Senior Deputy Athletics Director

Position Title:

Senior Deputy Athletics Director

Appointment Type:

Contract

Job Description:

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

The Senior Deputy Athletics Director serves as a member of the executive staff and acts on behalf of the Director of Athletics as delegated. The position partners closely with the Director of Athletics to lead Iowa State Athletics, serves as the department's primary point of leadership in the absence of the Director of Athletics, and works closely with university leadership and campus constituents to advance the strategic mission and vision of the Director of Athletics and of Iowa State Athletics.

In collaboration with the executive staff, the Senior Deputy Athletics Director helps advance the department's strategic priorities and supports consistent, coordinated decision-making across all units. The position also provides direct leadership for strategic planning, the front office, revenue sharing and NIL, CyTown commercial development, coaching contracts, and sports administration.

Areas of Direct Responsibility:

• Strategic Planning: Leads strategic planning, organizational design, and operating model development.

• Commercial Strategy: Guides commercial direction and CyTown revenue development, in partnership with the Director of Athletics and executive staff.

• Revenue Sharing and NIL: Oversees the design, governance, and compliance of revenue-sharing and NIL programs.

• Front Office: Provides leadership for the front office staff and partners with head coaches, sport GMs, and other player personnel staff on roster and personnel strategy.

• Coaching Contracts: Alongside the Director of Athletics and in partnership with General Counsel, negotiates and administers coaching contracts and agreements.

• Sports Administration: May serve as sports administrator for one or multiple sports.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree.
• Progressive leadership experience in intercollegiate athletics or sports business, including service at the deputy or executive level.
• Demonstrated experience in revenue sharing or NIL, coaching contract negotiation, and institutional finance.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Deputy or executive-level experience in a Power 4 athletics department.

• Experience serving with delegated authority on behalf of a Director of Athletics.

• Established working relationships with university leadership, governing boards, conference leadership, coaches, and donors.

About ISU Athletics:

As a proud member of the Big 12 Conference, Iowa State University Athletics sponsors 18 NCAA Division I varsity sports and is committed to providing a transformational student-athlete experience centered on competitive excellence, academic achievement, leadership development, health and well-being, and personal growth. Iowa State student-athletes have produced 10-consecutive years of record-setting Graduation Success Rate scores in the classroom, while athletically, the Cyclones have captured numerous national team championships, national individual titles, and conference team championships in its rich history. ISU Athletics employs over 250 talented and dedicated full-time staff members, more than 500 hourly and student employees, and multiple auxiliary partners who collaboratively work within a culture to support and enhance the experiences of Cyclone student-athletes and our amazing fan base, while advancing the mission and strategic priorities of Iowa State University.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

• Resume

Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:

• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Proposed Start Date:

November 2, 2026

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

Contract

Original Posting Date:

October 21, 2026

Posting Close Date:

October 23, 2026

Job Requisition Number:

R20138

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.