St. John’s University Director of Athletics

St. John’s University, located in Queens, New York, invites nominations and applications for the role of Director of Athletics.

About St. John’s University

St. John’s University, established in 1870, has three New York City campuses; international locations in Rome, Italy; Limerick, Ireland; and Paris, France; and study abroad locations around the world. Ranked among America’s top universities by The Princeton Review, St. John’s University educates leaders for today’s global society through quality academics, high-tech resources and an expanding international presence. With 1,500 Faculty and 1,700 Administrators/Staff, St. John’s is a leading Catholic University in the Vincentian tradition, dedicated to making a positive difference in people’s lives through active engagement in issues of energy and resource conservation, social justice and global citizenship. St. John’s University offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs in its six colleges and schools, with a growing number of programs offered online. A dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion is at the heart of our mission.  As a Catholic and Vincentian university, St. John’s is committed to institutionalizing practices of inclusive excellence to ensure that we welcome and celebrate the intrinsic worth of all members of our community. 

St. John’s Athletics (the Red Storm) sponsors 17 NCAA Division I athletic programs with proud and storied traditions. A charter member of the BIG EAST Conference, St. John’s is committed to developing leaders, scholars and champions in the spirit of its Catholic and Vincentian tradition. Located in the entertainment and media capital of the world, the Red Storm bears the moniker of “New York’s Team” with the men’s basketball squad playing a percentage of its home games at “The World’s Most Famous Arena,” Madison Square Garden.

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Director of Athletics provides leadership for a department of approximately 90 coaches and staff who are deeply committed to the success of 17 varsity sports and more than 300 student-athletes. The Athletic Director plays a critical leadership role in fostering a culture of academic and athletic excellence, integrity, and success in the St. John’s University Athletics program. The Athletic Director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the University’s athletic programs and spirit groups, including strategic planning, fiscal management, personnel, facilities, revenue growth, marketing, ticket sales, compliance, and student athlete wellness. This position works closely with University leadership, including the President and Board of Trustees, and reports directly to Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer Joe Oliva, to align the Athletics Department’s goals with the broader mission and objectives of the University.

KEY DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Leadership and Strategic Planning:

  • Provide visionary leadership for the Athletics Department, setting strategic goals and objectives aligned with the University’s mission and values, and establishing strategic partnerships and initiatives that support revenue growth to meet the evolving needs of collegiate athletics.
  • Develop a Strategic Plan for the growth and success of the University’s athletic programs, consistent with the University’s overall direction, goals, and budgeting processes.
  • Foster a culture of competitive success while maintaining a strong focus on respect, integrity, sportsmanship, and excellence among student athletes, coaches, and staff and administrators.
  • Collaborate effectively with other University departments, including but not limited to Business Affairs, Institutional Advancement, Marketing and Communications, General Counsel, Human Resources, Office of Equity and Inclusion, and the schools and colleges to coordinate activities, adhere to policies and procedures, and seek guidance as needed.

Compliance and Governance:

  • Ensure the Athletics Department adheres to all NCAA, Big East Conference, Title IX, and University policies, rules, and regulations.
  • Oversee Athletics compliance and training programs, and monitor adherence to policies, rules, and regulations.
  • Act as the primary liaison with the NCAA and the Big East Conference on compliance matters.

Student-Athlete Wellness:

  • Actively support the holistic development of student athletes, including their academic, physical, and mental well-being. Visibly advocate for student development, community service, and life skills programs as critical components of the overall athletic and educational experience.
  • Oversee the Student Athletic Advisory Council.
  • Promote academic achievement and graduate rates among student athletes.
  • Develop programs and initiatives to support student athlete development and leadership, ensuring they have access to resources needed to succeed in both their athletic pursuits and academic endeavors.

Facilities and Operations:

  • Oversee the maintenance and enhancement of athletic facilities, ensuring they meet the needs of the athletic programs and provide safe and supportive environments for all users.
  • Plan and manage capital projects, ensuring facilities meet the needs of the Athletics program.
  • Ensure efficient and effective operations of all athletic events and activities.

Community and Public Relations:

  • Represent the University at professional meetings and other special or public events.
  • Serve as the primary spokesperson for the Athletics Department, representing the St. John’s University Athletics program to external stakeholders.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with alumni, donors, fans, and the local community.
  • Oversee ticket sales and operations, ensuring they are efficient, customer-focused, and generate maximum revenue.
  • Promote the University’s Athletics program and enhance the overall reputation of St. John’s through media relations, marketing, and community engagement.

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    Fiscal Management:

    • Oversee the Athletics Department budget, ensuring financial stability and accountability.
    • Identify and secure funding sources, including fundraising, sponsorships, and revenue-generating activities.
    • Manage vendor relationships and contracts, ensuring that services and products meet the needs and standards of the Athletics Department.
    • Collaborate with the Business Affairs Department to manage financial operations, including budget planning, forecasting, and reporting. Adhere to university standards for budget management.

    Personnel Management:

    • Motivate coaches, staff, and administrators to deliver high performance results while emphasizing a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, as well as a balanced approach to athletics, academics, and community service.
    • Promote professional development opportunities and create a positive work environment.
    • Collaborate with the Office of Human Resources in making hiring, disciplinary, and termination decisions as needed.

    MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

    • Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
    • At least 10 years of progressive leadership and management experience, preferably in athletic administration at the NCAA Division I level or a related field.
    • Demonstrated success in fundraising, budget management, and strategic planning.
    • Strong knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations.
    • Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
    • Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
    • Commitment to the academic and athletic success of student athletes.
    • Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and a track record of promoting these values in athletics.

    PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

    • Hold a deep appreciation for St. John’s’ history and Vincentian values and an unwavering commitment to uphold its Mission and Vision.
    • Demonstrate understanding and support for the institution’s mission to serve all people, particularly those lacking economic, physical or social advantages.
    • Have experience and familiarity working at institutions or organizations in the New York City area or similar markets.
    • Lead with strong values that align with those of the University.
    • Demonstrate unwavering integrity and courage and demand the same from all coaches, staff, and student-athletes.
    • Ability to work collaboratively with other campus leaders and contribute to the life of the University well-beyond the role as a traditional AD and ensure that Athletics is not siloed from the broader university.
    • Experience working with highly successful basketball programs and high-profile coaches. Create a strategy to bring St. John’s basketball programs back to national prominence.
    • Bring experience and confidence managing large, diverse operations and accompanying budgets.
    • Serve as an exceptional steward of assets under the AD’s management.
    • Have experience growing resources by maximizing exciting opportunities while embracing innovation.
    • Demonstrate a high degree of emotional intelligence and ability to connect with the broader St. John’s community.
    • Confidently represent Red Storm Athletics and St. John’s University as a public-facing figure.
    • Lead the discussion within the BIG EAST Conference and national landscape related to the future of college athletics.

    APPLICATIONS: The position will remain open until filled; but, for best consideration, applicants are encouraged to submit a letter of application and resume electronically via: www.collegiatesportsassociates.com by August 14, 2024. No hard copy applications will be accepted. Nominations for the position and questions concerning the job requirements or hiring process should be directed to: steph@collegiatesportsassociates.com.

    SALARY: Base Salary between $450,000-500,000.

    St. John’s University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from women and minorities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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