Cal Poly Director of Athletics
California Polytechnic State University, located in San Luis Obispo, California, invites nominations and applications for the role of Director of Athletics.
About California Polytechnic State University
California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), established in 1901, is one of the 23-campus California State University system and boasts the second largest campus in California. Cal Poly is frequently ranked among the top higher education institutions in the world, including “Best in the West” and the #1 Most Innovative in the West by US News & World Report. Cal Poly’s six academic colleges offer over 150 major and minor programs and 50 graduate programs and the university’s “Learn by Doing” philosophy emphasizes integrating hands-on and experiential coursework into all curriculum.
Cal Poly Athletics (the Mustangs) sponsors 20 varsity teams at the NCAA Division I level, competing primarily in the Big West Conference with football competing in the Big Sky Conference and Wrestling competing in the Pac-12 Conference. Cal Poly is committed to providing a broad based, high quality, competitive, NCAA Division I athletic program that affords student-athletes opportunities to take advantage of Cal Poly’s unique “learn by doing” philosophy.
POSITION SUMMARY:
Cal Poly’s Athletics Director provides visionary leadership for a department of over XX coaches and staff who are deeply committed to the development of XX student-athletes across 20 varsity programs, overseeing the administration and development of a competitive Division I intercollegiate athletic program. Reporting to the President, the AD is tasked with fostering academic success, athletic excellence, and overall welfare of the student-athlete, while promoting a positive culture of equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging. The AD works closely with multiple internal and external constituencies to advance the University’s mission, strategic objectives, and goals. Additionally, the AD represents Cal Poly and the Department with a high degree of integrity while ensuring compliance with the mission and policies of the university and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) as well as the Big West, Big Sky and Pac-12 Conferences.
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide visionary leadership, strategic planning, and policy development while maintaining a program that is committed to the university’s mission and strategic priorities.
- Be an entrepreneurial leader who is willing to think outside of the box when solving problems or seeking opportunities while demonstrating knowledge of current issues across the intercollegiate athletic landscape (the House settlement, revenue sharing, private equity, NIL, the transfer portal).
- Administer the overall athletic budget and management of personnel, including coaches, administrators, and support staff.
- Develop overall revenue opportunities and relationships with constituents on and off campus, including fundraising and prospect development.
- Prioritize the measurable academic success of student-athletes, including their retention and graduation.
- Ensure department-wide compliance with the rules and regulations for the NCAA, Big West Conference, Big Sky Conference, Pac-12 Conference, and the university.
- Provide leadership with sound decision-making with regard to all department matters. Assist in formulating policies and procedures at the conference level for governing athletic programs.
- Evaluate annually all athletic team programs, coaches, and staff to effectively plan short and long-term strategic goals.
- Recruit, hire, supervise, evaluate, and develop coaches, and administrative staff within the Department of Athletics. Ensure that the Athletics Department has highly competent and diverse employees who are committed to not only winning, but to the welfare of student-athletes and to compliance with rules and regulations.
- Take responsibility for the financial management of the Athletic Department and oversight of the administration of the budget to ensure that fiscal integrity is maintained.
- Manage a culture of accountability for Head Coaches and Supervisors to manage their annual operating budgets and personnel budgets.
- Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills, fostering open communication and positive relationships with coaches and staff to enhance team collaboration and performance.
- Commit to elevating the student-athlete experience by prioritizing high academic success along with the health, welfare, and total development of student-athletes.
- Be an inspiring and innovative leader with great vision who can creatively connect with and motivate various stakeholders.
- Maximize visibility of the Athletic Department through effective public relations and media relations efforts and seek opportunities to strengthen relationships with local and regional media, and work to expand broadcasting of athletic events.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor’s degree required, with an advanced degree preferred.
- A minimum of ten (10) years of experience in athletic administration.
- A minimum of ten (10) years of progressive leadership experience in collegiate athletics administration.
- Working knowledge of NCAA Division I athletics programs and what is required to achieve success at that level within the changing policy landscape.
- Demonstrated high integrity and ethical standards.
- Excellent organizational, management, planning and marketing skills.
- Demonstrated ability to represent the institution with professionalism and knowledge.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Comprehensive knowledge and experience with FCS athletics programs and Division I basketball as well as major issues and trends across the NCAA landscape (e.g. NIL, transfer portal, House settlement, revenue sharing).
- Demonstrated ability to lead, manage, and develop staff and coaches.
- Experience in cultivation and stewardship of donors and in successful fundraising.
- Visionary leader who can garner philanthropical support for programs and students.
- Ability to communicate effectively. Develop and deliver multi-mode communications that support the unique needs of different audiences.
- Demonstrated ability to develop ongoing relationships with season ticket holders, members of the local community, and donors.
- Knowledge and experience with athletics-related budget, finance and accounting and experience in presenting financial summaries to key stakeholders.
- Ability to consistently achieve results, even under tough circumstances and thrive in fast-paced, high pressure environments.
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 Monday, August 25, 2025. No hard copy applications will be accepted. Nominations for the position and questions concerning the job requirements or hiring process should be directed to: mlanoue@collegiatesportsassociates.com.
SALARY: Commensurate with experience.
This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.
Cal Poly is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At Cal Poly, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.
Cal Poly is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Committed To Excellence
With over thirty years of experience in intercollegiate athletics, CSA delivers a unique level of service that effectively meets the needs of the nation’s leading universities and conferences.
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