Associate Athletics Director, Facilities Operations and Capital Planning

Position overview

Columbia University Athletics is seeking an Associate Athletics Director for Facilities Operations and Capital Planning to oversee the planning, upkeep, and day-to-day operation of athletics and physical education facilities. The role supports a large NCAA Division I program with 32 varsity sports and works across multiple campus and off-campus venues in New York City.

The position partners closely with senior athletics leaders, campus facilities teams, and external project professionals to deliver the department’s facilities master plan, manage capital projects, coordinate schedules, and support events and competitions. It also carries responsibility for vehicle coordination, compliance, and operational leadership during peak activity periods.

Key responsibilities

• Work with stakeholders across all athletics locations, including Dodge Fitness Center, Baker Athletics Complex, Nash Building, Overpeck Rowing Center, and Milstein Family Tennis Center, to ensure facilities needs are addressed.
• Build, update, and oversee the facilities master plan for Intercollegiate Athletics and Physical Education, covering locations, projects, and operational processes.
• Serve as the main point of contact with Capital Project Management, contractors, architects, and engineers for planning, design, and delivery of renovation and new-build work.
• Coordinate with University Facilities Operations to support maintenance and ongoing care of athletics facilities.
• Lead scheduling discussions for varsity, club, and intramural athletics, PE classes, rentals, and internal/external events with relevant athletics and recreation staff.
• Create, manage, and monitor facilities budgets, including maintenance spending and capital improvement requirements.
• Support and expand revenue opportunities connected to rentals and hosted events.
• Handle vehicle coordination duties, including liaison with fleet management, vehicle scheduling and maintenance, and driver training and approval.
• Maintain compliance with NCAA, Ivy League, Columbia University, and departmental rules, including ADA standards and safety procedures.
• Provide on-site operational leadership for athletics contests and major university events, especially during high-volume periods.
• Model strong professional ethics and contribute to positive working relationships within the department.
• Take on additional duties as assigned by the Director, Intercollegiate Athletics and Physical Education.

Qualifications

Applicants should bring 5 to 7 years of relevant experience, along with a bachelor’s degree. An advanced degree is preferred. The university is looking for someone with a proven ability to plan, budget, analyze, and oversee capital resources. A valid U.S. driver’s license is required.

Preferred background

Advanced study is desirable, and prior experience in capital planning and capital project execution is strongly valued. Experience in NCAA Division I athletics administration is also preferred.

Compensation and posting details

The expected annual salary range for this role is $100,000 to $125,000. Final compensation will be determined using factors such as departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The posted range reflects the university’s good-faith estimate at the time of listing.

Additional information

This is a full-time position based in New York, New York, within the collegiate sports sector. The preferred education level is a master’s degree.