Working Title: General Manager - Athletics

State Role Title: Public Relations and Marketing Specialist II

Position Type: Full-time Staff (Classified)

Position Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: Intercollegiate Athletics

Department: 300022 - Intercollegiate Athletics Adm

Pay Rate: Maximum Starting

Specify Range or Amount: $36,000

Is this a JMU only position? No

Is this a grant-funded position? No

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? No

Beginning Review Date: 09/26/2025

About JMU:

At James Madison University (JMU), we’re more than just a publicly funded institution — we’re a vibrant, welcoming community nestled on a stunning campus where innovation, collaboration, and personal growth thrive. Our mission is to prepare students for a bright future, and we believe that starts with supporting the people who make it all possible: our employees.

Why Work at JMU?
We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional journey and personal wellbeing:
• Generous Leave: Enjoy paid vacation, sick leave, parental leave, community service leave, and 19 paid holidays annually.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access high-quality health insurance options that fit your needs.
• Retirement Options: Plan for your future with retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System.
• Employee Well-Being: Our Balanced Dukes program promotes wellness and work-life integration through resources, events, and support.
• Tuition Waiver Program: Advance your education with our tuition waiver program for undergraduate and graduate courses taken at JMU.

At JMU, we believe in Being the Change — and that starts with creating an environment where you can grow, contribute meaningfully, and feel supported every step of the way.

Discover what makes JMU a great place to work: bit.ly/JMUEmployment

General Information:

JMU, a full member of Sun Belt Conference, affiliate member of the American Athletic and Mid-American Conferences, and the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), seeks strategic partner to serve as General Manager within the division of Athletics. The General Manager (GM) plays a valuable role in the administration and advancement of the department’s competitive pursuits and business operations, helping assist athletics with university-wide goals and the modern collegiate athletics landscape, including internal and third-party Name, Image & Likeness (NIL), donor engagement and student-athlete experience.

This position works closely with the Director of Athletics (AD), coaches, and external stakeholders to help execute strategic priorities and revenue-generating initiatives surrounding revenue share and NIL across all eighteen (18) sports programs. This is a full-time, 10-month position with a full comprehensive benefits package.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serve as a secondary liaison to the Director of Athletics on revenue share and NIL initiatives.
• Participate in collaboration between internal departments to assist with alignment with university goals and procedures and athletics objectives.
• Help develop a structure for the long-term sustainability of athletics in areas such as NIL/revenue share, recruiting and retention, etc.
• Research as assigned, industry trends and best practices with regards to revenue generation and NIL/revenue share to best position the University.
• Work with the Associate AD for Governance and Talent Management and University Legal Counsel to develop and establish contract terms that meet permissive NCAA rules and regulations and protect the institution.
• Participate in conversations with student-athletes, agents, and/or other representatives on NIL contract terms.
• Collaborate with the Associate AD for Governance and Talent Management to assist coaches in recruitment and retention strategy.
• Work collaboratively with internal university partners, as needed.
• Serve as an ancillary point of contact for NIL activity and infrastructure.
• Collaborate, as directed, with collectives, external consultants, donors, and corporate partners, as necessary, to build and maintain a sustainable NIL ecosystem.
• Help educate student-athletes, coaches, and staff on NIL rules, institutional strategy, and opportunities.
• Partner with, as directed, development, sports properties, ticketing, and marketing/creative/communications teams to maximize revenue generation.
• Help identify and implement innovative practices in fan engagement, brand growth, and digital media.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

• Significant experience in collegiate/professional sports management, administration, or operations.
• Demonstrated understanding of NCAA rules, NIL landscape, and college athletics governance.
• Proven track record of business success and planning operational management.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships across a wide range of constituencies.

Additional Considerations:

• Experience working in a Division I athletic department, preferably in the FBS or G5/P5 landscape.
• Demonstrated understanding of culture and infrastructure of JMU Athletics and the Harrisonburg Community.
• Experience working with collectives or NIL-related initiatives.
• Strong financial acumen and experience with the budget process.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.

Additional Posting Information:

Conditions of Employment:  

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.

E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

EEO Statement:

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.

We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.

Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.

Reasonable Accommodation:

If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at (540) 568-3597 or jobs@jmu.edu. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.