair and Director of Athletics

Position Summary

Stanford University is seeking a dynamic, results‑driven, highly effective leader to serve as its Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the Department of Athletics, Physical Education, and Recreation (DAPER). This role will be a direct report to the Jaquish and Kenninger Chair and Director of Athletics, John Donahoe, and serve as a critical day‑to‑day leader of the operations, cadence, and evolution of the Department. The COO will be a high‑impact execution partner to the Chair, responsible for materially increasing organizational velocity, defining and stewarding the Department’s operating model, driving revenue and growth, and, when necessary, representing the Chair within the University and externally.

The COO will be responsible for all revenue and marketing‑related activities. This includes overseeing commercial efforts, marketing, communication, branding/storytelling, facilities, capital projects, fan experience, community engagement, and digital. Further, the COO will provide leadership, planning, and exceptional execution of team and facility operations; ongoing capital projects and investments; compliance; and sport and event management. In partnership with the Chair of Athletics, the COO will spearhead the execution of a strategic plan for DAPER’s growth and serve as a critical liaison between Athletics and key Stanford University stakeholders, including academics, technology, public safety, facilities, and – when required by the Chair – Board and Cabinet‑level members. In partnership with the Chair of Athletics and General Managers, the COO will be responsible for the support, mentorship, recruitment, and retention of high‑performing leadership across areas of oversight.

Core Responsibilities

High‑Performing Team Leadership:

Provide leadership within internal operations and all revenue‑related functions. Provide exceptional leadership and mentorship for DAPER’s sport‑ and operationally‑focused employees.

Growth and Revenue Generation:

Drive a high‑performing, outcomes‑oriented revenue arm for DAPER, inclusive of sales leaders and marketing/content innovators.

Stakeholder Management:

Serve as liaison and bridge builder to various parts of the university campus, including Academics, Admissions, Facilities, Student Life, President’s Office, and others.

Capital Projects and Facilities:

Create and maintain DAPER masterplan for capital projects. Chair or provide direction for all ongoing facility projects and maintenance, including supporting the Chair of Athletics and development leadership in fundraising activities and developing appropriate funding models, and managing the budgets of each project.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Exceptional operational leadership, with proven ability to lead complex and diverse teams of leaders.

Keen understanding of and experience within the highest levels of college athletics.

Thoughtful, innovative approach to the new world of college athletics.

Exceptional communication and relationship‑building skills.

Track record of leading high‑performing teams.

Rigor, grit, and relentless work ethic; low ego, strong judgment.

Able to connect dots across silos as well as remove friction and bottlenecks.

Exceptional financial acumen and P&L management experience.

Superior influencing skills across disparate groups of stakeholders.

Fundraising and donor experience valued.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or equivalent advanced degree highly desirable.

Experience:

15+ years of progressive leadership experience in operations, athletics administration, strategic planning/execution, and stakeholder management all required.

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. This position is responsible for ensuring that his/her/their involvement with Athletics Department activities maintains the integrity of the University’s reputation and does not negatively impact the relationship between the University and its faculty, staff, students and alumni. Additionally, this position must comply with University policies and procedures, NCAA and Conference rules and regulations.

The expected pay range for this position is $460,000 - $535,000 per annum. Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs. At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website ( https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards ) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

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.

Department of Athletics, Physical Education, and Recreation, Stanford, California, United States

#J-18808-Ljbffr