Director of Business Operations

Named one of Sports Business Journal's Best Places to Work in Sports (2024, 2025), Front Office Sports' Most Impactful Sports Organizations (2024), and Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies (2023), Athletes Unlimited owns and operates professional women’s softball, volleyball, and basketball leagues featuring world-class competition and fan experience. Athletes Unlimited stands out as an organization driven by the athletes that play in the leagues, with athlete representation on the company’s board of directors, each league led by a Player Executive Committee, and players sharing in long-term profits of the company, all while being proactive in shaping policies supporting the women that play in the league. Athletes Unlimited is the first professional sports league to be organized as a Public Benefit Corporation. For more information, visit AUProSports.com.

We provide our team of enthusiastic, collaborative innovators a next-generation workplace with unlimited PTO, competitive health insurance, professional development opportunities, and more so that we can build the future of professional sports. Are you Unlimited?

Athletes Unlimited is seeking a Director of Business Operations to drive operational excellence across the organization. Reporting directly to and working closely with the COO, this role serves as a critical operational support in executing the organization's strategy across multiple league properties. The ideal candidate will have proven experience managing complex, cross-functional projects in fast-paced environments and thrive in a hands-on, fast-paced role.

Responsibilities

Strategic Operations & Project Management

• Lead high-priority, cross-functional projects and strategic initiatives, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with organizational goals
• Support the COO in developing and executing operational strategies across multiple league properties
• Implement project management frameworks and continuous improvement processes across the organization

Contract Management & Vendor Administration

• Oversee contract management and administration across the organization, including sending agreements, tracking signatures, maintaining an organized repository, and ensuring timely renewals and terminations
• Partner with Finance and Legal to coordinate vendor processes, from selection through contract execution and compliance

• Manage and optimize business operations budget, identifying cost-saving opportunities while maintaining quality standards

Systems & Process Management

• Oversee internal technology systems, including CRM, project management platforms, and operational software, ensuring data integrity and effective utilization
• Design and implement scalable business processes and maintain documentation for critical operational workflows
• Coordinate with IT and external vendors on system implementations and upgrades

Cross-Functional Leadership & Coordination

• Serve as a key liaison across business units and between executive leadership and operational teams
• Work with Finance to manage multi-market budget allocations and financial planning
• Lead development and implementation of organizational policies and procedures
• Serve as primary point of contact for local operators on day-to-day operational matters
• Develop and maintain player policies in coordination with Head of Sports and relevant departments, ensuring consistent implementation across leagues
• Oversee business policies, insurance programs, and risk management processes

Requirements

• 8-10 years in project management, business operations, or sports administration, preferably in professional sports, entertainment, or high-growth environments
• Strong background in vendor management, contract administration, and budget oversight
• Experience with CRM and project management platforms
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage executive audiences
• Comfort with a fast-paced environment that requires flexibility and availability beyond standard business hours
• Flexibility to travel (~15%) and work evenings/weekends during league seasons
• Passion for women's sports and alignment with Athletes Unlimited's mission
• Legal authorization to work in the United States

Benefits

This role is full-time and is compensated at a range of $80,000 to $110,000 depending on experience.  While this is the intended range, the actual compensation may vary based on several factors including but not limited to qualifications, skills, and geographic location of the position. We anticipate the highest end of the range will be reserved for those who exceed the hiring committee’s expectations on all measures of the evaluation process. In addition, Athletes Unlimited is proud to offer comprehensive benefits and perks to all of our full-time employees, including:

• Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance plans
• 401(k) plan with generous company match
• Paid parental leave
• Wellness and Development benefit
• Caregiving benefit
• Unlimited paid time off alongside company holidays

Our DEI Statement

As a company, we share a vision to change the world for the better and believe in the power of sports to tear down barriers. We will Be Unlimited in our pursuit to intentionally create an environment where every individual can be their authentic self.

Research shows that women, trans, non-binary folks, and BIPOC are less likely to apply for a job unless they believe they meet every single one of the qualifications. We strongly encourage you to apply even if your background is non-traditional or you might not meet every one of the qualifications described.

Athletes Unlimited is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in its hiring process based on race, religion, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender expression, pregnancy status, parental status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.