Seattle State University – Director of Athletics and Recreation

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Director of Athletics and Recreation has direct responsibility for Seattle State’s NCAA Division II Intercollegiate Athletics Program and a department of 75 coaches and staff and 380 student-athletes. As a member of the Chancellor’s Cabinet, the Director provides oversight of strategic planning and strategic visioning, including the development of innovative 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.

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 highly-visible champion and spokesperson for intercollegiate athletics.
• Leads athletics fundraising through the development of optimal strategies to promote broad engagement and participation by local communities, SSU alumni and other donor prospects.
• Participates in alumni affairs in conjunction with University Advancement.
• 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, health and mental well-being of students, faculty, and staff as a top priority.
• Maintains compliance with Title IX.
• Promotes effective communication among all institutional constituents and advocates for athletic, intramural, and physical education programs.
• Lead with strong values that align with those of the University and demonstrate unwavering integrity.
• Work collaboratively with other campus leaders and contribute to the life of the University.

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.
• Creatively connect and collaborate with, then inspire and motivate, a wide range of stakeholders such as student-athletes, coaches, athletics staff, University faculty and staff, donors, alumni, fans, and external partners.
• 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.
• Experience dealing with the issues that define college athletics today (e.g., NIL, pay for play, transfer portal, NCAA transformation, mental health & safety, conference realignment, legal challenges, etc.).
• Demonstrated success in managing a sizable budget.
• Bring experience in revenue generating initiatives (marketing, sales, promotion, and event management sponsorships, media rights, affinity partnerships, branding, etc.).
• 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.