Head Football Equipment Manager

Target hiring range for this position is between $56,780 and $65,000 per year.

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 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 student athletes. Daily interaction with the football program occurs alongside an Associate Director of Equipment Services.

This position directly covers all football apparel and equipment, the football locker room, Northwestern Recreation, football letter awards, football-related new employees, football student managers, and NUDAR deliveries. It also assists with meeting the needs of the Northwestern Gridiron Network and Club 51, fundraising groups for the football program.

Duties and responsibilities are subject to change based on department needs. Willingness and ability to work a non-traditional schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays is required.

Responsibilities

Equipment Management

• Adhere to and execute the Department’s apparel and equipment contract (currently Under Armour) and other vendor agreements.
• Independently order apparel and equipment from season-to-season and as needed.
• Maintain inventory records using digital inventory software.
• Pack athletic teams for travel to away contests and coordinate transportation of apparel and equipment for off-site competitions.
• Coordinate laundry service and other equipment-related needs for away competitions.
• 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 placement on all apparel and uniforms in accordance with NUDAR, B1G Conference, and NCAA standards.

Coordination & Administration

• Maintain a clean and organized equipment room and ensure proper storage of athletic equipment.
• Collaborate with the Associate Director of Football Equipment to meet all needs of the Northwestern Football program.
• Work with the business office to ensure proper and timely payment of invoices.
• Assist with the NUDAR letter winner program, including ordering, inventorying, and disseminating awards.
• Assist Northwestern Recreation with yearly apparel orders and decoration as needed.
• Hire, supervise, and educate interns and student managers on policies and procedures for issuing and maintaining apparel and equipment.
• Report and log intern and student manager hours according to Northwestern Temp policy.

Communication & Outreach

• Foster, build, and maintain relationships with vendors and sporting goods companies.
• Provide a world-class experience and high-level service to all student athletes.
• Work with coaches and directors of operations of assigned sports to ensure all equipment needs are met.

Other

• Adhere to all Department and University policies and procedures, as well as rules, regulations, bylaws, and interpretations of the Big Ten Conference, CSC, and NCAA.
• Complete all required continuing education initiatives and certifications.
• Collaborate with other areas of NUDAR on projects related to Equipment Operations.
• Assist in the receipt and distribution of package deliveries from FedEx, UPS, etc.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 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 stain-removal techniques for garments, apparel, and uniforms.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs.
• Prior knowledge of inventory tracking programs.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.
• General/basic knowledge of sewing and repairing garments.
• General/basic knowledge of using a heat press.
• Ability to communicate effectively in one-to-one, small group, and public speaking contexts; writes precise, well-organized emails, letters, and proposals.
• Effectively performs duties with attention to detail; supports organizational policies; anticipates demands and adjusts accordingly.
• Ability to work independently, complete goals, tasks, and projects on time.
• Ability to think critically and find creative solutions to challenges.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Thorough working knowledge of issuing, fitting, cleaning, and maintaining athletic equipment as outlined by the AEMA preferred.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others 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.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Paid vacation and holidays.
• Paid medical/sick and parental leave.
• Tuition benefits for the employee and dependents.
• Pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care.
• Generous retirement savings options.
• Wellness programs.
• Work-life and wellness support, including flexible work arrangements, childcare, and senior/adult care resources.
• Professional growth and development opportunities, including career development tools and educational resources.