Manager of Athletic Equipment and Transportation

The 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. It also oversees the Shirk Center, coordinates key distribution and collection for staff, and manages officials’ and umpires’ accommodation during home contests. The role leads a Sports Director of Operations program, guiding students and interns in game day and overall team logistics.

The position requires strong leadership, budgeting, and communication skills and will be based on campus full time (12 months per year). Generous benefits include health, retirement, large time off and tuition programs for employees and dependents.

• Athletic Equipment Management – develop uniform inventory controls with coaches for soft and hard goods; ensure proper cleaning, repair and storage of uniforms and gear; oversee checkout procedures and maintain accountability with coaches; collaborate to assess equipment needs and coordinate purchases; 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 (bus, courtesy cars, shuttles, transit scheduling); negotiate contracts with vendors for rental vehicles; develop contingency plans for travel disruptions; ensure compliance with institutional and government travel regulations; schedule maintenance, repairs and cleaning of buses and courtesy cars; track vehicle mileage 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 and external operations to oversee daily operations of the Shirk Center; coordinate scheduling priorities for usage of Shirk spaces; address facility issues and work with maintenance crews; implement policies for maintenance facility access, assign locker rooms for visiting teams and manage risk to ensure a safe environment;
  
  assist with setup/tear‑down of events.
• Collaboration – communicate regularly with coaches, administration and external partners 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 with football equipment responsibilities.
• Administrative – train and mentor students on game day logistics, equipment handling and event coordination; develop opportunities for 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;
  
  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.

Base salary $48,000–$52,000, based on experience. Generous benefits include health and retirement plans, significant paid time off and access to multiple tuition programs for employees and dependents.

Illinois Wesleyan University is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to promoting excellence through a variety of viewpoints. Illinois Wesleyan University is an EEO Employer.