Director of Athletics

Position Information

Position Information

Position Number

511080

Working Title

Director of Athletics

Job Title

Director

Job Type

Position Information

Position Information

Position Number

511080

Working Title

Director of Athletics

Job Title

Director

Job Type

Full-Time

Department

Athletic Director

Job Purpose

The Director of Athletics provides leadership for a department of approximately 100 coaches and staff who are deeply committed to the development of over 300 student-athletes across 15 varsity programs. As a member of the President’s senior 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 Tennessee Tech University and the Department with integrity while ensuring compliance with University, NCAA, and Ohio Valley Conference policies, as well as policies and standards set by the Tennessee Board of Regents, fosters a positive culture, and promotes the role of athletics in the TTU and Cookeville communities.

Essential Functions

• 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.
• Supervise the planning and operations of the Athletics Department.
• Ensure the compliance of all Athletics Department employees with laws, policies, rules and regulations governing Tennessee Tech University and its employees, as well as the rules of the NCAA, affiliated conferences and Tennessee Board of Regents.
• 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.
• Ensure the fiscal responsibility of the athletics department.
• Serve as a results-oriented leader while identifying, hiring, supporting, and evaluating head coaches in all 15 varsity sports.
• Commit to collaboration with other leaders across campus and in the broader Cookeville community to continue to enhance the reputation and quality of the university and Golden Eagles Athletics.
• Effectively navigate, via written and oral communication, competing interests among key constituents while facing public scrutiny.
• Provide direction for policies to ensure the safety and well-being of student-athletes and promote the integration of student-athletes into the broader student and campus population.
• Ensure commitment to the principles of gender equity, diversity, sportsmanship and ethical conduct.
• Represent the University nationally to the NCAA and affiliated conferences.
• Serve as a highly visible champion for TTU Athletics, effectively recruiting prospective student-athletes and their families and partner with TTU’s advancement staff to form strong relationships with benefactors and effectively fundraise for the school.
• Provide an annual report to the Athletics Committee and the Administrative Council on the status of Athletic Department equity and minority issues.
• Serve as an Ex-Officio member of the Athletics Committee and Executive Officer of the Committee.

Minimum Qualifications

• Seven or more years of successful managerial experience with evidence of increased responsibility over time in NCAA collegiate athletics, professional sports or a similar industry.
• Aligns with and embraces the mission and values of Tennessee Tech University.
• Working knowledge of NCAA Division I athletics programs and what is required to achieve success at that level within the changing policy landscape. Experience dealing with issues such as NIL, transfer portal, the House settlement and related issues, conference realignment, and student-athlete mental health and wellness.
• Bachelor’s degree is required; a post graduate degree(s) is preferred.
• 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
• Comprehensive knowledge and experience with NCAA athletics programs 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 an external governing board such as the Tennessee Board of Regents, 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 NCAA DI 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 Golden Eagles Athletics on the national stage.

Work Hours

Compensation and Benefits

| Salary | Commensurate with education and experience. Pay grade 19. | | Benefits Information |
The University offers a competitive benefits package. Benefits include the accumulation of two vacation days per month and one sick leave day per month, and thirteen University holidays. Other benefits include medical and life insurance (shared cost with the university), retirement, optional 401k, and educational benefits. |

Posting Details

| Posting Date | 05/30/2025 | | Screening Date | | | Open Until Filled | Yes | | Special Instructions to Applicants |
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.... 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... . |

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

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