University of Akron Director of Athletics

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Director of Athletics provides leadership for a department of 100 coaches and staff who are deeply committed to the development of over 500 student-athletes across 18 varsity programs. As a member of the President’s executive leadership team and reporting directly to the President, the AD provides oversight of strategic planning, fiscal affairs, staffing, fundraising, athletics facilities, regulatory compliance, and general operations while also working closely with multiple internal and external constituencies to advance the University’s mission, strategic objectives, and goals. The AD represents the University of Akron and the Department with integrity while ensuring compliance with University, NCAA, Mid-American Conference and other affiliated conference policies, fosters a positive culture of equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging, and promotes the role of athletics in the UA and Northeast Ohio communities.

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.
• Develop a long-term vision for Zips Athletics that features an innovative approach to growing resources for a broad-based program that values all sports and student-athletes.
• Ensure the compliance of all Athletics Department employees with laws, policies, rules and regulations governing the University and its employees, as well as the rules of the NCAA and affiliated conferences.
• Ensure the academic excellence and integrity of all student-athletes.
• Responsible for the strategic planning, marketing, and program development of the Athletics department.
• Serve as a member of the president’s senior administrative staff, fulfilling responsibilities as assigned by the President.
• Fundraise and participate in alumni affairs in conjunction with the University.
• Serve as a results-oriented leader while identifying, hiring, supporting, and evaluating head coaches in all 18 varsity sports.
• Commit to collaboration with other leaders across campus, including the President’s Executive Committee and Board of Trustees, and in the broader Akron community to continue to enhance the reputation and quality of the university and Zips Athletics.
• Effectively navigate, via written and oral communication, competing interests among key constituents while facing public scrutiny.
• 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 affiliated conferences.
• Serve as a highly visible champion for Zips Athletics, effectively recruiting prospective student-athletes and their families and partner with UA’s advancement staff to form strong relationships with benefactors and effectively fundraise for the school.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Equivalent to seven years of progressively responsible experience in a senior athletic administration position or relevant transferable experience.
• Working knowledge of NCAA athletics programs and what is required to achieve success at in intercollegiate athletics within the changing policy landscape.
• Demonstrated high integrity and ethical standards.
• Evidence of effective leadership and the ability to manage and motivate others.
• Excellent organizational, management, planning and marketing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to represent the institution with professionalism and knowledge.
• Proven capability to manage multiple responsibilities and meet deadlines.
• An understanding for sound business operations and demonstrated experience working with and adhering to a balanced budget.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ten or more years of successful managerial experience with evidence of increased responsibility over time in NCAA collegiate athletics or a similar field.
• Comprehensive knowledge and experience with intercollegiate athletics as well as major issues and trends across the NCAA landscape (e.g. the House settlement, conference realignment, NIL, transfer portal, revenue sharing models, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability and strong commitment to fundraising and revenue generation.
• Ability to meet and work well with the public and external stakeholders, including the Board of Trustees, and develop and maintain a strong network of industry leaders, especially those at organizations that present future opportunities for the University.
• Extensive network of relationships with NCAA institutions and conference leadership.