Head Football Equipment Manager

About the role

The Head Football Equipment Manager reports to the Assistant Athletic Director for Equipment Services and is responsible for all aspects of apparel and equipment needs for football and assigned support units. This position works and collaborates with seven other equipment staff members on objectives and goals specific to Equipment Services, and plays a vital role in the health, safety, and well-being of our student athletes.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to and execute the Department’s apparel and equipment contract (Currently Under Armour) and other apparel and equipment vendors.
• Independently responsible for ordering apparel and equipment from season-to-season and as needed.
• Maintain inventory records for the athletic department using digital inventory software.
• Pack athletic teams for travel to away contests, and coordinate transportation of apparel and equipment for off-site competitions.
• Cooky laundry service and other equipment related needs for away competitions, as needed.
• Issue, launder and disseminate game, practice, and workout apparel and uniforms.
• Fit, clean and repair equipment in accordance with NOCSAE and AEMA standards, maintaining records of maintenance and repair.
• Ensure proper logo on all apparel and uniforms in accordance with NUDAR, B1G Conference and the NCAA.
• Maintain a clean and organized equipment room and ensure proper storage of athletic equipment used in and around the facility.
• Collaborate with Associate Director of Football Equipment to ensure all needs of the Northwestern Football are met.
• Work with business office to ensure proper and timely payment of invoices.
• Aid in the NUDAR letter winner program which includes ordering, inventorying, and disseminating of awards.
• Aid Northwestern Recreation with yearly apparel orders and decoration as needed.
• Hire, supervise and educate interns and student managers on policies and procedures relative to issuing and maintaining apparel and equipment.
• Report and log intern and student manager hours according to Northwestern Temp policy.
• Foster, build and maintain relationships with vendors and sporting goods companies.
• Provide world-class experience and high-level of service to all student athletes.
• Work with coaches and director of operations of assigned sports to ensure all equipment needs are met.

Qualifications

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study at an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience working full-time in a college athletic equipment room.
• Athletic Equipment Managers Association (AEMA) certification preferred or certifiable within one year of hire.
• Knowledge and prior experience with industrial washing and drying machines as well as proper techniques to remove stains from garments, apparel and uniforms.
• Prior knowledge of Inventory Tracking program.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs.
• Ability to communicate effectively one-to-one, in small groups and in public speaking contexts; writes precise, well-organized emails, letters and proposals while using appropriate vocabulary and grammar.
• Ability to work independently; complete goals, tasks, and projects on time.
• Ability to think critically to find creative solutions to whatever challenge may be presented.
• Valid driver’s license.
• A thorough working knowledge of issuing, fitting, cleaning, and maintaining athletic equipment as put forward by the AEMA preferred.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others and effectively interact and establish engaging relationships with a wide variety of constituents.
• Knowledge of rules and regulations of the NCAA, CSC, Big Ten Conference and Northwestern University preferred.