Executive Director of Softball Operations & Program Strategy

Type of Position: Sport-Specific. Work study position: No. Sponsorship available: No.

About the Role

The Executive Director of Softball Operations & Program Strategy reports to the Head Softball Coach and serves as the senior administrative leader responsible for the strategic leadership, organizational management, and executive oversight of all operational functions supporting the University of Arkansas Softball program. This position serves as the Head Coach’s primary administrative advisor and strategic partner, translating the program’s vision into operational priorities while ensuring the effective coordination of resources, personnel, budgets, and support services.

The Executive Director provides executive leadership for recruiting operations, team travel, financial administration, coordination with event management on championships and games, facilities coordination, equipment and apparel oversight, camps and clinics, and external engagement activities. The position serves as the primary liaison between the softball program and Athletics administration, campus partners, the SEC, the NCAA, alumni, donors, and external stakeholders to ensure operational excellence and an exceptional student-athlete experience.

Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.

Responsibilities

• Strategic leadership and organizational management of the University of Arkansas Softball program
• Serve as the Head Coach’s primary administrative advisor and strategic partner
• Oversee recruiting operations, team travel, and financial administration
• Coordinate with event management on championships and games
• Manage facilities coordination, equipment, and apparel oversight
• Oversee camps, clinics, and external engagement activities
• Act as the primary liaison between the softball program and Athletics administration, campus partners, the SEC, the NCAA, alumni, donors, and external stakeholders

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Sport Management, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, Communications, or a related field from an accredited institution
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible leadership experience within collegiate softball or intercollegiate athletics with responsibility for program administration, operations, personnel supervision, budgeting, and strategic planning

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Sport Management, Business Administration, Higher Education Administration, or a related field
• Experience working in NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletic softball
• Experience leading athletics operations, budget administration, personnel supervision, and championship or event management
• Experience coordinating recruiting operations and team travel

Skills

• Knowledge of NCAA, SEC, and University policies, procedures, and regulations
• Knowledge of collegiate athletics operations, financial administration, and program management
• Strong leadership, organizational, and project management skills
• Effective communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills
• Budget management, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to lead multiple operational functions while managing competing priorities
• Ability to build collaborative relationships across departments and external partners
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and make effective decisions in a fast-paced environment

Benefits

• University contributions to health, dental, life, and disability insurance
• Tuition waivers for employees and their families
• 12 official holidays
• Immediate leave accrual
• Choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary

About the Institution

Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas is a land grant institution, classified by the Carnegie Foundation among the nation’s top 2 percent of universities with the highest level of research activity. The University of Arkansas works to advance the state and build a better world through education, research, and outreach by providing transformational opportunities and skills, fostering a welcoming climate, and nurturing creativity, discovery, and the spread of new ideas and innovations.

The University of Arkansas campus is located in Fayetteville, a welcoming community ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. The growing region surrounding Fayetteville is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and one of the nation’s strongest economies. Northwest Arkansas is also quickly gaining a national reputation for its focus on the arts and overall quality of life.

As an employer, the University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance.