Assistant Director of Player Operations, Defense (HR Title: Athletics Operations Admin I)

Assistant Director of Player Operations, Defense (HR Title: Athletics Operations Admin I) - (ATH00000462)

Description

Salary Range: 

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About SMU

SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.

SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.

SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem – paired with entrepreneurial drive – creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.

Assistant Director of Player Operations, Defense (HR Title: Athletics Operations Admin I) - (ATH00000462)

Description

Salary Range: 

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About SMU

SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.

SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.

SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem – paired with entrepreneurial drive – creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU’s relationship with Dallas – the dynamic center of one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions – offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.

SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

About the Position:

This role is an on-campus, in-person position. 

The Assistant Director of Player Operations supports the daily operational needs of the football program and oversees player onboarding and administrative coordination for their assigned unit (Offense or Defense). 

This role also serves as a primary liaison to student-athletes and their families, helping ensure clear communication and a positive overall experience.

Essential Functions:

• Oversee onboarding for all student-athletes within assigned unit, including freshmen, transfers, and mid-year enrollees and coordinate onboarding requirements such as compliance documentation, medical clearance, academic setup, housing, parking permits, player holds and campus access while maintaining accurate rosters, onboarding trackers, and player records 
   

• Serve as the primary operational point of contact for players and coaches within assigned unit and
  act as a liaison to player families, responding to operational questions and directing concerns to appropriate staff
   

• Coordinate with Compliance, Academic Support, Sports Medicine, Equipment, and other various campus departments 
   

• Support game-day operations, team travel, practice logistics, meetings, special events and other team operations as assigned
   

• Evening and weekend work required during football season

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree is required.

A minimum of two years of work experience is required, preferably in collegiate athletics or football operations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills. A strong customer service orientation is essential.  

Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning, and time management skills. The ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment is essential. Familiarity with NCAA rules and onboarding/compliance processes preferred.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time

• Stand

• Exposure to marked changes in temperature or humidity

Deadline to Apply:

March 30, 2025
 

EEO Statement:

SMU is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.

Benefits:

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.

The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.

Primary Location

: USA-TX-Dallas

Job

: Athletics

Organization

: Athletics

Schedule

: Regular

Shift

: Staff

Employee Status

: Individual Contributor

Job Type

: Full-time

Job Level

: Day Job

Travel

: Yes, 25 % of the Time

Job Posting

: Mar 12, 2026, 2:14:59 PM

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