48% of athletic department staff left their roles
Between 2020 and 2022, 48% of athletic department staff left their jobs (1), causing notable turnover in college sports. This turnover mainly impacted entry- and mid-level positions, where women are more prevalent compared to senior roles. The lack of advancement opportunities in upper-level administration may also restrict diversity in athletic department leadership.
Key Insights & Recommendations
The Pipeline Project understands that gender equity is essential for a diverse workforce. It focuses on the lack of women in leadership positions in NCAA Division I FBS athletic departments and explores how gender imbalances appear in various job roles and career stages.
Athletic Administrators & Industry Leaders
The Pipeline Project offers recommendations to industry leaders grounded in data and current research to build a more inclusive and equitable environment in intercollegiate athletics.
Entry & Middle Level Professionals
For entry- and mid-level employees in intercollegiate athletics, can use this data and research to be proactive in their career development, seek out mentorship, and understand the organizational dynamics that may influence their advancement.
Educators & Research Teams
For educators and research teams, this data provides important insights into the state of gender diversity in intercollegiate athletics, and it carries implications for curriculum development, research opportunities, and broader educational initiatives.
Prospective Employees & Current Students
This data provides a picture of the opportunities and challenges in intercollegiate athletics for prospective employees. With more than 13,000 entry- and early mid-level positions in college athletic departments coupled with high-turnover rates, the opportunity for employment is strong.
Blog Posts
The Pipeline Project is happy to share information regarding our research findings along with our thoughts and recommendations regarding hiring and retention practices in intercollegiate athletics.
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Why Role Clarity Matters More Than Ever in the NIL Era: A Guide for Athletic Department Reorganization
By Dr. Meg Hancock & Dr. Ehren Green(Read Time: 4 Minutes) As college athletics continues to navigate uncharted waters—marked by revenue sharing, NIL opportunities, and legal settlements reshaping the landscape—athletic departments are feeling the pressure to evolve. Amid budget constraints and shifting expectations, many departments are reorganizing, streamlining operations, and redefining positions. Yet in the
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Summertime Reset
By Dr. Elizabeth Taylor, Temple University As the academic year winds down and we shift into the post-season for spring sports, many of us in college athletics begin looking forward to the summer months—hopefully a time to breathe, reset, and reflect. But let’s be honest: in today’s ever-evolving college sports landscape—conference realignment, commercialization, and now
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Breaking Records & Building Momentum: The Nebraska Volleyball Phenomenon
In 2023, Nebraska Women’s Volleyball made history by setting a world record for attendance at a women’s sporting event. In this episode, we go behind the scenes with Bailey Schlotfeld, Director of Marketing and Fan Engagement, to uncover the strategy, creativity, and community spirit that brought this milestone to life—and how Nebraska is challenging fans
The Pipeline Project 