Edition #66
September 9, 2026
Welcome to The W Profile, a study of the women leading at the intersection of sports, media, and global business. As college athletics adopts professional structures, it is instructive to look to the visionaries who have already mastered the complexities of the corporate world. By bringing C-Suite lessons to the athletics community, this series will provide leaders with the insights necessary to build a lasting legacy.
Post HERE to maximize the reach of your job openings, while enjoying the most affordable posting price offered in the industry. More bang, less bucks.
Introduction
The highest levels of professional sports ownership are typically dominated by executives whose careers were forged in ruthless corporate boardrooms or legacy real estate empires. Neeru Khosla arrives at the pinnacle of the NFL from an entirely different arena: the relentless pursuit of global educational equity. In September 2026, the Khosla family finalized the monumental $9.6 billion acquisition of the Seattle Seahawks, with Neeru stepping into the historic role of controlling owner.
She is responsible for the overarching stewardship of the Super Bowl-champion franchise and serves as the President of the Seahawks Charitable Foundation. Her leadership is defined by a fierce commitment to removing barriers to access, an early and deeply technical embrace of artificial intelligence, and a philosophy that true institutional power should be leveraged to elevate the community, not just the balance sheet.
From Molecular Biology to Market Disruption
Khosla’s path to the NFL owners' suite is built on a foundation of rigorous scientific inquiry. Growing up in India and England, she initially planned to become a doctor before pivoting to molecular biology. After moving to the U.S. in 1980 with her husband, Vinod Khosla (who would go on to co-found Sun Microsystems and Khosla Ventures), she earned a master’s degree in molecular biology from San Jose State University and studied gene expression at Stanford.
However, her most profound impact occurred when she combined this analytical rigor with her subsequent master's degree from the Stanford Graduate School of Education. In 2007, she co-founded the CK-12 Foundation, a nonprofit organization designed to radically disrupt the K-12 education market. Under her leadership as Executive Director, CK-12 utilized open-source, multi-modal content and artificial intelligence to eliminate the exorbitant cost of academic textbooks. By the time she assumed control of the Seahawks, she possessed a highly unique executive playbook: she didn't just understand how to scale a business; she knew exactly how to leverage emerging technology to democratize access for hundreds of millions of users worldwide.
The Khosla Playbook
Khosla approaches leadership with a strategy that treats technological innovation and social equity as deeply intertwined forces. Her playbook encompasses three critical pillars:
➤ AI as an Equalizer, Not a Replacement: Long before artificial intelligence became a corporate buzzword, Khosla integrated it into CK-12's infrastructure. She championed tools like the Flexi AI Tutor to personalize the learning experience. Crucially, she views AI not as a cost-cutting measure to replace humans, but as a diagnostic tool to understand how users think, identify misconceptions, and provide targeted, equitable support.
➤ The "Open Source" Ethos: Her success with the CK-12 Foundation was built on the belief that vital resources should not be hidden behind prohibitive paywalls. This "open content" philosophy translates into a leadership style that values transparency, community engagement, and the removal of systemic barriers—principles she intends to bring to her stewardship of the Seahawks Charitable Foundation.
➤ Transformative Stewardship: In taking control of the Seahawks from the estate of the late Paul Allen, Khosla recognizes the massive civic responsibility of sports ownership. She and her family (with her husband Vinod serving as Chair and her son Neal as Vice Chair) emphasize that their mandate is not just to maintain a winning football culture, but to deepen the franchise's legacy as a foundational pillar of the Pacific Northwest community.
Lessons on Agility and Impact
Khosla has built a reputation as a leader who refuses to be confined to a single discipline. She leads with the understanding that a diverse, interdisciplinary background—spanning biology, education, technology, and philanthropy—is actually a massive executive advantage, allowing a leader to see structural solutions that rigid, single-industry lifers miss.
Crucially, she is an advocate for utilizing massive capital to force positive change. Her work on the advisory boards of the Wikimedia Foundation, DonorsChoose, and Stanford University demonstrates a consistent drive to elevate institutions that empower the public. Her success proves that the most formidable modern owners are those who view a sports franchise not merely as a localized entertainment business, but as a massive, scalable platform to drive civic engagement.
Takeaways
➤ Interdisciplinary Experience is a Moat: Khosla’s background in biology, education, and technology proves that highly adaptable executives are built by merging distinct disciplines to solve complex problems from fresh angles.
➤ Technology Must Serve the User: Her early adoption of AI at CK-12 demonstrates that the most effective use of machine learning is not to replace human connection, but to personalize the user experience and remove barriers to entry.
➤ Ownership is Stewardship: By prioritizing the Seahawks Charitable Foundation and community engagement from day one, she highlights that modern sports ownership is fundamentally a civic responsibility, requiring a deep, localized commitment to the fans.
➤ Focus on the Barrier, Not the Product: Khosla didn't just want to build better textbooks; she wanted to eliminate the financial barrier preventing kids from learning. Elite leaders focus their operational energy on removing the friction that stops their core audience from succeeding.
