Assistant Athletic Director for Hockey Administration

About University of Denver

Situated at the crossroads of the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains, the University of Denver (DU) exemplifies a spirit of discovery and exploration deeply rooted in its regional history. As a private institution, DU is dedicated to collaboration among educators, students, and a diverse range of communities locally and globally. The university boasts nationally recognized academic programs, a tradition of impactful influence, and a progressive vision for 21st-century education that emphasizes inclusivity and community. Students at DU gain valuable experience, knowledge, and confidence to address significant real world challenges and lead various organizations and communities.

About the Division of Athletics

DU's Division of Athletics fosters lifelong success through excellence, character development, and community connection. Operating with a champion's mindset, the division continuously nurtures a culture of winning and improvement inspired by its Rocky Mountain heritage. The athletics department values forging meaningful relationships within a broad and diverse community and is committed to supporting career development for staff. DU's athletic teams, the Pioneers, have achieved 36 national championships and compete in 18 NCAA Division I sports, exemplifying high performance both athletically and academically.

Position Summary

The Assistant Athletic Director for Hockey Administration reports directly to the Head Hockey Coach and acts as a key senior strategic and administrative ally. This role focuses on optimizing the coach’s time by managing operational priorities, enabling the coaching staff to concentrate on training, recruitment, player growth, and leadership. Key functions include overseeing the team's operational schedule, spearheading major projects and events, cultivating connections with leaders in Denver's business community, and working collaboratively across athletic administration, marketing, communications, compliance, and university partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Function as a senior strategic and administrative counterpart to the Head Hockey Coach by managing scheduling, preparing meetings, coordinating travel, and tracking follow-up tasks.
• Implement and maintain the team’s weekly operational framework, including staff meetings, project monitoring, deadline management, and ensuring execution of initiatives.
• Lead and coordinate major projects and signature events such as alumni and donor relations, galas, golf events, facilities upgrades, player experience initiatives, summer camps, and themed game days, overseeing them from initial planning through to completion.
• Develop and sustain a community engagement approach that links the hockey program and head coach with business executives, founders, civic leaders, and local influencers to strengthen branding, partnerships, and funding support.
• Serve as the primary liaison and collaborator with athletics administration, development, marketing, game presentation, communications, compliance teams, and campus departments.
• Work closely with Development, Marketing, Game Presentation, and Communications to improve stakeholder and donor management strategies, translate strategic priorities into actionable campaigns, and establish effective relationship management systems for alumni, donors, parents, NHL contacts, and other key program supporters.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Outstanding organizational and project management capabilities, adept at handling multiple priorities and ensuring projects progress from conception to completion.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, able to cultivate trust and credibility among coaches, administrators, donors, business leaders, and community stakeholders.
• High discretion and professionalism when managing sensitive information and high-trust interactions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with experience preparing status updates, briefing materials, talking points, and outreach content.
• Proactive, self-motivated work ethic with the foresight to anticipate needs, identify potential challenges, and resolve issues before escalation.
• Collaborative mindset, serving effectively as a communication bridge between the hockey program and university partners.
• Familiarity with collegiate athletics, professional sports, or similarly high-profile, high-performance organizations.
• Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-evolving athletic environment, including schedule and responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Three to five years of relevant experience in areas such as college athletics administration, professional sports operations, executive assistance, chief of staff roles, development, business or community relations, or work in similarly high-profile organizations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred.
• More than five years of relevant professional experience in the aforementioned fields.
• Experience working within or alongside college athletics programs, professional sports organizations, or major donor and business communities.
• Proven ability to build relationships within Denver’s business, civic, and philanthropic sectors.

Working Environment & Physical Requirements

• Typical office setting with quiet to moderate noise levels.
• Ability to work seated for extended periods in front of a computer.
• Occasional need to move around the office or campus and help transport items weighing up to 20 pounds with assistance.

Work Schedule & Application

• Standard schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
• Applicants must submit materials by 5:00 PM (MST) on July 24th, 2026.
• Submission requires resume and cover letter.

Salary & Benefits

The role's salary band ranges from $75,000 to $100,000 annually, with final compensation depending on candidate qualifications, budget, internal equity, and market data. The university offers comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, retirement plans, paid time off, tuition assistance, and an ECO pass.

Diversity and Equal Opportunity

The University of Denver is an Equal Opportunity Employer that prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other protected categories as mandated by applicable laws and regulations. The university is committed to providing a fair and inclusive workplace.

Additional Information

Employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of criminal history and National Sex Offender Registry background checks.