Assistant Director of Athletics - Equipment & Operations en The Pingry School

Position Description
The Pingry School is seeking a full-time Assistant Director of Athletics – Equipment & Operations to lead equipment, uniforms, and related operational support for 35 athletic programs and 90+ teams in Middle and Upper Schools. This role builds and owns the systems for procurement, inventory, disbursement, maintenance, and laundry/repair, ensuring a polished, reliable, and championship-level student-athlete experience.

Reporting to the Deputy Director of Athletics and collaborating closely with Assistant Athletic Directors, this position provides critical infrastructure for the department. Importantly, it complements and supports the work of the Assistant Director of Athletics for Student-Athlete Success by focusing on brand execution (uniforms, apparel, gear presentation) and daily logistics, while supporting the broader brand strategy and student experience initiatives led by Student-Athlete Success.

 By centralizing equipment operations, the Assistant Director:

• Protects fiscal resources via efficient procurement and live spend-vs-budget comparisons.
• Elevates the student-athlete experience with consistent, on-time gear and uniform standards.
• Supports coaches and staff by removing operational burdens so they can focus on development and competition.
• Advances Pingry’s brand through consistent, professional on-field/on-court presentation aligned with institutional values.

The ideal candidate operates as a:

• Detail-oriented, behind-the-scenes driver who takes a small task and executes it from start to finish.
• Systems solver + project manager: builds checklists, templates, and timelines; keeps many moving parts on track.
• Self-starter with an optimistic and solution-oriented spirit who genuinely loves equipment operations (this is your craft!).
• People-forward: personable, steady communicator; comfortable interacting with students (Grades 6–12), coaches, and parents.
• Flexible teammate on a 12-person department; takes direction from multiple leaders and collaborates well.
• Understands that equipment/uniforms are central to a championship-level experience and brand.

Your onboarding will include a 30/60/90 day plan designed to set the tone for your success. Early milestones may include:

• Conducting a full inventory audit of uniforms and equipment.
• Resetting vendor relationships and purchasing systems.
• Managing fall–winter–spring uniform cycles to establish consistency.
• Reviewing NFHS compliance standards to ensure all gear meets league rules.

This structured start provides clarity while giving you the flexibility to make the role your own.

Key Responsibilities

Equipment & Uniform Management

• Develop and lead equipment operations, including purchasing, inventory, distribution, collection, and repair of uniforms and gear.
• Ensure teams have proper, compliant apparel and gear for practice and competition.
• Maintain organized storage systems and coordinate laundry and uniform care.
• Monitor equipment needs and resolve daily/weekly requests from coaches.
• Provide recommendations on long-term equipment planning and capital needs.

Brand Execution & Collaboration

• Coordinate and run Spirit Stores for athletic teams: partner with coaches and captains to set seasonal gear needs, ensure logo/branding compliance, liaise with vendors, and track orders/deliveries. Manage fundraised dollars to support the team/coaches’ supplemental needs.
• Execute brand consistency through uniforms, apparel, and equipment presentation.
• Partner with the Assistant Director for Student-Athlete Success to ensure that equipment-related brand elements align with broader cultural and student-experience initiatives.

Budget & Vendor Relations

• Prepare budgetary recommendations and manage expenditures to ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Maintain and grow vendor partnerships to support cost efficiency, quality control, and timely fulfillment.
• Support uniform and equipment billing processes.

Operational Support

• Assist with athletics operations on game days and events, including competition and venue set-up, and serve as site manager as needed (with oversight of seasonal staff).
• Build and manage coach and spirit stores in partnership with coaches, captains, the Communications team, and the Director of Enrollment Management, ensuring alignment with equity initiatives for students on tuition assistance.
• Collaborate with administrative staff to align equipment operations with broader departmental systems (e.g., scheduling, facilities, communications).
• Sport Administration (Seasonal): Serve as the assigned administrator for selected teams, supporting game-day logistics, student/parent communication, and ensuring alignment with departmental standards.
• Manage and maintain accurate team rosters throughout each season.
• Track letterwinner and end-of-season award eligibility and records.
• Coordinate the ordering of end-of-season awards and verify accuracy prior to distribution.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education & Background

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred.
• Backgrounds that often align: Candidates with experience in NCAA athletics at the Division I, II, or III levels,  particularly in Ivy-Plus or academically rigorous environments that balance high athletic and academic standards. Professionals from high-standard high school or club programs, as well as those with backgrounds in professional sports settings that demand strong process discipline, are also a strong fit. Experience in professional sports or Power 6 Division I programs is valued; candidates should be prepared to translate that background into the unique culture and expectations of an independent school.

Experience & Certification

• Minimum 2 years of experience in athletic equipment operations (NCAA or professional experience preferred).
• AEMA certification (or the ability to obtain it within 18 months) is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with equipment purchasing, vendor management, inventory systems, uniform distribution/collection, and laundry workflows.

Skills & Competencies

• Project management mindset: organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Independent school experience is not required. However, candidates must demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both in person and via email, ensuring information is delivered clearly, effectively, and in ways that strengthen relationships with coaches, students (Grades 6–12), and parents.
• Working knowledge of NFHS uniform rules and compliance standards.
• Flexible, self-starter, and thrives in a team-oriented department with multiple reporting lines.

Physical & Schedule Requirements

• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Ability to walk 3+ miles across campus and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Willingness to support occasional evenings and weekends for games, events, and seasonal demands.

Additional Considerations

• Coaching interest is a plus; opportunities may be available after two successful years in the role.
• Strong alignment with Pingry’s values of honor, character, inclusion, and well-being, and a commitment to delivering a championship-level student-athlete experience.

Schedule, Compensation & Benefits

• Full-time, 12-month position based primarily at the Basking Ridge campus; schedule aligned to athletics seasons.
• The salary range for this position is $60,000-$75,000. Final compensation will be determined based on experience and education. 
• Pingry offers a comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees, including, but not limited to, medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement plans with employer matching; life and disability insurance; tuition remission for employees' children; and access to wellness and professional development resources.

Qualified candidates are invited to apply online at https://www.pingry.org/careers.