Athletic Equipment Manager

Purchasing of practically all equipment and clothing needed by each intercollegiate sport of the department. The estimated needs must be ascertained based on the inventory, the requests received through direct strong communication with the coaches, and the budget. Develop strong vendor relations and negotiating skills. This position assists in the annual procurement of athletics apparel, equipment and footwear and participates in activities related to the purchase, storage, issuance and return, and repair of athletic equipment, clothing and uniforms for intercollegiate sports teams and athletics department staff.

Essential Functions & Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

The following are the functions essential to performing this job.

• Maintain proper records on equipment requirements for staff and student athletes as well as inventory. Accountable for all equipment and clothing purchased. Implement a proper program for storage and security of equipment.
• Issuance and proper fitting of all equipment and athletic clothing.
• Proper maintenance and repair of equipment and establish a program for reconditioning of equipment/clothing in order to extend the functional life of the items. Maintain knowledge of new innovations and technology as it pertains to athletic equipment.
• Develop a complete laundry operation. Collecting, laundering and dispersal of all athletes’ laundry as issued by the equipment room.
• Oversee the travel operations of necessary equipment especially for Football and all other sports. Determine and issue needs for the other sports when they travel from campus.
• Establish good communication among the equipment room staff, the athletic department heads, the coaches, and the student athletes served by the equipment room.
• Assist with any recruiting related functions as it pertains to equipment.
• Effectively supervise all equipment room staff members, ranging from paid personnel to unpaid student volunteers. Train and educate staff to understand the scope of the equipment room’s activities and the full range of services it provides. Develop a plan to recruit student-workers.
• Perform related duties as assigned.
• Responsible for the budget process, procurement, before and aftermarket branding for apparel, game equipment and facility equipment and laundry services for all sports.
• Works to ensure annual ordering windows are met, on campus visits and information sessions are held, orders are received within contracted.
• Management of a comprehensive electronic inventory program encompassing the distribution, collection, inspection, maintenance, and disposal of equipment, shoes, and apparel in accordance with NCAA guidelines and industry practice.
• Assists in the receiving of all department packages and coordinates drop off times with several parcel services. Local delivery and pick up of product for the purpose of embellishment and repairs of team and department products. Coordination of Mail Services including, campus mail, UPS, FedEx, etc.
• Responsible for maintaining a schedule of all equipment needs within the assigned sports that track replacement costs, useful life cycle and recommended year of replacement.
• Work with coaches and administrative staff to Develop and implement the equipment replacement policy for select sports.
• Assist coaching staff with the design and selection of uniforms and branded apparel. Work with supervisor to ensure that designs adhere to approved branding policies.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Other Functions

Individuals in this job may be assigned one or more of the following tasks on a rotating or as-needed basis.

• Assist with any recruiting related functions as it pertains to equipment.
• Effectively supervise all equipment room staff members, ranging from paid personnel to unpaid student volunteers. Train and educate staff to understand the scope of the equipment room’s activities and the full range of services it provides. Develop a plan to recruit student-workers.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The individual in this job must possess these skills and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that they can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

Once appointed to this position, the equipment manager must become an active member of the Athletic Equipment Managers Association. Continuing Education Units must be acquired during employment as well.This position is not a traditional work day/week/month schedule. Flexibility is a must.

Qualification Standards

Bachelor's Degree plus 4-5 years of work experience or equivalent combination of education and experience; experience working with college athletics or professional sports department preferred; knowledge of NCAA regulations a plus; excellent customer service skills; strong organizational skills; knowledge of Nike game day Purchasing software; ability to work evenings, weekends and holidays as required; ability to lift 25 lbs or more.

Performance Standards & EEO Statement

The criteria for evaluation in this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Meeting the objectives of the Athletic Department

EEO Statement

Delaware State University is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic global community. The University is dedicated to enhancing diversity and inclusion in all aspects of recruitment and employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. The University is committed to achieving a diverse faculty and staff and encourages members of underrepresented groups to apply.

Equal opportunity employer/program'' and “auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities''.