The University of New Mexico Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is seeking a strategic and detail-oriented professional for the role of Assistant/Associate Athletic Director of Event Management/Operations. This position provides leadership and oversight for all aspects of athletic event operations, ensuring a premier experience for student-athletes, fans, and stakeholders.

The successful candidate will manage the planning, staffing, execution, and evaluation of all UNM Athletics events and special events, including game day operations. This includes oversight of credentialing, event staffing, visiting team coordination, safety and security planning, and VIP/guest logistics. The role requires close collaboration with campus partners, external vendors, and internal units to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality events across all venues.

Reporting to the Senior Associate Athletic Director – Strategic Operations, this individual will work collaboratively within the department and across the university to support the mission, values, and strategic goals of Lobo Athletics.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide overall leadership and supervision for all athletic and special event operations.
• Oversee game day planning, staffing, and execution, ensuring smooth operations and an elevated guest and participant experience.
• Develop, implement, and manage the UNM Athletics credentialing system for athletic and special events.
• Assist with event staffing policies, training programs, and best practices to ensure adequate support and high-quality operations across all athletic competitions and events.
• Assist with logistics and hospitality planning for home and visiting teams, fans, VIPs, and dignitaries for assigned sports.
• Coordinate and lead regular game operations meetings with assigned sports and key stakeholders to ensure clear communication and effective execution.
• Identify, develop, and recommend operational policies and procedures—including game operations manuals—for improved efficiency and consistency across events.
• Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise event operations staff and student workers.
• Develop and implement comprehensive security and emergency response plans in collaboration with UNM Police, campus safety, and external agencies.
• Ensure a safe, secure, and enjoyable environment at all events by adhering to venue safety and emergency protocols.
• Coordinate with internal partners including Facilities, Business Office, HR, Ticket Sales & Operations, Marketing, Fan Engagement, Media Relations, Concessions/Catering, Spirit Squads/Mascot, Creative Services, Sports Administration, Sports Medicine, and Playfly to support operational excellence.
• Manage the event operations budget and ensure compliance with institutional financial practices.
• Coordinate and submit bids for NCAA and Mountain West postseason hosting opportunities.
• Assist in oversight of Athletics Parking Operations.
• Support facility operations through deferred and routine maintenance planning in collaboration with appropriate personnel and within allocated budgets.
• Maintain positive and effective working relationships across the department and university.
• Ensure compliance with all NCAA, conference, university, and state regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

See the Position Description for additional information.

• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.
• If located at the UNM Children's Campus, successful candidate must pass a comprehensive post-offer, pre-employment criminal and New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) fingerprint background check, and a continued successful status will be verified by periodic future background checks.

High school diploma or GED; at least 2 years of experience managing at least one of the following functional areas: fiscal services, administration and/or human resources AND 3 years of additional experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree; Master’s degree preferred
• Significant professional experience in athletic event management, operations, or a related field
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills with the ability to manage teams in a high-pressure environment
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving abilities
• Experience working across a broad spectrum of internal and external stakeholders
• Budget management experience and operational planning expertise
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as dictated by the athletics event schedule
• Demonstrated knowledge of NCAA and conference regulations

Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.

Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.