Deputy Athletics Director, Chief Operating Officer

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

Job Code: 4155

Salary Range: $460,000 - $535,000

Stanford’s Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation (“DAPER”) is the premier intercollegiate athletics program in the country. We are the proud Home of Champions! We lead the nation with 137 NCAA championship titles, won the Women’s Capital One Cup four of the last five years, and have brought home the Learfield Director’s Cup 26 times. 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 embody a culture of excellence, embrace our mission of scholar-athleticism, and exemplify a relentless championship spirit. Our actions and staff are guided by the core tenets of the Athletics Department culture, “The DAPER Way,” which are: Embrace Scholar-Athleticism, Pursue and Revere Excellence, Lead with Courage, and Work Cohesively.

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.

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

Job Code: 4155

Salary Range: $460,000 - $535,000

Stanford’s Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation (“DAPER”) is the premier intercollegiate athletics program in the country. We are the proud Home of Champions! We lead the nation with 137 NCAA championship titles, won the Women’s Capital One Cup four of the last five years, and have brought home the Learfield Director’s Cup 26 times. 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 embody a culture of excellence, embrace our mission of scholar-athleticism, and exemplify a relentless championship spirit. Our actions and staff are guided by the core tenets of the Athletics Department culture, “The DAPER Way,” which are: Embrace Scholar-Athleticism, Pursue and Revere Excellence, Lead with Courage, and Work Cohesively.

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 DAPER.

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.

Why Stanford is for you:
Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

1. Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.

2. A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.

3. A healthier you. Climb our rock wall or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.

4. Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.

5. Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!

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/b...) 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.

Additional Information

• Schedule: Full-time
• Job Code: 4155
• Employee Status: Regular
• Grade: P
• Requisition ID: 108569
• Work Arrangement : On Site

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