Open To Work
Aja Barros
Lawrence,KS
Work Preference
Summary
Dynamic athletics administrator with extensive leadership in collegiate sports and facility management. Successfully increased operational efficiency and student engagement through innovative initiatives, while managing large-scale events and fostering inclusive programming that supports athlete success.
Overview
1
1
Certification
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
A-Team Sports Training Facility
08.2025 - Current
- Oversight of day-to-day operations of a multi-program sports training facility, supporting both private training services and affiliated youth sports teams
- Develop and manage training schedules, facility usage, and field/court allocations to maximize efficiency and program accessibility
- Management of budgeting, payroll, and revenue tracking; implemented pricing packages and memberships to increase program participation and retention
- Serve as primary point of contact for parents, athletes, coaches, and community partners, resolving concerns and strengthening relationships
- Support of long-term strategic planning initiatives focused on facility growth, youth participation, and staff development
- Oversight of event operations for camps, clinics, tournaments, and showcases, including staffing plans, equipment setup, crowd flow, and on-site problem resolution
Assistant Director, Sport Clubs
University of Kansas Recreation Services
08.2023 - Current
- Enhanced Student Engagement by successfully increasing participation in student-led sport clubs by 30% through the implementation of targeted outreach initiatives and engaging workshops that fostered a strong sense of community and leadership among club officers.
- Led the development and delivery of comprehensive risk management training for club officers and staff, resulting in a 40% reduction in reported incidents during events and practices, thereby enhancing participant safety.
- Improved operational efficiency by 25% by developing a centralized digital platform for scheduling, travel logistics, and budget tracking, enabling clubs to manage resources effectively and focus on athletic performance.
- Coordinated community service initiatives engaging over 900 student-athletes, boosting visibility of sport clubs and strengthening university's commitment to community engagement.
- Implemented KU Mentor Platform with KU Alumni Association to enhance outreach and support for University of Kansas sport club alumni.
- Manages the sport club budget, endowment funds, and revenue-generating accounts to ensure effective financial oversight and sustainability.
Interim Assistant Director, Intramurals
University of Kansas Recreation Services
04.2024 - 09.2024
- Oversaw all intramural sports programming, staff hiring, and scheduling of competitive events and leagues.
- Led official and staff training, emphasizing leadership, conflict resolution, and DEI principles.
- Partnered with campus departments to facilitate intramural events and ensure optimal, safe and efficient facility usage for events.
- Streamlined form management by transitioning to digital processes, increasing operational efficiency.
Interim CPR-AED Course Coordinator
University of Kansas Recreation Services
04.2024 - 09.2024
- Managed CPR/AED course scheduling and instructor assignments for Recreation Services.
- Ensured departmental compliance with risk management standards and instructor certification credentialing.
- Distributed course materials and tracked completions for student and staff participants.
Assistant Athletic Director; Communications, Event Management & Compliance
Haskell Indian Nations University Athletics
08.2019 - 06.2023
- Served as a senior athletics administrator overseeing event management, marketing, academic support, and compliance operations.
- Developed a strategic marketing campaign that resulted in a 50% increase in attendance at home athletic events, significantly boosting the university's athletic profile and fostering school spirit among students and alumni.
- Successfully managed all home athletic events, implementing new operational protocols that improved event execution efficiency by 30%, while ensuring compliance with safety and security measures.
- Coordinated the scheduling and utilization of athletic facilities across the campus, implementing an efficient booking system that maximizes usage while ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
- Enhanced the overall event experience by collaborating with various departments to provide seamless logistical support for athletic events, resulting in increased participation and positive feedback from athletes and attendees.
- Developed and implemented academic support strategies that raised student-athlete GPA, contributing to improved eligibility rates and graduation success.
- Partnered with the NAIA National Office to create a culturally relevant marketing campaign during Native American Heritage Month, which increased representation and engagement of Native and minority student-athletes, fostering a more inclusive athletic environment.
Adjunct Instructor Health Sport & Exercise Science
Haskell Indian Nations University
01.2020 - 05.2022
- Designed and taught undergraduate courses aligned with departmental outcomes and institutional mission.
- Engaged students through collaborative teaching methods and provided individualized academic advising.
- Assessed student performance using diverse evaluative tools and strategies.
- Mentored student-athletes and aspiring professionals in sports administration.
Weight Room Supervisor & Strength and Conditioning Coach
William Floyd School District
02.2016 - 07.2019
- Coordinated the usage of all indoor athletic facilities with an implemented system to ensure equity amongst all athletic teams regarding their season status.
- Developed training programs for injury prevention and performance enhancement across multiple sports.
- Improved athletic performance and retention through personalized training programs and advisement.
- Coordinated seasonal strength training schedules and ensured compliance with safety standards.
- Maintained equipment, enforced safety protocols, and supervised athlete use to promote a safe training environment.
- Supported the academic and physical development of high school athletes.
Office Manager
Sports Therapy, Physical Therapy
06.2012 - 07.2019
- Managed daily operations, ensuring effective scheduling, timely supply procurement, and organized records management.
- Standardized office policies, enhancing administrative efficiency and elevating patient service quality.
Education
M.S. - Sport Management
Adelphi University
Garden City, NY01-2018
B.S. - Exercise Science
Adelphi University
Garden City, NY01-2015
Skills
- Event coordination
- Event operations
- Venue management
- Facility operations
- Budgeting & Financial Oversight
- Risk management
- Emergency planning
- Policy enforcement
- Compliance oversight
- Space optimization
- Strategic efficiency
- Staff management
- Staff development
- Leadership development
- Team collaboration
Certification
- CPR/AED Instructor, American Red Cross, 04/2024
- Concussion Awareness Certified, 04/2024
- Mental Health First Aid Certified, 03/2023
Leadership Experience
- Chair, All Staff Student Training Committee - KU Recreation Services, 2023, 2024, 2025
- Chair, Marketing Coordinator Staff Hiring Committee - KU Recreation Services, 2025
- Committee Member, KURS Fun Run 5K Committee - KU Recreation Services, 2023, 2024
- Wellness Ambassador, KU Student Affairs, 2024, Present
- Committee Member, Hiring Committee - KU Counseling and Psychological Services Staff, 2023
- Event Director, Men's and Women's Basketball Playoffs - Continental Athletic Conference, 2023
- NAIA Governance Academy Attendee, 2022
- Advisor, Student Athlete Advisory Committee - Haskell Athletics, 2021, 2022, 2023
- Member, Phi Epsilon Kappa Professional Fraternity
- President, Adelphi University Equestrian Club, 2014, 2015
- Captain, Adelphi University Equestrian Club, 2013, 2014
- Founding Member, Adelphi University Women's Soccer Club, 2014, 2015
Timeline
General Manager
A-Team Sports Training Facility
08.2025 - Current
Interim Assistant Director, Intramurals
University of Kansas Recreation Services
04.2024 - 09.2024
Interim CPR-AED Course Coordinator
University of Kansas Recreation Services
04.2024 - 09.2024
Assistant Director, Sport Clubs
University of Kansas Recreation Services
08.2023 - Current
Adjunct Instructor Health Sport & Exercise Science
Haskell Indian Nations University
01.2020 - 05.2022
Assistant Athletic Director; Communications, Event Management & Compliance
Haskell Indian Nations University Athletics
08.2019 - 06.2023
Weight Room Supervisor & Strength and Conditioning Coach
William Floyd School District
02.2016 - 07.2019
Office Manager
Sports Therapy, Physical Therapy
06.2012 - 07.2019
M.S. - Sport Management
Adelphi University
B.S. - Exercise Science
Adelphi University