Read. Watch. Listen.
READ: Coverage of the historic $9.6B acquisition of the Seattle Seahawks, detailing how the Khosla family navigated the complex sale process and their explicit commitment to honoring the deep connection between the franchise and the "12s" (the fans) of the Pacific Northwest. (link)
READ: Khosla’s sitdown with the Stanford PACS Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society in which she talks about how philanthropy can provide catalytic capital to strengthen public infrastructure and address educational inequities. (link)
WATCH: Khosla talk about what she’s learned from launching Flexi, CK-12’s AI tutor, why standardized testing misses the most important part of learning, why teachers need support, visibility, and confidence, why AI literacy may become as fundamental as reading, writing, and math, how curiosity, mentorship, and community shape better learning outcomes and why “attention is all you need” is no longer enough. (link)
Quote to Remember
It is very hard to change systems, but you must keep trying, and do so alongside people who are equally, if not more, committed to making change in whatever issue you care about. There is no one way to do good in the world.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Renee James – Founder and CEO, Rule42
Publication Date: Sunday, September 6
Kwanza Jones – Principal Owner, San Diego Padres
Publication Date: Wednesday, September 2
Charlene Polite Corley – Vice President of Diverse Insights & Partnerships, Nielsen
Publication Date: Sunday, August 30
W Jobs is a dedicated distribution channel that highlights leadership and professional opportunities in college athletics for women who want greater visibility into the full range of roles across the industry.
Positions featured here are also posted on the comprehensive CollegeSports.jobs site and are open to all qualified candidates. W Jobs exists to expand awareness, not define who a role is for, because every job in college athletics should be accessible to women. Employers choose to amplify their postings through W Jobs to reach a broader audience and demonstrate their commitment to equitable access to opportunity.
Interested in expanding your reach by promoting your job to women subscribed to College.town publications? Submit your position here.
(Posted from most recent over the last 15 days)
Assistant Director of Motion Graphics - Creative Services (University Athletic Association, Inc. at the University of Florida / Gainesville, FL): Lead the creative direction, design, and production of high-impact motion graphics and animated video board content. More details HERE.
Director, Annual Giving (University of Arizona / Tucson, AZ): Drive donor engagement and strengthen relationships through Arizona Athletics' annual giving program, helping build lasting connections and philanthropic support. More details HERE.
Jamie and Ellen Pollard Endowed Director of Athletics (Iowa State University / Ames, IA): Iowa State seeks a visionary, strategic leader to serve as its next Director of Athletics and build upon a proud tradition of innovation and competitive excellence. More details HERE. What would it cost to move to Ames? Click HERE. The D1.dossier for this position is available HERE.
Executive Assistant to the CEO (University of South Carolina / Columbia, SC): Provide high-level executive support to the Gamecock Club CEO by managing communications, scheduling, travel, donor relations, Board activities, and key strategic projects. More details HERE.
Senior Director/Director, Game Presentation - Marketing & Promotions (University Athletic Association, Inc. at the University of Florida / Gainesville, FL): Lead the strategic vision and planning of the in-venue entertainment experience for assigned sports. Responsible for end-to-end production leadership and execution of live game presentation elements. More details HERE.
Assistant Track & Field Throwing Coach (Loras College / Dubuque, IA): POSITION SUMMARY Responsible for recruiting and coaching throwers for the Men's/Women's Track & Field program within established college, A-R-C and NCAA guidelines. More details HERE.
Account Executive (University of Notre Dame / Notre Dame, IN): The Account Executive drives revenue and achieves predetermined sales goals related to securing and retaining football, men's and women's basketball, and hockey ticket and hospitality revenue. More details HERE.
Assistant Director, Marketing & Fan Experience (University of Notre Dame / Notre Dame, IN): Assistant Director, Marketing & Fan Experience is the primary fan experience/marketing contact for assigned sports, overseeing promotional planning, game presentation, and campus/community outreach. More details HERE.
Operations Manager (University of Notre Dame / Notre Dame, IN): The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations for Joyce Center, along with leadership for facility operations, maintenance, event logistics, and administrative functions. More details HERE.
Director of Aquatics (Trinity University – Texas / San Antonio, TX): Responsible for operating, staffing, maintaining, and oversight for Hixon Natatorium and the outdoor pool. More details HERE.
Assistant Athletic Director, Development (California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo / San Luis Obispo, CA): Serve as a professional in the Athletic Department to cultivate & solicit former student athletes & coaches, alumni, parents, friends, community members, foundations & corporations for contributions. More details HERE.
Associate Director of Athletics, Wellness, & Recreation - Operations (SUNY New Paltz / New Paltz, NY): The Associate Director of Athletics, Wellness, & Recreation - Operations serves as the department's lead administrator for operational needs and event management. More details HERE.
