General Manager of Football

JOB SUMMARY

The University of Connecticut is seeking applications and nominations for the position of General Manager for Football.

The General Manager (GM) for Football at the University of Connecticut (UConn) must be a visionary leader responsible for the football program's comprehensive management, innovation, and strategic direction. This role demands a proven track record in initiating and implementing innovative projects, functioning as an intrapreneur within the athletics department and the greater UConn system. The GM will establish and lead key departments, including analytics, personnel and talent evaluation, and corporate partnerships, ensuring the football program remains at the forefront of collegiate athletics.

Beyond football, the GM will serve as a strategic partner and advisor to the Athletic Director (AD) and, at the discretion and direction of the AD, the GM may be asked to support other university sports programs, leveraging expertise in organizational development, leadership, and resource optimization to enhance overall athletic performance and institutional impact.

The GM will report to the AD and work closely with the head coach and football program as an invaluable resource and partner.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Strategic Leadership & Innovation

• Develop and execute a long-term strategic vision for UConn Football in partnership with the head coach.
• Implement new, innovative initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and competitive success.
• Foster a culture of adaptability, analytics-driven decision-making, and performance optimization.

2. Departmental Development and Oversight

• Establish and lead a Personnel and Talent Evaluation Department, integrating advanced scouting methods, analytics, and player development strategies.
• Build and oversee a football analytics department, leveraging data to inform recruitment, game planning, and strategic decision-making.
• Develop and manage corporate partnerships, maximizing financial resources and branding opportunities for the football program.

3. Collaboration with AD and University Programs

• Serve as a strategic partner and advisor to the AD and leadership team on key initiatives across multiple sports programs.
• Provide insights and operational expertise to help elevate the performance of other university sports teams.
• Work cross-functionally with academics, compliance, and university leadership to align program objectives with institutional goals.

4. Compliance, Risk Management, and NIL Strategy and Execution

• Ensure full compliance with NCAA, conference, and institutional policies across all program operations.
• Implement and oversee risk management protocols to protect program integrity.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive NIL strategy, engaging with student-athletes, collectives, and corporate sponsors to maximize opportunities.

5. Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Act as the primary liaison between the football program and university administration, donors, alumni, and corporate partners.
• Strengthen relationships with key stakeholders to promote fundraising, sponsorships, and program advocacy.
• Represent UConn Football at industry conferences, recruiting summits, and leadership forums to enhance program visibility and reputation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor’s degree in sports management, business administration, or a related field.
2. Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
3. Proven experience in football operations, personnel management, and talent evaluation.
4. Deep knowledge of NCAA regulations and compliance standards.
5. Minimum of 5 years of experience working in Division I or NFL football operations, player personnel, or sports administration.
6. Experience managing a personnel department, analytics division, or corporate partnerships program.
7. Successful track record in launching and scaling new initiatives within a large athletic or corporate organization.
8. Experience working with NIL programs, sponsorship acquisition, and donor engagement.
9. Expertise in salary cap management, roster budgeting, and financial planning.
10. Strong background in fundraising and donor relations, with a demonstrated ability to generate new revenue streams.
11. Experience mentoring and developing student-athletes in leadership, career readiness, and personal growth.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Master’s degree in business, sports management, or a related field.
2. Previous experien