Chief of Staff for Athletics

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Job Posting Title:

Chief of Staff for Athletics

Position Type:

Professional / Unclassified

Department:

LSUAM Athletics (Verge Samuel Ausberry II (00000754))

Work Location:

0601A Moran Family Ctr for Athletic Admin

Pay Grade:

Professional

Job Description:

The Chief of Staff serves as a strategic advisor and trusted member of the Athletics Director's executive leadership team. This position manages executive operations, advances strategic priorities, oversees high-impact departmental initiatives, and serves as an extension of the Athletics Director in coordinating communications, decision-making, and organizational alignment. The Chief of Staff collaborates with university leadership, athletics administrators, coaches, external constituents, and government officials to ensure the successful execution of the Athletics Director's vision while exercising considerable independent judgment, discretion, and confidentiality.

35% Serve as the Athletics Director's principal advisor on strategic initiatives, executive operations, and organizational priorities. Coordinate the execution of the Athletics Director's strategic vision by managing complex projects, monitoring progress toward departmental goals, and ensuring accountability across athletics units; Lead executive office operations, including management of the Athletics Director's calendar, meeting preparation, executive briefings, presentations, and confidential correspondence. Evaluate issues requiring executive attention, conduct research and analysis, formulate recommendations, and prepare decision-support materials; Coordinate executive travel, official events, and associated reimbursements in compliance with LSU and State of Louisiana policies.

25% Lead and oversee department-wide strategic initiatives on behalf of the Athletics Director, ensuring alignment among senior leadership and timely execution of organizational priorities; Manage high-level projects involving multiple athletics units by establishing timelines, monitoring deliverables, resolving barriers, and communicating progress to executive leadership; Develop executive reports, briefing materials, presentations, speeches, talking points, and departmental communications. Coordinate with Management Team, Business Office, and Compliance, and other university offices regarding employment actions, contest contracts, compensation reports, student-athlete issues, and other executive priorities while maintaining the highest level of confidentiality.

20% Serve as a primary liaison between the Athletics Director and university leadership, the LSU System, conference officials, governmental representatives, donors, alumni, and other external constituents; Coordinate executive engagement activities, stewardship initiatives, ceremonial events, and visits involving distinguished guests and dignitaries. Coordinate Athletics activities and events involving the Board of Supervisors.

20% Collaborate with the Executive Deputy Athletics Director and senior leadership to coordinate Athletics Director Cabinet meetings, strategic planning sessions, retreats, and department-wide leadership initiatives; Monitor the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics, including NCAA, SEC, federal, state, and university regulations, identifying emerging issues and recommending proactive strategies to support departmental success; Advance and support LSU and Athletics Department initiatives through personal participation in educational and developmental opportunities, as well as participation in the creation of a respectful culture consistent with the values of LSU and its Athletics Department; Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree with seven years of progressively responsible leadership, executive administration, strategic operations, athletics administration, or related experience; Demonstrated ability to lead complex projects, manage competing priorities, and exercise independent judgment; Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and effectively interact with executive leadership and external stakeholders.

LSU values skills, experience, and expertise. Candidates who have relevant experience in key job responsibilities are encouraged to apply— a degree is not required as long as the candidate meets the required years of experience specified in the job description.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree; Experience in Division I intercollegiate athletics; Experience supporting executive leadership at a senior organizational level; Experience in strategic planning, organizational leadership, project management, or executive operations; Knowledge of NCAA, SEC, LSU, and State of Louisiana policies and procedures.

Special or Physical Requirements:

Ability to work extended days, nights, weekends and holidays. Travel may be required.

Additional Job Description:

Special Instructions:

A copy of your transcript(s) may be attached to your application (if available). However, original transcripts are required prior to hire.

Please provide three professional references including name, title, phone number and e-mail address.

Skills Needed:

Preferred Skills:

Posting Date:

August 6, 2026

Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):

August 20, 2026

Additional Position Information:

Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

Essential Position (Y/N):

LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university’s ability to employ individuals in certain positions.

HCM Contact Information: