University of Atlanta – Director of Intercollegiate Athletics

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Director of Athletics provides leadership for a department of 202 coaches and staff who are deeply committed to the development of over 450 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 and Department with integrity while ensuring compliance with University, NCAA, and Sun Belt Conference policies, fosters a positive culture of equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging, and promotes the role of athletics in the UA and greater Atlanta communities.

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.
• Serve as an advocate for student-athlete mental health and well-being.
• Develop, implement, and manage a strategic vision for the athletics program.
• Serve as a member of the president’s senior administrative staff, fulfilling responsibilities as assigned by the President.
• Ensure alignment of the athletics program with the mission of the University.
• Hire, manage, and evaluate a large staff.
• Develops long- and short-term financial forecasts and collaborates with the University’s CFO to ensure proper oversight of revenues and expenses.
• Develops optimal strategies to promote broad engagement and participation by local communities, UAtlanta alumni and other donor prospects via collaboration with University Advancement.
• Market and promote the athletics program and athletics events.
• Effectively navigate, via written and oral communication, competing interests among key constituents while facing public scrutiny.
• Demonstrates excellence in public and media relations throughout the local, regional, and national stage
• Oversee programs to ensure academic excellence for student-athletes.
• Ensure the compliance of all Athletics Department employees with the laws, policies, rules and regulations governing the University and its employees, as well as the rules of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and Sun Belt (SBC).
• Serve as a highly visible champion for Aviator Athletics.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Aligns with and embraces the mission and values of the University of Atlanta and the NCAA.
• Bachelor’s degree is required; post graduate degree(s) preferred.
• At least five (5) years of senior-level management experience in intercollegiate athletics or a related field, preferably in higher education athletics administration and at the NCAA Division I level.
• Experience with NIL-related policies and laws, the transfer portal, and the ongoing conversation about revenue-sharing models.
• Maintains a philosophy and vision for the University that supports the holistic growth, development, and academic excellence of student-athletes.
• Exceptional 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 I athletics programs.
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to compliance with NCAA regulations.
• Demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion.
• Demonstrated success in managing a sizable budget.
• Evidence of successfully generating revenues for a complex organization.
• Understanding of and a commitment to raising private support from donors, corporations and foundations, including NIL collectives.
• Successful record of management of fiscal and human resources in a complex organization.
• Demonstrated respect for diversity of identities and experiences, with an orientation toward equity, inclusion, and cultural competency in all aspects of campus life.