POSITION SPECIFICSPenn State Intercollegiate Athletics (ICA), a Division I member of the Big Ten Conference, is seeking qualified candidates for the position of
Associate Director of Equipment -M. Hockey and M. Golf This position reports to the
Assistant Athletic Director for Equipment Services and is responsible for the comprehensive management of equipment operations for Men's Ice Hockey and Men's Golf. The successful candidate will oversee all aspects of equipment preparation, purchasing, inventory management, laundry operations, team travel support, and game-day readiness while ensuring compliance with University, conference, and NCAA regulations.
Responsibilities- Manage all equipment operations for the Men's Ice Hockey and Men's Golf programs, including practice, competition, team travel, and special events.
- Collaborate with coaches, student-athletes, athletic trainers, and support staff to oversee the fitting, issuance, maintenance, repair, sanitation, collection, replacement, and safe use of athletic equipment, uniforms, and apparel in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and industry best practices.
- Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate student managers and wage payroll staff while assigning daily responsibilities and ensuring high-quality service.
- Coordinate equipment preparation and logistics for all home and away competitions, including packing, transportation, setup, and post-event recovery.
- Coordinate all game-day equipment operations including bench setup, locker room preparation, officials' needs, emergency equipment repairs, skate changes, and ensuring competition readiness before, during, and after contests.
- Develop and manage equipment budgets in collaboration with the Assistant Athletic Director for Equipment Services.
- Procure equipment, uniforms, apparel, footwear, and accessories through University purchasing processes, including purchase orders, sole source requests, RFPs, and RFQs.
- Manage ordering through the department's official apparel vendor (currently adidas) utilizing vendor ordering platforms and ensuring compliance with contractual obligations.
- Maintain accurate equipment inventory records through the department's inventory management system, ensuring all equipment issuances, returns, transfers, and disposals are properly documented. Conduct regular inventory audits and generate accurate inventory reports to support budgeting, financial accountability, equipment replacement planning, and departmental decision-making.
- Oversee the equipment facilities supporting Men's Ice Hockey and Golf, including laundry operations, storage areas, shipping and receiving, and equipment maintenance.
- Develop and maintain productive relationships with hockey equipment manufacturers, apparel partners, and sport-specific vendors to facilitate equipment development, warranty service, product testing, and custom ordering.
- Sport assignments and operational responsibilities are subject to change based on departmental priorities and the needs of Penn State Athletics.
- Assist with departmental apparel ordering initiatives and assigned equipment operations projects, including support for Penn State Spirit Squads and other auxiliary programs as needed.
- Ensure compliance with all NCAA, Big Ten Conference, University, licensing, branding, and trademark requirements related to uniforms, apparel, and equipment.
Required QualificationsThe successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Three (3) years of full-time Division I collegiate or professional athletic equipment operations experience.
- Thorough knowledge of Division I or professional hockey equipment operations, including advanced skate sharpening, profiling, equipment repair, fitting, and maintenance.
- Experience with custom equipment ordering and fitting.
- Experience supporting laundry operations for athletic teams.
- Ability to supervise and train student equipment managers.
- Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills.
- Proficiency with standard computer applications and inventory management systems.
- Experience managing equipment budgets, manufacturer allocations, and vendor relationships within a collegiate or professional hockey program.
- Proficiency with standard computer applications, and ability to maintain accurate inventories.
- Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours as required, including travel with both teams.
- Bachelor's degree required.
Preferred Qualifications- Five (5) years of experience working full-time in a Division I collegiate or professional athletic equipment operation.
- Experience with adidas or comparable athletic apparel ordering platforms.
- Experience using Teamworks Equipment or similar athletic equipment inventory management software.
- Knowledge of NCAA, Big Ten Conference, and University policies governing equipment, apparel, recruiting, branding, licensing, and logo usage.
- Certification as an Athletic Equipment Manager (AEMA) or equivalent professional credential.
- Experience supporting multiple varsity sport programs.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONSBachelor's Degree3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:None
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCESThis position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver's license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.
SALARY & BENEFITSThe salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $65,508.00 - $94,980.00.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICSPursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
