Athletic Equipment Manager, Football– University of Minnesota, Twin-Cities

Position Summary

The Athletic Equipment Manager, Football is part of the unit that manages the athletic equipment rooms that service the various sponsored intercollegiate sports at the University of Minnesota, Twin-Cities. This includes the athletic equipment rooms at the Athletes Village, Bierman Field Athletic Building, Gibson-Nagurski Complex, Larson Football Performance Center, 3M Arena at Mariucci, Ridder Arena, Maturi Pavilion, and the Irene Claudia Kroll Boathouse.
Primary duties include organizing and carrying out the most efficient and effective use of resources to support the equipment and apparel needs of assigned sports while maintaining alignment with the overall mission and vision of the University of Minnesota. This role will work closely with sport administrators to establish equipment budgets for assigned sports and will serve as the primary point of contact with Nike and other approved vendors for all equipment and apparel ordering. The Intercollegiate Athletic Equipment Room Worker will be the primary contact for all inventory and taxation policies for the assigned sports. This position also acts as a hiring agent and the lead for part-time student equipment workers to complete all the daily duties in the athletic equipment rooms and surrounding areas of the assigned sports. Supervision of part-time staff includes directing and supervising day-to-day activities within the athletic equipment room and scheduling laundry shifts and hours. From June through August, this position assists with receiving and performing inventory of Nike brand apparel and equipment in preparation for the upcoming fiscal/contract year. This position typically works from 8am-4pm with nights, weekends, and travel required for scheduled events. This position also assists in advancing the department’s mission, vision, and strategic plan including its commitment to diversity and inclusion. The Athletic Equipment Manager, Football must also ensure compliance with NCAA, Big Ten, and University policies, procedures, and protective equipment standards.

Essential Functions

1. 30% Operational Management
a. Assist with recruitment, hiring, training, and management of student worker staff to carry out goals and objectives for equipment operations.
b. Working with coaching staffs to determine short and long-term needs for assigned sports and the best use of each sport’s allotted budget to meet their apparel and equipment needs
c. Ensure that all sports and athletes adhere to Nike apparel and equipment contract as well as any supplemental contacts that are in place with other equipment and apparel partners
d. Procure, account for and maintain uniforms, equipment, and gear for all athletes, coaches, and staff.
e. Maintain an inventory system that maintains visibility and positive control over athletic apparel and equipment.
f. Maintain policies and procedures of the equipment room, locker rooms, and laundry facilities.
g. Collaborate with the Compliance Office to ensure equipment operations are in compliance with NCAA and Big Ten guidelines.
h. Work with the business office to maintain and follow apparel taxation policies.

2. 30% Daily Operations
a. Work with assigned sports’ coaches to determine the equipment support required for practices and competitions, both home and away, and ensure it is met by assigning responsibility to full-time staff and student equipment workers.
b. Establish work priorities and student worker staff schedules.
c. Oversee and check on equipment operations
d. Make sure all equipment and gear are stocked, organized, and placed in secure areas and are being inventoried regularly.
e. Ensure that all equipment is certified, maintained, and cleaned in accordance with appropriate standards.
f. Assist in team practices and game day support as needed.

3. 15% Apparel/Equipment Lead
a. Serve as primary liaison with apparel, footwear, and equipment providers.
b. Ensure the most efficient use of resources by working with various vendors to provide the best value to the athletic department.
c. Create and design uniforms, practice apparel, and related artwork for athletic teams and support staff.
d. Ensure team apparel and equipment are within National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSEA) standards and are designed in accordance with University of Minnesota guidelines prior to ordering and distribution.
e. Work with head coaches and departmental leadership to establish long-term plans for uniform design and purchases.

4. 15% Additional Duties
a. Plan, coordinate, and complete special projects as assigned by the Director of Equipment Operations and supervisor.
b. Support recruiting efforts of teams with equipment layout, equipment room tours, and presentations.

5. 10% Strategy and Vision
a. Establish short and long-term equipment budgets for assigned sports
b. Ensure compliance with NCAA rules and regulations while maintaining the high ethical standards of the University of Minnesota

Supervision of Student Equipment Workers.
Hourly wage of $20.44. Effective 6/19/2023 per the Teamster wage scale, the hourly rate will increase to $21.26/hour. This position is eligible for overtime. 

Qualifications

Required:
One year of full-time professional experience in a Division I, higher education athletics department related to the position.
Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certifications will be considered.
Demonstrated experience in ordering, fitting, repairing, and maintaining athletic equipment.
AEMA Certification or ability to obtain within 12 months.

Physical Requirements:
Working indoors 80%, outdoors 20%
Exposure to fumes/vapors, dust, odors, toxic chemicals, extreme cold and extreme heat

Preferred:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a related field.
Two years or more of full-time professional experience in a Division I, higher education athletics department related to the position.
Knowledge and experience with Jumpforward Equipment or a similar inventory system.
Knowledge and experience with Nike or a similar brand of apparel.
Knowledge of sanitary and cleansing protocol of athletic equipment.
Experience operating a personal computer and proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook).
Experience planning and maintaining budgets.
Experience in designing athletic uniforms and/or creating artwork for athletic apparel.
Excellent organizational and communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively and with professionalism in a fast-paced athletic environment.

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 – our teams have won more than 200 conference titles to go with 26 national titles. There are more than 600 student-athletes and nearly 300 full-time employees in our athletics department. That community has built Minnesota into a nation’s top-ranked public school with respect to student-athlete academic performance in each of the past four years, a span of time during which the Gophers have won 13 conference team titles and a collection of individual conference and national crowns. 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!

United Are We

Gopher Athletic’s Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you’ll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning.  We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also 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 Scholarship
• 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

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

Applications must be submitted online.  To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.  You will have 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 [email protected] or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

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

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

Please note: All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to comply with the University’s Administrative Policy: COVID-19 Vaccination and Safety Protocol by either providing proof of being fully vaccinated on their first day of employment, or complete a request for an exemption for medical exemption or religious reasons. To learn more please visit:  https://safe-campus.umn.edu/return-campus/get-the-vax