Director of Athletics #001631

Posting Details

Posting Information

Posting Number

EHRA949P

Quick Link for Internal Postings

https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/30550

Classification Title

Director

Working Title

View Full Description

Posting Details

Posting Information

Posting Number

EHRA949P

Quick Link for Internal Postings

https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/30550

Classification Title

Director

Working Title

Director of Athletics #001631

Department

Office of Athletic Programs

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary commensurate with experience.

About WCU

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes ‘Best Employers’ lists each year. Including:

• 2024 – Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list,

WCU

was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.

• 2023 – Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list,

WCU

was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.

• 2022 – Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list.

Western Carolina University is the

UNC

system’s westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.

Employees of

WCU

are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans – eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.

Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent

UNC

System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.

WCU

offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences – many of which are offered free of charge.

Position Summary

Western Carolina University, located in Cullowhee, North Carolina, is seeking a dynamic leader to fill the position of Director of Athletics.

As the westernmost institution in the University of North Carolina System,

WCU

attracts students from around the globe to explore the region’s vast natural diversity. Founded in 1889 as a teaching college, Western Carolina provides comprehensive educational opportunities to nearly 12,000 students in undergraduate and graduate programs. Western Carolina University’s 600-acre main campus sits in Cullowhee, North Carolina, near the Great Smoky and Blue Ridge mountains, fifty-two miles west of Asheville. The location in the rural mountains amidst incredible biodiversity and unique communities creates opportunity for academic discovery and service.

The story of

WCU

is one deeply connected to the people of the region. It is rooted in its service to the people of Southern Appalachia and beyond. Consistently ranked as one of the top best mid-size employers nationwide by Forbes Magazine,

WCU

belongs not just to its students and its faculty and staff, but to the whole community, for it is integrally connected to this region as its educational, economic, and cultural center. WCU’s vision is to be a national model for public comprehensive universities serving rural regions and an innovative driver for the social and economic mobility of its students.

Western Carolina Athletics (the

Catamounts

) sponsors 16 varsity programs that compete in the Southern Conference. Catamount Athletics strives to foster a championship culture while preparing student-athletes for lifelong success, using the acronym “FIGHT ON” to outline the guiding principles and beliefs that will support the success of Catamount Athletics: First Class Student Experience, Innovate and Build the Brand, Grow In Every Way, Holistic Student-Athlete Development, Talent and Culture Wins, Outreach and Alumni Engagement, and Now Is Our Time!

The Director of Athletics has direct responsibility for the University’s

NCAA

Division I Intercollegiate Athletics Program, including 16 varsity sports and over 300 student-athletes. The position supervises a staff of approximately 100, manages an annual budget of $13M, and represents the University nationally and within the Southern Conference (SoCon). The Director reports to the Chancellor and serves as a member of the Chancellor’s Executive Council.

KEY

DUTIES

AND

RESPONSIBILITIES

:

Serve as an advocate for student-athlete well-being and the athletics program in general.

Develop, implement, and manage a strategic vision for the Athletics program.

Serve as a spokesperson for intercollegiate athletics.

Ensure alignment of the athletics program with the mission of the University.

Hire, manage, and evaluate a large staff.

Oversee and direct the budget.

Fundraise and participate in alumni affairs in conjunction with University Development and Alumni Relations.

Market and promote the athletics program and athletics events.

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 the Southern Conference.

Represent the University nationally to the

NCAA

and the Southern Conference.

Represent the University in matters relating to athletics, including University and Alumni Association events.

Demonstrate an appreciation for and commitment to diversity, inclusion, and the principles of equity and Title IX.

Demonstrate a commitment to the Cullowhee, North Carolina community and its people

Minimum Qualifications

Aligns with and embraces the mission and values of Western Carolina University.

Bachelor’s degree is required; a post graduate degree(s) is preferred.

At least seven (7) 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 or Division II level.

Maintains a philosophy and vision for the University that supports the holistic growth, development, and academic excellence of student-athletes.

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 or II athletics programs.

Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to compliance with

NCAA

regulations.

Demonstrated commitment to equality of opportunity for all students, faculty, and staff.

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.

Successful record of management of fiscal and human resources in a complex organization

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s Degree

Ten or more years of successful managerial experience with evidence of increased responsibility over time in

NCAA

Division I collegiate athletics or professional athletics.

Comprehensive knowledge and experience with

FCS

athletics programs and Division I basketball as well as major issues and trends across the

NCAA

landscape (e.g.

NIL

, transfer portal).

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.

Demonstrated ability and strong commitment to fundraising and proven business acumen. Demonstrated innovative approach to growing resources for a broad-based program that values all sports and student-athletes.

Extensive network of relationships among Group of 5 institutions and conference leadership.

Be highly student-centered in all decision-making; Demonstrated commitment to supporting student-athlete health and safety as well as their academic, athletic, and personal success.

Demonstrated appreciation for Title IX compliance and a broad commitment to men’s and women’s varsity sports.

Evidence of effective leadership and the ability to manage and motivate others.

Demonstrated success in managing a multi-million-dollar budget.

Established record of achievement in the areas of marketing and promotions. Demonstrated ability to leverage media, marketing, and content strategy to enhance the visibility of Catamount Athletics on the national stage.

Position Type

Permanent Full-Time

Number of Hours Per Week

Number of Months Per Year

12

Posting Text

| Open Date | 04/04/2025 | | Close Date | | | Open Until Filled | Yes | | Special Instructions to Applicants |
Application must be made through Collegiate Sports Associates as indicated below.
The position will remain open until filled; but, for best consideration, applicants are encouraged to submit a letter of application and resume electronically via: www.collegiatesportsassociate... by April 18, 2025. No hard copy applications will be accepted. Nominations for the position and questions concerning the job requirements or hiring process should be directed to: steph@collegiatesportsassocia... | | Background/E-Verify |
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.

Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment. | | Credential Verification |
All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements. | | EOE |
Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu. | | University Safety |
The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety. |

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