Executive Associate Athletic Director, Strategy

Welcome to Stanford’s Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation (“DAPER”), the premier intercollegiate athletics program in the country. With an unparalleled record of 138 NCAA team championships, we are the proud Home of Champions. Our success isn’t just measured in trophies; it’s reflected in the passion of our nearly 900 student-athletes competing across 36 intercollegiate varsity teams. It resonates in our unwavering support for the university’s physical education, recreation, and wellness initiatives. At Stanford, we don’t just embrace excellence; we define it. We don’t just nurture champions; we create them. Our actions are guided by the core tenets of DAPER culture, “The DAPER Way,” which are: Embrace Scholar Athleticism, Pursue and Revere Excellence, Lead with Courage, and Work Cohesively.

Are you ready to inspire champions? If yes, then this may be the right opportunity for you!

The Executive Associate AD, Strategy is the strategic architect and analytical engine of Stanford Athletics. This role integrates strategy, data analytics, artificial intelligence/ machine learning, and industry benchmarking to ensure the department remains competitive, financially sustainable, and aligned with the University’s academic mission.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Planning & Foresight

• Lead the development of a multi-year strategic roadmap aligned to Stanford’s pillars: Scholar-Athletes First, Competitive Excellence, Financial Sustainability.

• Anticipate and assess shifts in the NCAA, ACC, NIL, revenue-sharing, and global sports models.

• Translate complexity into actionable options for the AD and executive team.

2. Data & Analytics Leadership

Welcome to Stanford’s Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation (“DAPER”), the premier intercollegiate athletics program in the country. With an unparalleled record of 138 NCAA team championships, we are the proud Home of Champions. Our success isn’t just measured in trophies; it’s reflected in the passion of our nearly 900 student-athletes competing across 36 intercollegiate varsity teams. It resonates in our unwavering support for the university’s physical education, recreation, and wellness initiatives. At Stanford, we don’t just embrace excellence; we define it. We don’t just nurture champions; we create them. Our actions are guided by the core tenets of DAPER culture, “The DAPER Way,” which are: Embrace Scholar Athleticism, Pursue and Revere Excellence, Lead with Courage, and Work Cohesively.

Are you ready to inspire champions? If yes, then this may be the right opportunity for you!

The Executive Associate AD, Strategy is the strategic architect and analytical engine of Stanford Athletics. This role integrates strategy, data analytics, artificial intelligence/ machine learning, and industry benchmarking to ensure the department remains competitive, financially sustainable, and aligned with the University’s academic mission.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Planning & Foresight

• Lead the development of a multi-year strategic roadmap aligned to Stanford’s pillars: Scholar-Athletes First, Competitive Excellence, Financial Sustainability.

• Anticipate and assess shifts in the NCAA, ACC, NIL, revenue-sharing, and global sports models.

• Translate complexity into actionable options for the AD and executive team.

2. Data & Analytics Leadership

• Build and oversee a cross-departmental analytics function that integrates ticketing, partnerships, athlete performance, fundraising, and fan engagement.

• Establish a “single source of truth” dashboard and set of KPIs that drive accountability, transparency, and sustainability.

• Apply predictive analytics to inform decision-making, forecast revenue, develop talent and athlete recruiting pipelines, and model financial scenarios.

3. Artificial Intelligence & Digital Innovation

• Deploy AI and machine learning tools to optimize recruiting, analyze fan sentiment, improve ticket pricing, and forecast competitive outcomes.

• Partner with University IT and OGC to ensure compliant, secure, and scalable adoption of emerging technologies.

• Position Stanford as a national leader in data-enabled athletic strategy.

4. Organizational Insights & Alignment

• Conduct organizational health assessments to evaluate structure, culture, and performance capacity.

• Advise the AD on workforce optimization, efficiency opportunities, and cross-functional alignment.

• Drive special projects that require coordination across finance, HR, development, sport administration, and business operations.

5. External Engagement & Benchmarking

• Benchmark Stanford Athletics against peer institutions, pro sports franchises, and international Olympic models.

• Represent Stanford at industry forums and strategy summits.

• Build networks with consultants and thought leaders to keep Stanford on the leading edge.

Candidate Profile

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (MBA, MPP, MS in Data Analytics, or related) strongly preferred.

• 7+ years in strategy consulting (McKinsey, Bain, Deloitte, or equivalent), corporate strategy, or sports strategy leadership.

• Experience translating complex analytics into executive-ready recommendations.

• Familiarity with collegiate athletics, NCAA/ACC governance, or adjacent industries (entertainment, pro sports, tech) preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Mastery in data modeling, predictive analytics, and data visualization.

• Expertise in strategic planning, financial analysis, and organizational design.

• Understanding of AI/ML applications in business and sports performance.

• Strong executive communication: ability to synthesize complexity into clear, persuasive narratives.

• Influential leadership presence; able to partner effectively with trustees, donors, coaches, and student-athletes.

Mindset & Attributes

• Visionary but pragmatic — a “futurist with a playbook.”

• Comfortable in ambiguity; thrives in fast-moving, high-stakes environments.

• Trusted advisor capable of challenging assumptions while maintaining alignment.

• Extremely effective communicator and strategic mind

• Patience while operating in a university environment

• Ability to hold, engage, manage, and persuade multiple stakeholders

Measures of Success

• Delivery of a 3–5 year departmental strategy with measurable KPIs.

• Department-wide adoption of data dashboards and predictive analytics tools.

• AI-enabled insights improve decision-making across talent, revenue, and competition.

• Enhanced organizational alignment, transparency, and accountability.

• Stanford is positioned as the national leader in strategic digital innovation within collegiate athletics

DAPER’s Integrity:

This position, along with all DAPER coaches and staff, is responsible for the integrity of Stanford’s intercollegiate athletics program and for the reputation of Stanford University. This position is responsible for ensuring that his/her/their involvement with Athletics Department activities maintains the integrity of the University’s reputation and does not negatively impact the relationship between the University and its faculty, staff, students and alumni. Additionally, this position must comply with University policies and procedures, NCAA and Pac-12 rules and regulations.

Why Stanford is for you:

Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

• Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
• A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
• A healthier you. Climb our rock wall or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
• Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
• Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!

The expected pay range for this position is $225,000 – $300,000 per annum.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/b...) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Additional Information

• Schedule: Full-time
• Job Code: 4828
• Employee Status: Regular
• Grade: N
• Requisition ID: 107442
• Work Arrangement : On Site

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