Assistant Athletic Trainer - 10-month Position (Loras College / Dubuque, IA): Assists in the oversight of all aspects of health care for Loras College student-athletics within the guidelines set forth by Loras College, the American Rivers Conference, and the NCAA Division III. More details HERE.
Assistant Director, Live Events & Video Services (Army West Point / West Point, NY): Execution of live events by overseeing equipment, ideation, and the creative process in preparation of graphics and videos. More details HERE.
Assistant Director, Strategic Communications (University of Arizona / Tucson, AZ): Drive the Arizona Athletics brand through strategic storytelling, media relations, digital content, and championship-caliber communications that inspire fans and stakeholders. More details HERE.
Assistant Coach, Men's & Women's Tennis, Part Time (Loyola University Maryland / Baltimore, MD): Assist Head Tennis Coach in daily coaching and training operations, as well as support programs in all aspects to create a positive Division I student-athlete experience. More details HERE.
Assistant Coach, Men's and Women's Cross Country & Women's Track (Loyola University Maryland / Baltimore, MD): Work in conjunction with the Head XC/Track & Field Coach in daily coaching and training operations, as well as support programs to create a positive Division I student-athlete experience. More details HERE.
Assistant Coach - Cross Country and Track & Field (Cleveland State University / Cleveland, OH): Serve as the Assistant Cross Country and Track and Field Coach for our Women program nesseled in downtown Cleveland, Ohio. More details HERE.
Director of Compliance & Governance (Pac-12 Conference / San Ramon, CA): The Director of Compliance and Governance plays a critical role in supporting and administering the Pac-12 Conference's NCAA and Conference compliance programs. More details HERE.
Assistant Athletic Director for Creative Strategy & Social Media (University of Texas at Dallas / Richardson, TX): The Assistant Athletic Director for Creative Strategy and Social Media serves as the Athletics Department coordinator of game-day promotions, social media and marketing. More details HERE.
Athletic Assistant Director of Compliance (Kennesaw State University / Kennesaw, GA): Oversees athletic compliance with NCAA, conference, and university regulations; monitors adherence, provides training, and supports development and implementation of compliance policies. More details HERE.
Assistant Equipment Manager (Army West Point / West Point, NY): Procuring, supervising, and maintaining uniforms, equipment, and gear for all athletes, coaches, and support staff, ensuring that all health and safety measures are implemented and maintained. More details HERE.
Athletic Trainer (Army West Point / West Point, NY): Provides care, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries and related problems in cadet-athletes. Assumes primary responsibility for assigned team - Men's Soccer. More details HERE.
Part-Time Assistant Men's Volleyball Coach (Loras College / Dubuque, IA): Performs volleyball coaching and management activities, including recruitment of student-athletes in a National Collegiate Athletic Association--Division III intercollegiate Men's Volleyball program. More details HERE.
Coordinator, Creative Video & Reporter (Army West Point / West Point, NY): Developing, producing, and executing original multimedia content that enhances the visibility and reputation of Army West Point Athletics. More details HERE.
Director, Marketing and Fan Experience, Athletics (Kennesaw State University / Kennesaw, GA): Assists with coaching, recruiting, scheduling, budgeting, fundraising, player development, academic support, & administrative duties while ensuring compliance with KSU, NCAA, & conference regulations. More details HERE.
Coordinator of Intercollegiate Programming (Princeton University / Princeton, NJ): As the primary scheduler, the coordinator issues contracts for varsity contests, serves as game day event ops manager, provides support to Director, and coordinates the use of Teamworks for Athletics. More details HERE.
Associate Director of Athletic Compliance (Syracuse University / Syracuse, NY): Manages day-to-day compliance operations for 4 NCAA Division I sports. This role leads the admissions, VISA/ I-20 logistics and initial eligibility certification for all sports. More details HERE.
Assistant Athletic Director, Marketing (California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo / San Luis Obispo, CA): Cal Poly Athletics is seeking an experienced athletics marketing professional to join our team. More details HERE.
Director of Athletics Eligibility & Institutional Services (Colgate University / Hamilton, NY): A critical role within Colgate Athletics' student-athlete holistic support structure, primarily overseeing athletics eligibility and institutional services supporting the student-athlete experience. More details HERE.
Director, Social Media & Digital Content (University of Arizona / Tucson, AZ): Turn moments into movements. Lead Arizona Athletics' social media strategy and digital storytelling to connect, engage, and grow the Wildcat community. More details HERE.
Assistant Director, Financial Reporting & Analysis (University of Notre Dame / Notre Dame, IN): The Assistant Director, Financial Reporting & Analysis serves as a key financial contributor responsible for operational execution and analytical oversight of the department's financial activities. More details HERE.
Assistant Athletic Director of Business and Finance (Florida International University / Miami, FL): Manages daily operations and financial impact of sport team activities in assigned area and oversees the coordination of travel for intercollegiate athletics Teams, etc... More details HERE.