About the University of Washington Athletics

Washington 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 growth mindset, committed service, humility and grit, the Huskies choose to lead by example. All Husky Athletics staff make an IMPACT by committing to creating a purpose driven culture that impacts students and our greater community. We engage in GROWTH through dynamic conversations, embracing creativity, and recognizing that every challenge represents an opportunity to learn. We are a COMMUNITY who strive to create experiences for our stakeholders every single day. At our core is the belief that INCLUSION means creating spaces and places that reflect equity, advocacy and belonging for all.

With over 650 student-athletes participating in UW's 22 sports programs, the department of Intercollegiate Athletics is committed to providing student-athletes with the ability to compete for national and conference championships while working toward a degree from one of the world's leading public research universities.

Position Overview

This position reports to the Director of Athletics.

The Deputy Athletic Director for External will be responsible for leading many external relations functions for the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics (ICA) with specific emphasis upon multi-media rights, communications and content strategy, public relations, marketing, advertising, video production, merchandise, event promotion. The primary responsibilities of the position include media strategy, development of public support and good will for ICA and its sports programs, as well as the generation of revenue through multi-media rights agreements and retail partners. Additionally, will serve sport administrator for sports as assigned by the Director of Athletics. The Deputy Athletic Director for External will be responsible for hiring, managing, evaluating, and supervising a senior staff of direct reports. 

Along with Director of Athletics and ICA Executive Staff, will provide strategic direction, leadership, and oversight to external functions and revenue generation for the department as described above, emphasizing collaborative and unified work among all units.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Recommend and establish policies and programs that advance the mission and build external support for ICA. 
  • Develop a comprehensive program of services and initiatives that advance the image, reputation, and public support for ICA and all sport programs including media relations, sports information services, and content strategy including creative and digital services as well as video production. 
  • Work closely with University Marketing and Communications leadership. 
  • Oversee game day experience for all ICA constituents including fans, donors, and ICA partners.  Develop and execute plans to support high level fan engagement in collaboration with other ICA units.  
  • Manage ICA relationships with external sponsors in partnership with campus and overall University sponsorships.
  • Serve as one of department’s liaisons with apparel and merchandise partner. Work closely with the University’s Trademarks and Licensing program to maximize ICA revenues.
  • Provide oversight of the relationship with ICA's multi-media rights partner, including working closely with the flagship radio partner.  
  • Develop plans and initiatives that help maximize ICA revenues, including oversight of all marketing, advertising, and promotions.
  • Serve as Conference Network/Enterprises liaison.
  • Foster and build positive working relationships with other campus units including the Office of University Marketing and Communications, and Office of Licensing and the UW Alumni Association.   Work closely with campus constituents, including the Board of Regents, the Office of the President, the UW Alumni Association and the Office of External Affairs.
  • Compliance with the rules and regulations of the University, the NCAA, the Conference, the State of Washington and any other governing body is of paramount importance to the University.  The overall responsibility of this position is for the successful operation of the program in full compliance with all such rules and regulations.  As a condition of employment, the Employee shall be required to participate in rules education programs offered by the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree and nine years of relevant experience required; Master’s degree and seven years of relevant experience preferred.
  • Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
  • Experience managing a significant budget and a complex unit of staff and volunteers.
  • Experience working with a diverse population of students, faculty, staff and constituents and a demonstrated commitment to fostering an environment of diversity, equity and inclusion in all facets of the organization.
  • Ability to represent the department professionally with the media, in public speaking, and in oral and written communications.
  • Demonstrated commitment to the values of excellence, integrity and student growth. 
  • Ability to work non-traditional hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays. 
  • Knowledge of and respect for Conference and NCAA rules.

Application Process

The University of Washington invites nominations and applications or expressions of interest to be submitted to the search firm assisting the University. Applications must include a cover letter, resume or curriculum vitae, and list of references. For full consideration, application materials should be submitted to Parker Executive Search’s website. Confidential review of materials will begin immediately and continue until the appointment is made.

For additional information, please contact:

Daniel Parker, Vice President and Managing Director

DeLaina Sarden, Principal

Xavier Harper, Executive Recruiting Coordinator

danielparker@parkersearch.com | dsarden@parkersearch.com | xharper@parkersearch.com

Parker Executive Search

770-804-1996 ext. 116 | 770-804-1996 ext. 119

“The University of Washington is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives, and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.

The University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.”

The base salary range for this position will be $200,000 to $275,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications, or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination. 

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