Senior Associate Athletic Director, Finance & Business Operations Full Time NEW

Senior Associate Athletic Director, Finance & Business Operations

Agency

Tarleton State University

Department

Division of Athletics

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Stephenville, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Tarleton State University, a distinguished Doctoral National Comprehensive University, invites applications for the position of Senior Associate Athletic Director for Finance and Business Operations in the Division of Athletics. As part of a vibrant academic community dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and service, this role offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a university that values innovation, collaboration, and inclusive growth. Join us in advancing knowledge and transforming lives—on campus and beyond. Tarleton State University continues to grow its impact across Texas, with four distinct campuses located in Stephenville, Fort Worth, RELLIS-Bryan and Waco, along with a robust online community that extends our reach even further.

At the heart of it all is Stephenville, where Tarleton State offers a dynamic environment for faculty and staff. From a lively live music scene and numerous local festivals to rich traditions rooted in the surrounding community, Stephenville provides a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.

No matter where you’re located—on campus or online—you are part of a mission that transforms lives and makes a difference across the state of Texas and beyond.

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Important Immigration Information

A Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, imposes a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Please be advised that Tarleton State University will NOT pay this fee. Therefore, if you need immigration sponsorship for your employment, we recommend that you consult with your private immigration counsel at your own expense to ascertain whether your current immigration status would make a potential offer of employment from Tarleton State University subject to this fee. 

In addition, on January 27, 2026, Texas Governor Abbot issued a moratorium on the filing of any new H-1B unless approved by the Texas Workforce Commission. Accordingly, if you will now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status this moratorium may affect our ability to employ you should you be selected as the final candidate. 

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The Senior Associate Athletic Director for Finance and Business Operations reports directly to the Vice President & Director of Athletics and serves as the department’s chief financial leader, providing fiscal strategy, oversight, and business operations leadership. The position supervises and develops athletics business operations staff. Leads the development and administration of the annual athletics operating budget in collaboration with department leadership and coaches, including salary projections, position budgeting, and coordination with the University Budget Office. Supports the annual budget setup process, ensures data accuracy, and resolves issues as needed. Provides budget training and guidance to coaches and staff. Serves as Campus Security Authority (CSA).

Position is located in Stephenville, Texas with work hours of Monday–Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with additional hours as required.

Duties And Responsibilities

Financial Leadership and Strategy

• Serves as a strategic advisor to the Vice President & Director of Athletics on resource allocation, revenue optimization, expense management, and financial risk.
• Establishes and enhances business processes, internal controls, and reporting frameworks to improve accuracy, accountability, and operational efficiency.
• Ensures alignment of financial practices with departmental goals and compliance requirements.

Budget Development, Oversight, and Management

• Oversees the development, implementation, and monitoring of departmental operating budgets, including forecasting and variance analysis.
• Manages budget allocations, reconciliations, expenditure tracking, and financial reporting, including NCAA and EADA requirements.
• Monitors financial activity across funding sources, including athletics budgets, restricted funds, and foundation accounts, identifying issues and recommending solutions.
• Advises coaches and staff on budget performance and compliance with University and TAMUS Board of Regents policies.

Financial Analysis, Reporting, and Decision Support

• Provides financial analysis and reporting to support strategic planning, program evaluation, and operational decision-making.
• Develops and maintains standard and ad hoc reports, dashboards, and data visualizations for internal stakeholders.
• Evaluates financial trends, identifies issues, and recommends data-driven solutions to improve performance and efficiency.

Business Operations, Procurement, HR, and Payroll Coordination

• Oversees financial aspects of business operations, including procurement, payroll coordination, personnel funding, and HR-related financial processes.
• Serves as the primary liaison with University offices and external partners (e.g., auditors, legal counsel, service providers, and foundation representatives).
• Provides training and communication on financial processes, policies, and budget-related topics.

Compliance and Policy Stewardship

• Ensures compliance with University, TAMUS, NCAA, and applicable federal, state, and donor-related requirements.
• Identifies gaps in processes or controls and implements improvements to strengthen consistency, compliance, and operational effectiveness.

Minimum Requirements

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or related field, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in athletics business operations, higher education finance, governmental fund accounting, or related accounting, finance, or budgeting functions, including experience working with a broad range of budget and fiscal management processes and implementing revenue enhancement, cost-savings, and process improvement strategies.

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

Financial & Technical Expertise

• Advanced knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, internal controls, fiscal reporting, and data-informed decision support.
• Demonstrated competence in the development, analysis, and execution of complex budgets and long-range financial management plans.
• Strong knowledge of NCAA-related policies and financial reporting requirements.
• Proficiency in spreadsheet, database query, word processing, and financial modeling software.

Analytical & Communication Skills

• Ability to interpret, analyze, and translate complex financial and budget data into clear, concise verbal and written communications for diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent written, oral, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.

Leadership & Decision-Making

• Strong leadership, supervisory, and team development skills.
• Demonstrated sound judgment, decision-making ability, and initiative.

Operational Effectiveness & Process Improvement

• Ability to identify and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency, compliance, and scalability of business practices.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain accuracy and attention to detail in work products.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.

Relationship Management & Professional Effectiveness

• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with a broad range of constituencies, including students, coaches, staff, faculty, administrators, and external partners.
• Demonstrated professionalism, integrity, and ability to handle sensitive or confidential information appropriately.
• Ability to manage challenging situations with composure and maintain a positive, solution-oriented approach.

Adaptability

• Ability to manage challenging situations with composure and maintain a positive, solution-oriented approach.

Preferred

Preferred Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in business administration, accounting, finance, sport administration, higher education administration, or a related field.
• CPA, CMA, or other relevant financial certification.
• Experience in NCAA Division I athletics business operations.
• Experience with Banner, Tarleton Budget, or similar enterprise financial systems.
• Experience preparing NCAA, EADA, or other athletics financial reports.
• Experience with governmental fund accounting, foundation accounting, and restricted-gift accounting.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: Commensurate with experience

We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package for full-time and qualifying part-time employees. Our Careers Page offers an overview of the great benefits we offer; for detailed information visit our Benefits Information page.

Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a completed application for consideration. Initial review of applications will begin immediately and continue until position is filled.

Application Procedure

During the application process applicants have one opportunity to enter the requested information, upload documents and Submit the application. Applicants will not be able to make changes or add additional documents once the application materials have been submitted via “Submit” action.

Employment Applications Must Include

• Completed online application
• Cover Letter / Letter of Interest addressing qualifications
• Curriculum Vitae or Resume
• At least 3 current professional references and their full contact information

Applications received by Tarleton State University must have all job application data entered.  Failure to provide all job application data could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application.  “See resume” is not an acceptable entry in the job application.  Incomplete applications will not be considered.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.