Head Equipment Manager

About AIC Athletics

American International College in Springfield, Massachusetts sponsors 22 varsity programs and approximately 650 student-athletes, competing primarily in the Northeast-10 Conference. The department is built on grit, resilience and a team-first mentality. We embrace our underdog identity and believe success comes from everyone working toward a common goal.

Position Summary

The Head Equipment Manager leads all athletic equipment and uniform operations for AIC Athletics. This person makes sure every team has safe, properly fitted and well-maintained equipment and uniforms for practice, competition and travel. The Head Equipment Manager runs the equipment room day to day, manages inventory and purchasing, and supervises the Assistant Equipment Manager and a staff of student work-study employees. The role works closely with coaches, athletic trainers, and facilities and operations staff, with particular focus on the demands of football and ice hockey.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Supervision and Staffing

Serve as direct supervisor to the Assistant Equipment Manager, including setting their work schedule, assigning sport coverage, and conducting annual goal setting and performance reviews.

Serve as direct supervisor to student work-study employees, including hiring, training, setting work schedules around academic commitments, approving timesheets and evaluating performance.

Build equipment room coverage schedules that support practice, competition and travel needs across all sports.

Equipment Operations

Oversee the purchase, issue, fitting, collection, cleaning, repair and storage of athletic equipment and uniforms for all varsity and club programs.

Lead football equipment operations, including helmet and shoulder pad fitting, game-day setup, sideline support and travel.

Lead ice hockey equipment operations, including skate sharpening and repair, helmet and protective equipment fitting, bench support and travel (when necessary).

Manage laundry operations for practice and game apparel.

Prepare, pack and transport equipment for away competitions, and travel with teams as assigned.

Safety and Compliance

Manage the annual helmet reconditioning and recertification process to NOCSAE standards, and keep accurate records for all protective equipment.

Make sure all equipment meets NCAA, conference and manufacturer safety standards and rules of play.

Work with the sports medicine staff on protective equipment needs, custom fittings and injury-related modifications.

Inventory, Budget and Vendors

Maintain an accurate inventory system for all equipment, uniforms and apparel, including annual audits.

Manage the equipment budget, and prepare purchase orders and annual ordering timelines with head coaches.

Serve as primary contact with equipment and apparel vendors, and support the department's apparel partnership and branding standards.

Keep the equipment room and storage areas clean, organized and secure.

Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Athletics.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Sport Administration or a comparable program

2+ years of experience in athletic equipment operations

Hands-on experience with football and ice hockey equipment operations

Supervisory experience with staff or student workers

Strong organizational, inventory management and communication skills

Valid driver's license and successful completion of a background check

Preferred Qualifications

Certification from the Athletic Equipment Managers Association (AEMA)

Experience at the NCAA level

Experience with skate sharpening and hockey equipment repair

Experience with helmet fitting and NOCSAE reconditioning processes

Experience with equipment inventory software and budget management

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

Irregular hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays, based on practice and competition schedules.

Regular team travel, including overnight trips.

Indoor, outdoor and ice rink work in varied conditions.

Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, stand for long periods, and operate laundry and equipment repair machinery.