How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
Job Summary
The Director of Football Experience & Engagement provides strategic leadership and oversight for the complete football student-athlete experience, from enrollment through graduation and into alumni life. This role serves as the central coordinator for student-athlete services, family and staff engagement, academic oversight, life planning, player development, community involvement, and alumni relations. Serving as the primary liaison for football student-athletes, student-athlete families, football staff families, alumni, and campus partners, the Director ensures proactive communication, consistent support, and meaningful engagement across all constituencies. In close collaboration with football leadership and athletics, this position delivers a holistic, high-level experience aligned with institutional values, competitive excellence, and NCAA standards.
Responsibilities*
Leadership & Program Management
- Provide leadership and oversight of the Director of Player Development and Director of Football Administration.
- Manage the department responsible for coordinating all football student-athlete services, family engagement, and alumni initiatives.
- Collaborate with the Head Coach, Director of Football Operations, Chief of Staff, General Manager, and senior staff to support student-athlete development, care, and well-being.
- Serve as a student-athlete advocate while maintaining accountability, structure, and program standards.
- Ensure compliance with institutional, conference, and NCAA policies. Family,
Family, Staff & Communication Engagement
- Serve as the primary point of contact for student-athlete and football staff families.
- Lead notification and communication with families regarding player issues, in coordination with coaching, medical, and administrative staff.
- Oversee family game-day distribution and communication, including credentials, tickets, seating, parking, and hospitality.
- Plan and execute family weekends, events, and community initiatives.
- Produce and distribute a football family newsletter with timely updates and resources.
- Support onboarding and transition assistance for football staff families.
Student-Athlete Experience
- Provide leadership and oversight of staff responsible for student-athlete academic support, ensuring progress toward eligibility, degree completion, and graduation.
- Supervise and collaborate with the Director of Football Administration managing onboarding and enrollment processes for incoming student-athletes.
- Lead and direct staff delivering Life Plan and player development programming, including academic planning, career exploration, experiential learning, and post-graduation readiness.
- Supervise NIL education, fulfillment, and player engagement operations in partnership with compliance.
- Provide leadership oversight of student-athlete transitions into and out of the program, including workforce readiness initiatives.
Community & External Engagement
- Lead community engagement and service initiatives involving players, alumni, staff, and families.
- Collaborate with Michigan Athletics Career Center, Leadership Development Program, and other athletics units on external events, donor engagement, and program initiatives.
- Build partnerships with local organizations, sports teams, and venues to expand off-campus engagement opportunities.
Alumni Relations & Communications
- Serve as the primary liaison to football alumni.
- Develop and maintain alumni mentorship and networking programs.
- Plan and execute alumni events, reunions, and game-day initiatives.
- Produce and distribute an alumni newsletter, including professional (pro) player updates.
- Foster long-term alumni engagement and connection to the program.
Required Qualifications*
- Bachelor's degree required.
- Minimum of five years of experience in professional or collegiate athletics.
- Experience in collegiate athletics, student-athlete development, or related leadership roles.
- Demonstrated ability to supervise and manage professional staff.
- Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
- Ability to collaborate effectively across athletics, campus units, and external partners.
- Commitment to the holistic development and well-being of student-athletes.
- Capacity to travel.
- Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Required to work extended and irregular hours during the competitive season.
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Additional Information
Benefits
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:
- Generous time off enerous time off
- A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
- Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability coverage
- Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Application Deadline
All applications for this position must be received by (1/30/26).
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.
