Director of Athletics

Reporting to the President and serving as a member of the President’s Cabinet, the Director of Athletics is a visionary and strategic leader for all athletic programs at the University. The position serves as a role model for ethical leadership to ensure full compliance with all applicable NCAA, athletic conference and university policies, rules and regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides leadership and vision for the athletics department, ensuring alignment with the university's mission and strategic goals.
• Establishes long-range goals and strategic planning to develop and sustain a successful athletic program.
• Ensures strict adherence to all NCAA and conference regulations, and university compliance policies, rules and regulations, as well as ethical standards of behavior.
• Provides oversight of intercollegiate athletics programs, including budgeting, fundraising, staffing, compliance, facilities and game day operations, ensuring competitiveness within the conference.
• Champions the academic success and well-being of student-athletes, fostering a culture of academic excellence and integrity.
• Establishes and ensures a safe environment for student-athletes.
• Recruits, hires and retains high-performing coaches and athletic department staff, building successful teams.
• Works in collaboration with the Office of University Advancement to develop and maintain strong relationships with donors, alumni and the campus community to secure financial support for athletics.
• Oversees and coordinates game-day operations, including fan engagement activities like tailgating, and works to create a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere that enhances the overall spectator experience.
• Serves as a primary spokesperson for the Department of Athletics, promoting the philosophy and mission of the university and its athletic programs with the university community, the media and the general public.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required. A degree in sports administration, kinesiology or related field is preferred.
• Five years’ experience in NCAA athletics administration is required.
• Coaching or playing experience at the collegiate level is preferred.
• Strong understanding of NCAA and conference rules and regulations.
• Proven ability to mentor coaches and staff.
• An understanding of and demonstrated commitment to the student-athlete recruitment process and the ability to collaborate with Admissions staff in the enrollment of student-athletes.
• Proven successful track record of fundraising, creation of external partnerships, fiscal management and sport supervision.