Virginia Military Institute Director of Intercollegiate Athletics

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Director of Intercollegiate Athletics provides leadership for a department of 55 coaches and staff who are committed to the development of 430 cadet-athletes across the varsity programs. As the leader of Keydet Athletics, the AD provides oversight of strategic planning, fiscal affairs, staffing, fundraising, athletics facilities, regulatory compliance, and general operations while consulting, collaborating and advising the VMI Superintendent, Superintendent’s Executive Staff, VMI Board of Visitors, Keydet Club Board of Governors and other University leadership groups on the issues critical to the Athletics Department’s success. The AD represents VMI and the Department with integrity while ensuring compliance with University, NCAA, Southern Conference and other affiliated conference policies, fosters a positive culture of diversity, opportunity, and inclusion, and promotes the role of athletics in the VMI and Lexington communities.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Identify, hire, support, mentor, and evaluate ethical and talented coaches, administrators, and support staff in all NCAA sports.
• Develop and implement comprehensive strategies for the VMI athletics program.
• Align the department’s goals with the overall mission, values, and strategic priorities of VMI.
• Foster a culture of innovation and excellence within the department.
• Create an efficient and productive operation for all athletic administrative staff.
• Identify priorities for Athletic facilities construction and capital improvement projects.
• Oversee the $16M budget and financial operations of the athletics department,
• Ensure compliance with University, SoCon, and NCAA rules, policies, and regulations.
• Manage facility development and maintenance to support athletics programs.
• Prioritize the academic success and personal development of cadet-athletes.
• Promote a healthy and supportive environment for cadet-athletes’ physical and mental well-being.
• Encourage community engagement and service among cadet-athletes.
• Ensure cadet-athletes are prepared for life after sports and have a secured career prior to graduation.
• Engage with donors, alumni, and corporate partners to secure financial support for athletics programs.
• Cultivate relationships and help secure major gifts.
• Actively participate in conference and national committees and discussions to advance the interests and well-being of cadet-athletes and intercollegiate athletics.
• Support and promote diversity, opportunity, and inclusion initiatives within the department.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson for VMI athletics.
• Enhance the visibility and reputation of the athletics department through effective communication and marketing efforts.
• Develop and implement comprehensive strategies for the Institute’s athletics programs.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• Master’s Degree strongly preferred.
• Minimum five years of experience in intercollegiate athletics administration with evidence of increased responsibility over time.
• Demonstrated understanding of leadership and administration of an NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletics program.
• Working knowledge of NCAA Division I athletics programs and what the requirements to achieve success at that level within the changing policy landscape. Experience dealing with issues such as NIL, transfer portal, conference realignment, Transformation Committee, and student-athlete mental health and wellness.
• Have significant senior-level management experience including experience with budgets, facilities, operations, personnel, academics, compliance, and student-athlete development.
• Demonstrated success in managing a multi-million-dollar budget.
• Demonstrate high integrity and ethical standards.
• Ability to meet and work well with the public and external stakeholders.
• Be highly cadet-centered in all decision-making with demonstrated commitment to supporting cadet-athlete health and safety as well as their academic, athletic, and personal success.
• Evidence of an ability to support an environment in which diversity is valued and incorporated in a full range of diversity, opportunity, and inclusion initiatives.
• Established record of achievement in the areas of marketing and promotions. Demonstrated ability to leverage media, marketing, and content strategy to enhance the visibility of VMI Athletics.