Why AUIB?
Diversity and Inclusivity: At AUIB, we champion diversity and inclusivity in every aspect of campus life. Our vibrant community is a tapestry of cultures, ideas, and dreams, ensuring a welcoming environment for everyone through fair and equal policies.
Competitive Benefits: AUIB offers competitive salaries, comprehensive health plans, and generous leave policies, ensuring the well-being and satisfaction of our staff.
Professional Development: With numerous opportunities for career progression and professional development, AUIB is the ideal place to enhance your skills and advance your career.
A Thriving Community: Our expatriate faculty and staff enjoy comfortable on-campus accommodations, and a vibrant campus equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including an expansive library, modern classrooms, and recreational amenities.
A Legacy of Excellence: Situated in Baghdad, AUIB is dedicated to reviving the city’s historic legacy of learning and culture. Joining AUIB means being part of a prestigious project envisioned by prominent figures in business, government, and education.
Job Description
AUIB is seeking a dynamic and experienced Athletics Development Officer to drive its mission of expanding inclusive, high-quality sports programming and enhancing student engagement through athletics. This role will support both male and female student-athletes in a variety of sports programs, fostering an environment of growth, engagement, and achievement.
In this pivotal role, the Athletics Development Officer will lead the planning, delivery, and growth of student-athlete programs, manage team logistics, support athlete development pathways, and coordinate closely with internal departments to align activities with institutional goals.
If you’re an innovative leader with a passion for student development, sports programming, and operational excellence, this role is for you. Whether you’re actively seeking a new challenge or passively considering your next step, AUIB offers an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact.
Key Responsibilities
Program Development and Delivery
- Plan, coordinate, and deliver sports programs and team activities for both male and female student-athletes.
- Design training schedules, events, and competitions for university teams.
- Support the development and implementation of talent identification and athlete progression frameworks.
- Provide support to both male- and female-focused sports programs and team activities as needed.
Team Management and Operations
- Coordinate team logistics, fixtures, and transportation for both male and female teams.
- Ensure compliance with health and safety, safeguarding, and risk management policies.
- Oversee equipment use and maintenance for assigned teams and sports.
Student Engagement and Welfare
- Build strong relationships with student-athletes to support retention and performance across both male and female teams.
- Promote inclusive, respectful, and disciplined behavior in all activities.
- Provide mentoring and guidance to student-athletes on balancing sports and academics.
Institutional and External Liaison
- Collaborate with academic departments, facilities, and student services to enhance the student-athlete experience.
- Represent the Athletics Department in meetings and events, fostering collaboration across departments.
- Assist with organizing inter-university, regional, and national sports competitions.
Monitoring and Reporting
- Track attendance, participation, and performance metrics for male and female student-athletes.
- Maintain accurate records of programs, fixtures, and risk assessments.
- Prepare periodic reports and recommendations for program improvement.
Ideal Candidate Profile
This role directly supports the Director of Athletics and requires a high degree of initiative, independence, and attention to detail. The ideal candidate will represent the department both internally and externally and should have the following traits:
- Possess a positive, service-oriented attitude and the emotional intelligence to interact effectively with a wide range of individuals and departments.
- Enthusiasm for sport and physical activity across both male and female programs.
- Understand and follow appropriate university protocols in all communications and operations.
- Remain calm and solution-focused under pressure, handling challenges with professionalism and a smile.
- Be flexible, proactive, and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrate discretion and maintain confidentiality at all times.
We are looking for someone who brings not only the skills and experience to perform the tasks but also the right mindset and character to positively represent the values of our department and university.
Education and Experience
- Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in sports, physical education, or related field.
- Years of Relevant Experience: Minimum of 3 years in sports management, coaching, or a related field.
Experience
Experience working in an environment supporting students, student groups, sports clubs, and/or volunteers.
Knowledge
- Understanding of administrative procedures and office management.
- Familiarity with university systems, protocols, and interdepartmental workflows.
- Basic financial tracking (e.g., petty cash, supply orders, expense reporting).
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
Skills
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Clear and professional written and verbal communication.
- Accurate record-keeping and documentation.
- Event and logistics coordination.
- Problem-solving and follow-up.
Abilities
- Work independently with minimal supervision.
- Manage multiple tasks under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
- Interact respectfully and effectively with individuals at all levels, both inside and outside the university.
- Adapt quickly to shifting priorities and operational needs.
- Solve challenges calmly, with a service-oriented attitude and a professional demeanor.
Qualifications and Preferred Experience
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in sports, physical education, or related field.
- Minimum of 3 years of sports experience in a professional setting.
- Proficiency in English (written and spoken).
- Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office and basic database or scheduling systems.
Preferred:
- Experience working in a university or large institutional environment.
- Familiarity with athletics or sports program administration.
- Knowledge of Arabic is an advantage.
- Experience in coordinating events or managing logistics for multiple stakeholders.
Criteria for Success
- Actively supporting the ethos of AUIB and effectively integrating the Athletic Development program within the wider sports program and the entire AUIB context.
- Effective development and delivery of the Athletic Development program to ensure appropriate opportunities, provision, participation, and support for students and staff at all levels.
- Maintaining positive relationships with staff and students and fostering an environment that supports inclusivity and excellence.
Additional Requirements
- Flexibility to work evenings and weekends for events, training, and student engagement.
- Occasional travel within Iraq for inter-university competitions or coordination meetings.
Application Requirements:
To be considered for any role at the American University of Iraq—Baghdad (AUIB), applicants are required to submit the following documents:
- Cover letter: Detail how your skills and experience align with the specific requirements of the position you are applying for.
- Resume/Curriculum Vitae: Provide an up-to-date resume or CV.
- Identification: A valid national ID or passport is required for the application process.
Please note that applications missing any of these components will not be considered.
Candidates Shortlisted for an Interview:
If you are shortlisted for an interview, you will need to provide additional documentation:
- Educational transcripts and certifications must be translated into English.
- References: Provide contact details for three references who have either worked with you or supervised your work.
