Coordinator of Athletic Equipment and Operations

Title: Coordinator of Athletic Equipment and Operations - Bates College

Location: Lewiston, ME

Job Type: Full time, full year

FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Position Purpose:

Bates is a highly selective liberal arts college with 31 varsity sports competing in the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC), among the most competitive conferences in NCAA Division III. As an important member of the College’s Department of Athletics, the Coordinator of Athletic Equipment and Operations (AE &O) directly supports a subset of Bates College’s 31 Varsity Athletic teams in Underhill Arena and Merrill Gymnasium including Football and Lacrosse. Operating as a vital support service and adviser to coaches and administrators on all equipment matters, this position has significant responsibility for managing the department’s equipment budget. Supporting the day-to-day operations of the athletic and recreation facilities and programs, the Coordinator of AE &O also frequently acts as a college representative and liaison to visiting teams and game officials. This role will supervise student employees assigned to the equipment room, ensure athletic equipment and venues are prepared for student athletes and coaches for practices and on game day, and serve in a game management capacity on-site during athletic contests. The Coordinator reports to the Associate Director of Athletics.

Job Duties:

• Manage the services and day-to-day operations of the athletics equipment room in Merrill Gymnasium and Underhill Arena, 
• Manage purchasing, inventory, tracking, distribution, and care of athletic equipment and supplies for assigned teams.
• Works with coaches to decide, based on the available team budget and needs of the program, what equipment and apparel should be ordered. Additionally, makes sole decisions on repairs and replacements as well as general issue equipment and athletic apparel. Responsible for overseeing approximately $100,000 in purchases annually.
• Collaborate with head coaches regarding the procurement of athletic equipment and uniforms by evaluating current inventory to determine needs, setting purchasing schedule, utilizing cost effective strategies, and providing guidance on material, style and manufacturer.
• Maintain inventory of all uniforms, equipment and apparel on a computer-based software program. 
• Assist with creating equipment policies and procedures that adhere to safety and branding standards; Perform regular preventive maintenance and safety examinations of equipment.
• Organize and maintain laundry operations, packing of equipment, and preparations necessary for student-athletes prior to and following practices and competitions.
• Ensure proper fitting and maintenance of all sports equipment including helmets and pads to provide a safe environment for student athletes as per AEMA guidelines. 
• Receive, disperse, or store all product deliveries in the appropriate area. 
• Recruit, hire, train, schedule and directly supervise equipment room student employees. 
• Provide back-up coverage for the Equipment Manager for Alumni Gymnasium when volume or staffing levels necessitate.
• Serve as athletic game day manager for assigned contests and complete pre- and post-event operations, venue and equipment set-up/breakdown, supervise crowd control, and serve as the college’s liaison to visiting teams/officials.
• Collaborate with the Event Management personnel and the Athletic Communications & Marketing team on the development of game management policies and procedures, equipment organization, staff training, and contest operations. 
• Oversee the maintenance of athletic equipment and playing surfaces to ensure that they are safe and in playable condition and properly marked for games and practices.
• Develop, maintain and execute a comprehensive departmental equipment and facility safety and risk management plan focused on preventive, routine, and deferred maintenance. Responsible for decisions regarding the retirement or upgrading of equipment.
• Work with Facility Services and Grounds to prepare and maintain competition and practice facilities.
• Assist with athletic facility project planning, design, and securing vendor estimates. 
• Maintain department utility vehicles including scheduling of maintenance and repairs.
• Comply with all NCAA rules and regulations and maintain up-to-date knowledge of NESCAC and NCAA brand standards for competition attire.
• Engage in professional development with an emphasis towards gaining new knowledge in the realm of current best practices and risk management.

Education Qualifications: Bachelor's degree required

Experience Qualifications:

• Experience working as a successful intercollegiate Equipment Manager for 1 -3 years or equivalent experience required.
• An Athletics Equipment Managers Association (AEMA) certification or the ability to obtain a certification within one year from the start date.
• Certified Pool Operator certification or the ability to obtain a certification within one year from the start date. 
• Certification in CPR/AED/Basic First Aid preferred or within three months of hire.
• Event management experience in collegiate athletics or professional sports.
• Fundamental understanding of basic Microsoft Excel functions.
• Commitment to supporting students from underrepresented groups, including students from historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, first-generation-to-college students, and low-income students.
• Ability and willingness to travel (by car, air, train or bus) domestically and internationally as needed for covering athletic competition.

Skills and Knowledge Qualifications:

• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to develop and maintain collegial relationships with clientele such as students, staff, faculty and co-workers.
• Ability to supervise, motivate, and mentor employees.
• Excellent communication (written, verbal & listening) skills. 
• Ability to travel with the football team to all away contests and provide on-site services. 
• Ability to work independently and handle multiple priorities with minimal supervision.
• Strong organizational skills for successful documentation, planning and execution.
• Ability and willingness to work weekends, evenings, and other non-traditional schedules.
• Personal commitment to excellence and the mission of a top-tier small liberal arts college.
• Commitment to equity and inclusion, and serving the needs of a culturally and educationally diverse community.

Benefits:

Bates College offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits (health, dental, sick leave, 24 days of vacation, 2 personal days, 13 paid holidays, dependent care subsidy, free parking, access to library and athletic facilities & more), and a supportive, collegial environment in a drug and smoke-free workplace.   

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Bates College is committed to the principle of equal opportunity and providing an educational and work environment free from discrimination. The college prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, age, disability, genetic information or veteran status and other legally protected statuses in the recruitment and admission of its students, in the administration of its education policies and programs, or in the recruitment of its faculty and staff.  Bates College adheres to all applicable state and federal equal opportunity laws and regulations.  All college faculty, staff, students, contractors, visitors, and volunteers are responsible for understanding and complying with the Non-Discrimination Policy.

Inquiries concerning the college’s policies, compliance with applicable laws, statutes, and regulations (such as Title VII, Title IX, and ADA/Section 504), and complaints may be directed to Gwen Lexow, Title IX Officer, 207-786-6445 or via email at glexow@bates.edu.

Link to apply: 

https://secure.dc4.pageuppeople.com/apply/980/gateway/Default.aspx?c=apply&sJobIDs=492657&SourceTypeID=796&sLanguage=en-us