GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

The Athletics Equipment & Operations Manager serves as the department’s equipment manager and primary home game manager. This role is responsible for the procurement, maintenance, distribution, and inventory control of all athletic equipment and apparel.

The position ensures that student-athletes and coaching staff are safely and professionally equipped for practices and competitions. In addition, the Athletics Equipment & Operations Manager oversees the execution of all home contests, ensuring a safe, professional, and sportsmanlike environment for student-athletes, officials, and spectators.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Directly supervises assigned student employees and game-day staff.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Equipment Management

1. Create and manage a comprehensive program for the purchase, maintenance, distribution, cleaning, collection, storage, and reconditioning of all athletic department supplies, uniforms, and equipment.
2. Maintain a precise digital database of all equipment and uniforms, conducting annual audits to track wear, tear, and loss.
3. Collaborate with the Athletic Director to manage the equipment budget and assist with negotiating vendor agreements to secure optimal pricing and delivery timelines.
4. Oversee daily laundry operations for practice and game gear, ensuring all items are cleaned according to specific fabric and care requirements.
5. Supervise student employees and team staff regarding laundry logistics and equipment needs.
6. Evaluate intercollegiate equipment and clothing trends to provide coaches with informed purchase recommendations.
7. Submit specifications for bid forms and completed requisitions to the Director of Athletics for approval; process approved requests electronically via the Banner system and verify purchase order numbers.
8. Track active purchase orders to completion and communicate directly with Financial Services staff or vendors to resolve purchasing issues.
9. Perform or coordinate repairs on specialized equipment to ensure all safety standards and certifications are met.
10. Inspect, assemble, and install Department of Athletics equipment as needed to maintain facility readiness.

Home Game Management

1. Attend and manage home intercollegiate contests, serving as the lead onsite coordinator and supervising all game-day athletic staff. Coordinate home game coverage for other athletic department staff.
2. Communicate in advance of home games with visiting coaches and staff regarding game details, locker room assignments, and other relevant arrival information.
3. Collaborate with the Sports Information Director to recruit, train, and supervise student workers, including ball persons, clock operators, stat crews, and gate staff.
4. Act as the primary point of contact for emergency situations and crowd control, ensuring spectators adhere to NCAA, MASCAC, and Fitchburg State sportsmanship expectations.
5. Greet visiting coaches, staff and officials upon arrival, manage locker room access, and address facility needs to ensure a professional and hospitable experience for guests.
6. Assume responsibility for the preparation of all competition and practice sites, including the scheduling of field lights, ticket operations, concessions, and coordination with custodial and Campus Police services.
7. Evaluate athletic and recreation facilities on a regular basis and communicate with the Capital Planning and Maintenance office regarding necessary repairs or improvements.
8. Assist in the general administration of the Department of Athletics.
9. Perform other duties as assigned by leadership within the scope of the position.
10. Weekend and evening hours required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. One (1) to three (3) years of relevant experience.
2. Experience in and working knowledge of intercollegiate equipment administration
3. Strong computer skills
4. Knowledge of athletic equipment
5. Excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to efficiently carry tasks out to completion
6. Ability to foster positive relationships with students, faculty, staff, vendors, and the public
7. Valid driver’s license
8. Must be able to satisfactorily pass a check conducted by the Criminal History Systems Board (CORI) as well as a completed background check satisfactory to the university.
9. Ability to perform above duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Master's Degree
2. Specific knowledge in the care and maintenance of athletic supplies and equipment

This position qualifies as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) and is designated as such, effective September 2024.  A CSA is a person designated to report crimes that occur on campus to the University Police Department. CSAs are designated under the Clery Act and must complete annual training on reporting crimes, victim relations and support, and related University policies. 

About Fitchburg State University

Fitchburg State University, located in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, is a public institution dedicated to integrating high-quality professional programs with strong liberal arts and sciences studies. Founded in 1894, the university now has more than 30 undergraduate programs and 22 master's degree programs, and 7,000 full and part-time students.

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