Director of Operations - Men's Hockey

About the Job

Position Summary

The Director of Operations, Men’s Ice Hockey, oversees the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of the University of Minnesota men’s ice hockey program. This position supports the Head Coach and coaching staff in team travel, scheduling logistics, budget tracking, recruiting coordination, camps/clinics, equipment/apparel coordination, and internal communication. The Director of Operations plays a key role in ensuring the program operates efficiently, professionally, and in compliance with NCAA, Big Ten, and University rules, policies, and procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Program Operations and Logistics – 40%

• Coordinate team travel, including itineraries, lodging, ground transportation, meals, practice arrangements, and related logistics.
• Manage daily operational needs of the program, including calendar coordination, practice and game logistics, facility scheduling support, and internal communication.
• Coordinate equipment, apparel, and supply needs with athletics department staff and vendors, as appropriate.
• Support home and away competition logistics, special events, and team functions.

About the Job

Position Summary

The Director of Operations, Men’s Ice Hockey, oversees the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of the University of Minnesota men’s ice hockey program. This position supports the Head Coach and coaching staff in team travel, scheduling logistics, budget tracking, recruiting coordination, camps/clinics, equipment/apparel coordination, and internal communication. The Director of Operations plays a key role in ensuring the program operates efficiently, professionally, and in compliance with NCAA, Big Ten, and University rules, policies, and procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Program Operations and Logistics – 40%

• Coordinate team travel, including itineraries, lodging, ground transportation, meals, practice arrangements, and related logistics.
• Manage daily operational needs of the program, including calendar coordination, practice and game logistics, facility scheduling support, and internal communication.
• Coordinate equipment, apparel, and supply needs with athletics department staff and vendors, as appropriate.
• Support home and away competition logistics, special events, and team functions.

Administrative Support and Budget Coordination – 25%

• Assist the Head Coach with budget tracking, purchasing, business expense reconciliation, and other administrative processes in accordance with University and athletics department policies.
• Prepare and maintain operational records, manuals, travel documents, and other program materials.
• Coordinate meetings, agendas, schedules, and internal communications for the coaching staff and program.
• Support onboarding and administrative needs for staff and student-athletes as assigned.

Recruiting and Camps/Clinics Coordination – 15%

• Coordinate logistics for official and unofficial visits, including itineraries, schedules, and related materials, in compliance with NCAA, Big Ten, and institutional rules.
• Support recruiting operations by organizing recruiting calendars, visit documentation, and communication flow as assigned by the coaching staff.
• Assist with planning, administration, and logistics for camps, clinics, and other program events.
• Support operational aspects of roster management and student-athlete transition processes, as assigned and consistent with institutional procedures.
  

Compliance and Governance – 10%

• Maintain familiarity with and support adherence to NCAA, Big Ten, University, and athletics department policies and procedures.
• Complete and support the timely submission of required operational, business, and compliance-related documentation.
• Coordinate with compliance and athletics administration to ensure recruiting visits, camps/clinics, business expenses, and other program activities are documented appropriately.

External Relations and Other Duties – 10%

• Support alumni events, donor functions, community engagement activities, promotional appearances, and other external initiatives as assigned.
• Represent the program and the University professionally to internal and external stakeholders.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Head Coach or athletics administration.
  

Physical and Travel Requirements

• Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and travel as needed for competition and program responsibilities.
• Ability to move materials and equipment associated with team operations and events, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Experience in athletics operations, team administration, event coordination, or a related field.
• Strong organizational, administrative, and project-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines with close attention to detail.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with coaches, student-athletes, administrators, and external partners.
• Knowledge of or ability to learn NCAA Division I, Big Ten, and University policies and procedures relevant to team operations.
• Demonstrated understanding of the evolving Division I athletics environment, including recruiting operations, roster management processes, transfer-related logistics, and NIL-related institutional processes, with the ability to support those areas accurately and compliantly.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience working in NCAA Division I athletics, preferably in hockey or another team sport.
• Experience coordinating team travel, budget processes, recruiting visits, or camps/clinics.
• Familiarity with hockey operations and the structure of a Division I athletics department.
• Prior experience working with student-athletes and coaching staffs in a fast-paced environment.

About the Department

With more than 140 years of tradition, Gopher Athletics is one of the oldest and most decorated athletics departments in the country. Minnesota was a charter member of the Big Ten Conference. The University of Minnesota sponsors 22 varsity intercollegiate athletic teams and is represented by more than 625 student-athletes who compete in the Big Ten and Western Collegiate Hockey Association. Minnesota has claimed 29 national championships in eight different sports and has won 217 regular-season conference titles and 42 conference tournament championships. Minnesota has also produced 213 Academic All-Americans, which ranks as the tenth most all-time among college and universities. Housed in the historic Dinkytown neighborhood on the northern edge of the University campus, Gopher Athletics is succeeding against a backdrop unique in college athletics, nestled at the heart of a bustling, modern metro area. We are proud of our decorated history, but we are prepared to achieve even greater success in the years to come. Ski-U-Mah!

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $50,000.00 - $70,000.00; depending on education/qualifications/experience 

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type:  Faculty and P&A Staff 

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services 
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online.  To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.  You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, social media check, and motor vehicle check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).

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