General Manager, Football / Senior Associate Athletic Director

University of Delaware - Newark, NJ

Full-time - Senior

Newark, NJ

Educational Services

About the position

The General Manager, Football / Senior Associate Athletic Director is responsible for overseeing roster construction, recruiting, and leadership within the football program. This role requires strategic thinking to balance immediate needs with long-term planning, focusing on talent acquisition, budget management, and stakeholder relationships. The GM will collaborate closely with the head coach and other staff to implement the program's vision, ensuring compliance with NCAA regulations while fostering a successful football environment.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Head Coach on roster construction and resource allocation strategy.
• Identify talent needs and advise on balancing transfer acquisitions with high school prospects.
• Assist in making financial offer decisions for student-athletes.
• Analyze trends in the transfer market for roster management.
• Negotiate roster budget conversations with football student-athletes.
• Develop strategies for successful talent acquisition and retention.
• Create financial strategies that align with the program's goals.
• Direct conversations regarding student-athlete financial packages.
• Strategically track and manage the roster budget.
• Collaborate with department partners to create contract templates and policies.
• Evaluate player value through comprehensive assessments beyond traditional stats.
• Monitor high school and transfer prospects with the recruiting coordinator.
• Track available players and create profiles on prospects.
• Evaluate players in the transfer portal for team fit.
• Provide coaches with information on potential transfer targets.
• Develop and maintain relationships with agents, coaches, and scouts.
• Assist in coordinating the recruitment process, including campus visits and communication with prospects.
• Analyze recruitment data to inform future strategies and processes.
• Understand road recruiting schedules and potential footprint expansion.
• Manage the Assistant GM/Director of Player Personnel and clarify their responsibilities.
• Develop and manage the roster budget, including scholarships and NIL components.
• Serve as a liaison to athletic department staff and university administration.
• Work with analytics staff on evaluating software and systems for roster management.
• Partner with external relations on revenue-generating opportunities for roster budget growth.
• Collaborate with the 302 Collective on NIL opportunities for student-athletes.
• Ensure alignment with practices and policies for roster budget management across all varsity programs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in sports management or related field preferred.
• Experience managing roster budgets and contract negotiations.
• Extensive experience in college football administration or professional sports management.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency with advanced sports analytics and data-driven decision making.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities.
• Understanding of NCAA rules and regulations.
• Ability to work collaboratively with coaches, players, agents, and university administrators.
• Marketing and Public Relations experience.
• Ability to make decisions under pressure.