Kurt Svoboda

Kurt Svoboda is an accomplished athletics administrator who recently joined the University of Washington (UW) athletic department as Deputy Athletic Director for External Relations.15 Here's a comprehensive overview of his background and career:

Professional Experience

University of Washington: Svoboda was hired by UW Athletics Director Pat Chun on June 7, 2024, as the fourth and final member of UW's deputy athletic leadership team.1 In this role, he will be responsible for external relations as the university transitions to the Big Ten Conference.

University of Michigan: Prior to joining UW, Svoboda spent nine years at the University of Michigan as associate athletic director of external communications and public relations.1 During his time there, he:

• Oversaw communications, digital and creative staffs, and digital marketing efforts
• Launched Michigan's NIL platform, the Victors Local Exchange
• Served as the department's primary liaison to the Big Ten Network and various campus groups
• Worked with Michigan's rights holder, Learfield, on digital and creative initiatives

Stanford University: Svoboda worked at Stanford for two years (2013-2015) as senior assistant athletic director for public relations and strategic communications.1 His responsibilities included:

• Serving as chief public affairs and departmental spokesperson
• Acting as the primary football contact for media relations
• Being the main contact for the Pac-12 Network

Harvard University: From 2005 to 2013, Svoboda held the position of assistant athletic director for public relations at Harvard.2 His duties included:

• Serving as the chief public affairs and media relations executive
• Acting as the department spokesperson
• Being the primary contact for multiple programs, including football, men's basketball, and baseball
• Launching Harvard's multimedia and production unit

Education

• Master's degree in finance and control from Harvard University, graduating with honors3
• B.S. in exercise & sports sciences and sport management from Colby-Sawyer College (N.H.)1

Personal

Svoboda is married to Joanna, and they have a son named Jaxon.1 He currently resides in Seattle, Washington.4

Achievements and Recognition

• Four-year letterwinner on the baseball team at Colby-Sawyer College, earning academic all-conference honors twice1
• Honored as a Colby-Sawyer Distinguished Alumnus in 20141
• Completed a certificate in Foundations of Leadership at Harvard in 20122

Kurt Svoboda's extensive experience in athletic administration, particularly in external relations and communications, makes him a valuable addition to the University of Washington's athletic department as they prepare for their transition to the Big Ten Conference.