Assistant Athletic Director for Business Operations

Assistant Athletic Director for Business Operations

Department:

Athletics

Office:

Grand Rapids

Location:

Grand Rapids, MI

Job ID:

1105

Assistant Athletic Director for Business Operations

Department:

Athletics

Office:

Grand Rapids

Location:

Grand Rapids, MI

Job ID:

1105

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CLASSIFICATION : Full-Time, Exempt, 12-month

REPORTS TO : Director of Athletics

DEPT : Athletics

LOCATION : Hansen Athletic Center

SUMMARY:

Cornerstone University is searching for an Assistant Athletic Director for Business Operations. This individual will be a key member of the athletics leadership team and will be responsible for the daily financial and business operations of the department. The Assistant Athletic Director manages budgeting, purchasing, travel coordination, and financial reporting, ensuring compliance with institutional, conference, and national association policies. The role requires close collaboration with coaches, administrators, and campus departments to support the mission and strategic goals of the athletic department and the university. The core of Cornerstone University is defined and driven by its Christ-centered mission and Biblical confession.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Other duties may be assigned.

• Oversee the development, monitoring, and reconciliation of all athletic department budgets, including team, administrative, and special project accounts.

• Process and track all departmental purchases, contracts, and reimbursements according to university policies and procedures.

• Coordinate and approve team travel arrangements, including transportation, lodging, meals, and per diem.

• Serve as the primary liaison with the business office, financial aid, and human resources for all athletics-related transactions.

• Field initial questions, emails, and phone calls for the department.

• Prepare regular financial reports and forecasts for the Athletic Director and coaching staff.

• Assist in planning and executing fundraising and revenue-generating initiatives, including camps, holiday tournaments, and other events.

• Monitor and ensure financial compliance with all institutional and conference regulations, including oversight of student-athlete employment and scholarships as applicable.

• Act as the liaison to the DSO for any items related to international student-athletes.

• Oversee the issuance, documentation, and tracking of National Letters of Intent (LOIs) and institutional athletic aid agreements by NAIA guidelines.

• Maintain up-to-date records of all signed LOIs and communicate with compliance and admissions offices to ensure accurate rosters and eligibility tracking.

• Coordinate with the campus housing department regarding early move-in or non-term housing needs for student-athletes, ensuring timely communication and proper billing arrangements.

• Support game-day operations and other departmental events as needed.

• Supervise student workers or part-time staff related to business operations.

• Assist the Athletic Director with required reporting (financial disclosures, compliance guidelines, EADA, ROA, etc.).

• Serve as the NAIA Champions of Character Liaison for Cornerstone Athletics.

• Coordinate with cross-campus stakeholders for academic, financial, and developmental support.

• Effectively represent the athletics department to other campus stakeholders.

• Work directly with the Center for Academic Success to maintain a successful student-athlete academic resources program.

• Assist the Athletic Director with special projects and strategic planning initiatives.

• Serves as liaison between athletics and academics through the Faculty Athletic Representative.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, sport management, accounting, or related field.

• 2–4 years of experience in business operations, budgeting, or finance, preferably in collegiate athletics.

• Strong organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (especially Excel), budgeting tools, and accounting systems.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

• This position works in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment and requires occasional evening and weekend hours for athletic events or special projects.

PREFERRED SKILLS:

• Master’s degree in business, sports administration, or related field.

• Familiarity with NAIA regulations and compliance tools (e.g., NAIA Eligibility Center).

• Knowledge of campus housing logistics or experience coordinating early arrivals for students.

• Experience with institutional systems (e.g., Slate).

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

These core commitments convey who we are, what we believe and how we live and work together in community.

• A personal relationship with Jesus Christ and an active Christian commitment.

• A theology that supports the values and mission of Cornerstone University core commitments evidenced by an ability to affirm and sign the university’s doctrinal statement, “The Cornerstone Confession.”

• Four other foundational pillars, along with the university’s mission and confession, form Cornerstone’s Core Commitments.

  • The Cornerstone Christian World View
  • The Cornerstone Academic Vision
  • The Cornerstone Beautiful Christian Community
  • The Marriage and Human Sexuality Position Statement

Employees are expected to faithfully attend an evangelical and biblical church whose core beliefs and practices are consistent with Cornerstone’s confession and core commitments.

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