Seattle State University – Director of Athletics and Recreation

Seattle State University invites nominations and applications for the position of Director of Athletics and Recreation.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY:

Located in Bellevue, Washington on the banks of Lake Washington across from Seattle, Seattle State University (SSU) was founded in 1905 and is a part of the Washington State University system. A key contributor to the Seattle metro, Seattle State has excelled in providing a quality education and hands-on learning experience to its 9,100 undergraduate and graduate students. Seattle State has gained a reputation for its practices in sustainability and exceptional programs in technology, nursing, education, social work, environmental sciences, and criminal justice, among others.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director of Athletics and Recreation has direct responsibility for Seattle State’s NCAA Division II Intercollegiate Athletics Program and approximately 380 student-athletes. The Seattle State Red Pandas compete in 14 varsity sports within the competitive Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC). The Director also maintains responsibility for the College’s intramural and club sport programs. The Director supervises a staff of approximately 60, manages an annual budget of $8.5 million, and serves on the Chancellor’s Cabinet.

The Director sets goals and implements strategies for the Athletics Department including strategies to enhance the academic experience for student-athletes. The Director fosters principles that encourage integrity, student-athlete well-being, diversity, and inclusiveness, while promoting an environment of excellence and success for every student at the University.

The Director leads athletics fundraising activities through the development of optimal strategies to promote broad engagement and participation by local communities, SSU alumni and other donor prospects. The Director partners with University Advancement in branding, marketing, and promoting the University’s athletics program, athletics events, and fundraising activities.

 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Develops, implements, and manages a strategic vision for the athletics program in alignment with the University’s mission and vision.
  • Serves as a spokesperson for intercollegiate athletics.
  • Leads athletics fundraising and participates in alumni affairs in conjunction with University Advancement.
  • Collaborates and communicates fundraising and development activities, both with internal and external constituency groups.
  • Develops and oversees budgets for the Athletics Department and other departments within AD’s scope of authority. Assures financial integrity and compliance of assigned areas.
  • Develops long- and short-term financial forecasts and collaborates with the University’s CFO to ensure proper oversight of revenues and expenses.
  • Markets and promotes athletics programs, athletics events, and other programs within the AD’s scope of authority.
  • Demonstrates excellence in public and media relations throughout the local, regional, and national stage.
  • Develops and oversees programs to ensure academic excellence for student-athletes.
  • Ensures compliance of all Athletics Department employees with the applicable policies, rules and regulations of the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) and Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC).
  • Guides the day-to-day operations of the Athletics Department, and the intercollegiate, club, and intramural sports programs.
  • Develops strategic plans that enhance organizational development and personnel management and evaluation.
  • Values the safety and health of students, faculty, and staff as a top priority. Serves as an advocate for student-athlete well-being and the athletics program in general.
  • Maintains compliance with Title IX.
  • Promotes effective communication among all institutional constituents and advocates for athletic, intramural, and physical education programs.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Bachelor’s degree is required; a post graduate degree(s) is preferred.
  • Minimum of Five (5) years of progressive senior-level management experience in intercollegiate athletics, preferably at the NCAA Division II level.
  • Strong Interpersonal skills and the ability to develop positive relationships with internal and external constituents.
  • Evidence of successfully interacting with governing boards and volunteer support groups
  • Successful record of managing coaches and staff and a high degree of knowledge of NCAA Division II athletics.
  • Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to compliance with NCAA regulations.
  • Demonstrated success in managing a sizable budget.
  • Evidence of successfully generating revenues for a complex organization.
  • Demonstrated strong supervisory, planning, and fiscal competencies.
  • General understanding of enrollment management practices at a college or university, especially with regard to the relationship between enrollment and the health and viability of athletics and physical education programs.
  • Demonstrated experience with strategic planning, program development and assessment in a college or university environment.
  • Demonstrated respect for diversity of identities and experiences, with an orientation toward equity, inclusion, and cultural competency in all aspects of campus life.

 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Familiarity with the GNAC and other peer institutions in the region
  • National or Conference leadership experience through committees or other governing bodies.

 

APPLICATIONS:  The position will remain open until filled; however, for best consideration, applicants are encouraged to submit a letter of application, resume, and any other relevant materials electronically using the form on this page. Questions about the position and nominations should be directed to steph@collegiatesportsassociates.com.

 

Seattle State University is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer / M / F / Veteran / Disabled.

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