About the Department:

To unite communities by developing champions with a mission to inspire and transform lives through the power of sports.

About the Position:

The Director of Player Management and NIL leads a comprehensive Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and Entrepreneurship program, with a primary focus on supporting men's and women's basketball student-athletes. This role is responsible for identifying and managing NIL opportunities, cultivating strategic relationships with donors, sponsors, and key stakeholders, and overseeing contract execution and fulfillment. Additionally, the director collaborates with campus departments and external partners to provide educational programming and holistic support, empowering basketball student-athletes to maximize their NIL potential while maintaining compliance and ethical standards.

Responsibilities:

Develops and Leads George Mason Athletics NIL and Entrepreneurship Programs

• Designs and implements a comprehensive NIL and Entrepreneurship program aligned with the department’s strategic objectives;
• Partners with department revenue generating units (i.e., athletics advancement, multimedia rights partner, ticket sales, licensing, etc.) to create new revenue streams and manage NIL strategies to enhance student-athlete marketability and deliver value for external partners; and
• Establishes and maintains partnerships with campus and external stakeholders to provide educational programming and support services for student-athletes. 

Assists Head Coaches and Department Staff with the Allocation and Distribution of Student-Athlete Benefits 

• Collaborates with Head Coaches and leaders of the Patriot Nation Collective to manage, allocate, and distribute student-athlete benefits in alignment with departmental goals and in compliance with NCAA regulations;
• Develops and manages budgeted resources, analyze financial data, and provide regular report as requested;
• Demonstrates ability to lead and execute large-scale programs and initiatives in a collaborative environment;
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and travel as required;
• Liaise with internal departments (e.g., general counsel, finance, compliance, etc.) to ensure seamless benefits distribution processing and necessary reporting;
• Negotiates and finalizes NIL agreements, student-athlete contracts, and corporate sponsorships, ensuring execution and fulfillment of obligations; and
• Attends recruiting meetings to educate potential student-athletes, families, and other material stakeholders on NIL and entrepreneurship opportunities and support services. 

Building and Nurturing Strategic Relationships with Donors and Supporters 

• Collaborates with the Athletics development and multimedia rights partner to integrate fundraising efforts and effectively engage with donors and other key supporters;
• Develops new and distinct activation strategies aligned with department goals to deliver value to corporate partners and key supporters;
• Represents the department at athletics events, community events, public forums, and meetings to promote NIL and entrepreneurship opportunities for student-athletes; and
• Advocates for and communicate the program’s successes and opportunities to internal and external audiences. 

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in sports management, business administration, marketing, or a related field or the equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in athletics administration, corporate relations, player management, marketing, or a similar area;
• Strong understanding of marketing strategies, branding, and athlete development programs;
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to engage with diverse stakeholders, including donors, coaches, student-athletes, and corporate partners;
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and across departments within a university setting;
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment;
• Comprehensive knowledge of NCAA regulations and compliance related to NIL, athlete benefits, and sponsorship agreements;
• Detail-oriented with the ability to ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and organizational policies;
• Commitment to the professional development and personal growth of student-athletes;
• Knowledge of change management principles, effective recruiting and hiring practices, and leading change across an organization; and
• Ability to lead and execute large-scale programs and initiatives in a collaborative environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in related field;
• Experience working in intercollegiate athletics or professional sports is highly desirable;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and a familiarity with database software; and
• Proven track record in developing and managing partnerships with donors, corporate sponsors, or community stakeholders.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Director of Player Management and NIL at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a Resume for review.

Posting Open Date: May 22, 2025

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  May 29, 2025

Open Until Filled:  Yes