Manager of Athletic Equipment & Transportation

Manager of Athletic Equipment & Transportation oversees all aspects of athletic equipment management, transportation logistics, and assists with game day operations. This position ensures teams have the necessary gear, safe and efficient travel arrangements, and operational support. Additionally, the role assists in managing the Shirk Center, coordinates key distribution and collection for staff, and oversees officials’ accommodation during home contests. The position also leads the Sports Director of Operations program, guiding students and interns on game day and logistics.

The role collaborates with coaches, administrators, and vendors to uphold high standards of organization, compliance, and service. Strong leadership, budgeting, and communication skills are essential. This is an on‑campus, full‑time, 12‑month position. Generous benefits include health, retirement, considerable time off, and access to multiple tuition programs for employees and dependents.

• Athletic Equipment Management – develop uniformity in inventory controls with coaches for soft and hard goods; ensure proper cleaning, repair, and storage of uniforms and gear; oversee check‑out procedures to maintain accountability with coaches; collaborate to assess equipment needs and coordinate purchases while keeping up with trends in player equipment, especially in regards to safety; maintain compliance with safety regulations and NCAA guidelines;
  
  train and supervise student workers on laundry and equipment room services.
• Transportation Logistics – coordinate travel arrangements for athletic teams, including bus, courtesy cars, shuttles, transit scheduling, and work with vendors to negotiate contracts for rental vehicles; develop contingency plans for travel disruptions such as weather‑related delays or replacement of a driver due to emergency situations; ensure compliance with institutional and government travel regulations; coordinate all scheduled maintenance, repairs, and cleaning of busses and courtesy cars;
  
  track mileage of vehicles and provide budget impact, analysis, and reporting for each team’s use.
• Shirk Center Facility Management – partner with the Sr. Associate Athletic Director for Internal & External Operations to oversee daily operations of the Shirk Center; coordinate scheduling priorities for usage of Shirk spaces; address facility issues properly and work with maintenance crews to address needs; implement policies for maintenance facility access, assign locker rooms for visiting teams, and ensure a safe environment;
  
  assist in set‑up/tear‑down of events.
• Collaboration – communicate regularly to align department goals and budgets; foster and maintain relationships with vendors; adhere to NCAA, conference, and institutional regulations; collaborate with faculty supervisors for sports‑management internships; co‑supervise the Assistant Football Coach that has football equipment responsibilities.
• Administrative Responsibilities – train and mentor students on game‑day logistics, equipment handling, and event coordination; develop opportunities for students to gain hands‑on experience in athletic operations; evaluate student performance and provide feedback; assist with the distribution and collection of keys for athletic department staff and maintain tracking systems for security and accountability; assist with managing game‑day staff; develop and manage budgets related to equipment, transportation, Shirk Center, and assigned game‑day operations responsibilities;
  
  monitor expenses and allocate funds effectively to meet equipment room needs.

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s preferred.
• Minimum of three years related experience; preference for certification from the Athletic Equipment Room Manager Association or willingness to obtain upon hire.
• Knowledge of a variety of sports equipment and travel needs, budgeting, scheduling, contract agreements, and understanding of athletic department operations.

Salary: $48,000–$52,000, based on experience.

Final candidate will pass a pre‑employment background investigation.

Illinois Wesleyan University is a committed equal‑opportunity employer and is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and fostering a community that values diverse perspectives and backgrounds.