Athletic Equipment Manager

The Athletic Equipment Manager, Bierman is part of the unit that manages the athletic equipment rooms that service the various sponsored intercollegiate sports at the University of Minnesota, Twin-Cities. This includes the athletic equipment rooms at the Athletes Village, Bierman Field Athletic Building, Gibson-Nagurski Complex, Larson Football Performance Center, 3M Arena at Mariucci, Ridder Arena, Maturi Pavilion, and the Irene Claudia Kroll Boathouse.

Primary duties include organizing and carrying out the most efficient and effective use of resources to support the equipment and apparel needs of assigned sports while maintaining alignment with the overall mission and vision of the University of Minnesota. This role will work closely with sport administrators to establish equipment budgets for assigned sports and will serve as the primary point of contact with Nike and other approved vendors for all equipment and apparel ordering. The Athletic Equipment Manager, Bierman will be the primary contact for all inventory and taxation policies for the assigned sports. This position also acts as a hiring agent and the lead for part-time student equipment workers to complete all the daily duties in the athletic equipment rooms and surrounding areas of the assigned sports. Supervision of part-time staff includes directing and supervising day-to-day activities within the athletic equipment room and scheduling laundry shifts and hours. From June through August, this position assists with receiving and performing inventory of Nike brand apparel and equipment in preparation for the upcoming fiscal/contract year. This position typically works from 8am-4pm with nights, weekends, and travel required for scheduled events. This position also assists in advancing the department’s mission, vision, and strategic plan including its commitment to diversity and inclusion. The Athletic Equipment Manager, Football must also ensure compliance with NCAA, Big Ten, and University policies, procedures, and protective equipment standards.

Essential Functions 

1. 30% Operational Management

1. Assist with recruitment, hiring, training, and management of student worker staff to carry out goals and objectives for equipment operations.

2. Working with coaching staffs to determine short and long-term needs for assigned sports and the best use of each sport’s allotted budget to meet their apparel and equipment needs

3. Ensure that all sports and athletes adhere to Nike apparel and equipment contract as well as any supplemental contacts that are in place with other equipment and apparel partners

4. Procure, account for and maintain uniforms, equipment, and gear for all athletes, coaches, and staff.

5. Maintain an inventory system that maintains visibility and positive control over athletic apparel and equipment.

6. Maintain policies and procedures of the equipment room, locker rooms, and laundry facilities.

7. Collaborate with the Compliance Office to ensure equipment operations are in compliance with NCAA and Big Ten guidelines.]

8. Work with the business office to maintain and follow apparel taxation policies.

2. 30% Daily Operations

1. Work with assigned sports’ coaches to determine the equipment support required for practices and competitions, both home and away, and ensure it is met by assigning responsibility to full-time staff and student equipment workers.

2. Establish work priorities and student worker staff schedules.

3. Oversee and check on equipment operations

4. Make sure all equipment and gear are stocked, organized, and placed in secure areas and are being inventoried regularly.

5. Ensure that all equipment is certified, maintained, and cleaned in accordance with appropriate standards.

6. Assist in team practices and game day support as needed.

3. 15% Apparel/Equipment Lead

1. Serve as primary liaison with apparel, footwear, and equipment providers.

2. Ensure the most efficient use of resources by working with various vendors to provide the best value to the athletic department.

3. Create and design uniforms, practice apparel, and related artwork for athletic teams and support staff.

4. Ensure team apparel and equipment are within National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSEA) standards and are designed in accordance with University of Minnesota guidelines prior to ordering and distribution.

5. Work with head coaches and departmental leadership to establish long-term plans for uniform design and purchases.

4. 15% Additional Duties

1. Plan, coordinate, and complete special projects as assigned by the Director of Equipment Operations and supervisor.

2. Support recruiting efforts of teams with equipment layout, equipment room tours, and presentations.

5. 10% Strategy and Vision

1. Establish short and long-term equipment budgets for assigned sports

2. Ensure compliance with NCAA rules and regulations while maintaining the high ethical standards of the University of Minnesota