Assistant Athletic Director for Hockey Administration

About the University of Denver

Located where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains, the University of Denver embodies the spirit of exploration and discovery that defines our region and our history. DU is a private institution built on exploration through research and collaboration among educators, students, and local and global communities. With nationally recognized academic programs, a history of widespread influence, a forward-looking vision for a 21st-century education, and a deep commitment to promoting belonging, we open a world of opportunity to students and empower them to make a difference around the world. Through learning, scholarship and practice, students gain the experience, knowledge, and courage they need to tackle big challenges in the real world and guide communities and organizations.

About the Division of Athletics

At the Division of Athletics, we build Pioneers for Life through excellence, character, and connection. We operate with a championship mindset; and we create and foster a winning culture every day.  Inspired by our location in the Rocky Mountain West, we always find a better way forward; we work with optimism, passion, grit, and integrity. We forge lasting relationships one interaction at time; and our value to the University of Denver is the degree to which we offer connection points to a broad and diverse community. That's why we're always looking ahead, and not just to the next championship or what's next in sports and wellness.  We're also looking at what's next for you and how we can help you build a career you're proud of.

The University of Denver has a proud athletic tradition that compliments the school’s academic endeavors.  In its history, DU has won 36 national championships and enables student-athletes to compete on 18 NCAA Division I teams.  The Pioneers pursue championships, excel academically, and represent both the University and their respective conferences to the best of their abilities.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Head Hockey Coach, the Assistant Athletic Director for Hockey Administration serves as a senior strategic, relationship building and administrative partner to the Head Hockey Coach. The position maximizes the Head Hockey Coach's time and coordinates program priorities so that the coaching staff can focus on coaching, recruiting, player development, and leadership, while helping Denver Hockey operate at the championship standard. Core areas of focus include managing the program's operating rhythm, leading strategic projects and signature events, connecting the program and Head Hockey Coach with leaders in the Denver business community, and serving as a collaborator and athletics administration, development, marketing, communications, compliance, and campus partners.

Essential Functions 

• Serve as a senior strategic and administrative partner to the Head Hockey Coach, managing priorities, calendar, meeting preparation, travel support, and action item follow through
• Establish and run the program's weekly operating rhythm, including staff agendas, project tracking, deadlines, and follow up discipline, ensuring key initiatives move from idea to execution
• Lead and coordinate strategic projects and signature events, such as alumni and donor engagement, galas and golf outings, facilities initiatives, player experience projects, summer camp planning, and special game day themes, from concept through completion
• Enhance and maintain a Denver business and community engagement strategy, creating opportunities to connect the Head Hockey Coach and program with executives, founders, civic leaders, and local influencers who can strengthen the program's brand, partnerships, and base of support
• Serve as the primary collaborator/liaison with athletics administration, development, marketing and external relations, game presentation, communications, and compliance, as well as campus partners
• Partner with Development, Marketing, Game Presentation, and Communications to enhance program stakeholder and donor strategy and stewardship, translate program priorities into executable campaigns and build relationship management systems for alumni, donors, parents, NHL contacts, and other key supporters

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to coordinate competing priorities and drive initiatives from idea to execution
• Strong relationship building and interpersonal skills, including the ability to establish trust and credibility with coaches, administrators, donors, business leaders, and community partners
• High level of discretion, professionalism, and sound judgment when handling sensitive information and high trust relationships
• Excellent written and verbal