Elon University’s Director of Athletics

Elon Athletics (the Phoenix) offers opportunities that enrich the lives of student-athletes and that are consistent with and complementary to the university’s mission. Elon sponsors 17 NCAA Division I varsity sports for approximately 475 student-athletes and is a full-time member of the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). Since 2006, Phoenix teams and individuals have won a combined 87 conference championships, and teams and individuals have appeared in postseason play on 35 occasions. Elon teams have appeared in national rankings 32 times, and 27 student-athletes have captured conference player of the year honors. In the current academic year (2022-2023) Phoenix football earned an at-large bid to the FCS playoffs, men’s soccer finished as CAA regular season and tournament runner-up and earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament, women’s cross country won the CAA Championship, and the Phoenix women won the inaugural CAA indoor track & field championship. All 17 sports have multi-year academic progress rates of 984 or above, with ten teams posting a perfect single-year rate in 2020-21.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director of Athletics provides leadership for a department of 110 coaches and staff who are deeply committed to student-athlete success. The director is responsible for overseeing 17 varsity sports, engaging more than 475 student-athletes. As leader of Elon Athletics, the AD maintains a positive culture within the department and promotes the role of athletics in the community culture, nourishing a strong bond of loyalty and spirit among students, faculty and staff, parents, alumni, friends of the university and fans of Phoenix athletics. The AD is responsible for fielding teams that sustain competitive success and for continuing Elon’s strong record of student-athlete academic achievement and graduation rate as measured by the NCAA and the CAA. The Director guides the overall direction of the athletic department in concert with the values and mission of the university. The Director reports directly to the president.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide leadership for all aspects of the intercollegiate athletics programs of the university, including matters pertaining to personnel, academic and athletic success, budget, facilities, operations, fundraising, compliance and student-athlete welfare and development.
• Responsible for the strategic planning, marketing, and program development of the Athletics department.
• Develop and manage the department’s operational budget and financial affairs in conjunction with the university’s Provost and CFO.
• Build and manage strategic budget and resource plans for the Athletics program.
• Report directly to the President of the university and serve as a member of the president’s senior administrative staff, fulfilling responsibilities as assigned by the President.
• Identify, hire, support, and evaluate head coaches in all 17 varsity sports.
• Manage the athletic facilities and directs athletic events.
• Ensure full compliance with NCAA rules, conference policies, and university standards.
• Ensure the academic excellence and integrity of student athletes.
• Develop funds for the department and work with donors.
• Commit to collaboration with other leaders across campus and in the broader community to continue to enhance the reputation and quality of the university and Phoenix athletics.
• Support and promote an environment in which diversity, in all its forms, is valued and incorporated in the full range of activities.
• Represent the University nationally to the NCAA and Colonial Athletic Association.
• Serve as a highly visible champion for Elon athletics, effectively recruiting prospective student-athletes and their families and partner with Elon’s advancement staff to form strong relationships with benefactors and effectively fundraise for the school.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• • A Bachelor’s Degree is required with a Master’s Degree strongly preferred.
  • Minimum of ten (10) years of Division I athletic administrative experience and/or similar type of leadership role in relevant field.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• • Comprehensive knowledge of intercollegiate athletics, including experience at the Division I FCS or I-AAA level · Focus on student success, with demonstrated commitment to supporting student-athlete health, safety, and holistic wellness, as well as their academic, athletic, and personal success
  • Demonstrate vision and passion for the values of higher education
  • Have significant senior-level management experience including experience with budgets, facilities, operations, personnel, academics, compliance and student-athlete development
  • Excellent organizational, management, planning and marketing skills
  • Demonstrate high integrity and ethical standards
  • Ability to meet and work well with the public and external stakeholders, including the Board of Trustees