Director of Operations for Olympic Sports

The University of Southern California (USC) is one of the world’s leading private research universities. An anchor institution in Los Angeles and a global center for arts, technology, and international business, USC is also one of the largest private employers in the City of Los Angeles. We are searching for exceptional individuals to help us fulfill our mission: developing individuals and society through the cultivation and enrichment of the human mind and spirit. As an employee of USC, you will be part of a world-class research university and a member of the “Trojan Family,” which is comprised of the faculty, students, and staff that make the university what it is.

USC Athletics aims to inspire champions in competition and in the classroom. We exist to enrich the lives of students to positively impact our community and world for generations to come. Operating with the four core values of Competitive Spirit, Togetherness, Passionate Pride for USC, and Our Courage to Blaze the Trail, the Trojans choose to lead by example. With over 600 student-athletes competing throughout USC’s 23 sports programs, USC Athletics is committed to serving as the unmatched, unquestioned top destination for talented student-athletes to reach their fullest potential in all that they do and offering student-athletes the ability to compete for NCAA and Big Ten championships while working toward a degree from one of the world’s leading universities.

USC Athletics is looking to hire a Director of Operations for Olympic Sports to join our staff and student community of 600 individuals. This role is responsible for assisting with the management of program logistics for a subset of Olympic sports, which could include men’s and women’s tennis, men’s and women’s golf, and rowing.

This is a full-time contract position. The selected candidate will be offered a one-year employment contract with the opportunity for annual renewal based on job performance, departmental needs, and University approval.

Reporting directly to the Deputy Athletic Director, Chief Operating Officer, the Director of Operations for Olympic Sports will work in collaboration with coaches, student-athletes, and all support staff, including, but not limited to equipment, nutrition, athletic medicine, strength & conditioning, sport psychology, academic services, marketing, social media, and sports information. The ideal candidate will have excellent time management skills, be detail oriented, and be a great multitasker. They will also possess strong customer service skills and be an efficient and effective communicator. Knowledge of and experience working in higher education preferred. Understanding of the unique culture and needs of college athletes preferred.

This position serves a large student and staff population, must demonstrate a commitment to improving outcomes for a variety of populations, and is expected to contribute to the program’s demonstrated commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all. USC Athletics is committed to non-discrimination and equal opportunity.

This is an exempt position with work expected in the evenings and on weekends.

Roles and responsibilities to include:

• Coordinate all aspects of team travel and assist with recruiting travel, including air and ground transportation, hotel accommodations, itineraries, meals, and other logistical arrangements.

• Manage program budgets by processing purchases, monitoring expenditures, reconciling accounts, and coordinating reimbursements in accordance with university policies and procedures.

• Develop, maintain, and communicate daily, seasonal, and annual team schedules while managing competing priorities across multiple Olympic sports programs.

• Coordinate recruiting visits and assist with game day and event operations to support a first-class student-athlete and prospective student-athlete experience.

• Serve as the primary operational liaison between coaches, Athletics administration, campus partners, and support units to ensure seamless communication and execution of team operations.

• Build collaborative working relationships with coaches by anticipating operational needs, providing responsive customer service, and helping reduce administrative workload so coaches can focus on student-athlete development and competition.

• Support student athletes by coordinating onboarding, housing, meal plans, financial aid processes, and other operational and administrative needs.

• Ensure compliance with NCAA, conference, university, and departmental policies and procedures related to team operations.

• Promote an environment that fosters inclusive relationships and creates unbiased opportunities for contributions through ideas, words, and actions that uphold principles of the USC Code of Ethics.

• Perform other related duties as assigned or requested. The University reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

Qualifications

• The ideal candidate will possess a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of three years of experience (five years preferred). Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education.

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.

• Must be analytical, organized, and an outstanding communicator.

• Specific sports operational management experience or administrative experience required, preferably in a university environment.

• Knowledge about the various aspects of a specific sports game required.

• Knowledge of NCAA regulations required. Extensive knowledge of NCAA compliance regulations preferred.

• Experience working in higher education and/or a sports related field ideal.

In addition, the successful candidate must also demonstrate, through ideas, words and actions, a strong commitment to USC’s Unifying Values.

Salary Range

The annual base salary range for this position is $70,304 - $74,000. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer alignment, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

To Apply

All candidates must submit a resume with their application. Additional materials may be requested at a later date. All USC employees will undergo reference checking and background screening prior to hire.

USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy.

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at uschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring ordinance. 

Salary : $70,304 - $74,000