Vice President and Director of Athletics

EXPIRED

Gardner-Webb University seeks an experienced, innovative, and visionary Vice President for Athletics to lead the institution’s athletic programs.  The VP for Athletics is responsible for overseeing 21 varsity sports at the NCAA Division I level.   The incumbent will shape and head a team charged with realizing the enrollment goals articulated in the University’s Strategic Plan for 2020-2025.  Reporting directly to the President, the Vice President supervises offices committed to athletics and compliance. 

We seek candidates who possess a deep understanding of the current higher education landscape, especially the paths to success for small, private universities.  The ideal candidate will be a master of industry-standard best practices, and will also embrace a willingness to experiment and to take calculated risks with the prospect of securing great institutional rewards.  The Vice President of Athletics is a member of the President’s Executive Leadership Team, reporting to the President. The VP of Athletics is expected to affirm, model, and cultivate the Christ-centered mission of Gardner-Webb University. The VP will provide administrative direction and oversight for all aspects of the intercollegiate athletic department, which includes, but is not limited to, fiscal responsibility, identifying/recruiting of qualified personnel, strategic planning, public relations, marketing, fundraising, and general day-to-day operations. The VP will serve on institutional committees/councils as assigned and will have knowledge of, oversee, and comply with all rules and regulations set forth by the NCAA, the Big South Conference, and Gardner-Webb University.

The general duties of the Vice President of Athletics include the following:

• Advance the mission, vision, and short- and long-term goals of the University in coordination with the President;  
• Serve as a member of President’s leadership cabinet;
• Communicate enrollment updates effectively to the University community and to members of the Board of Trustees;

Gardner-Webb University seeks an experienced, innovative, and visionary Vice President for Athletics to lead the institution’s athletic programs.  The VP for Athletics is responsible for overseeing 21 varsity sports at the NCAA Division I level.   The incumbent will shape and head a team charged with realizing the enrollment goals articulated in the University’s Strategic Plan for 2020-2025.  Reporting directly to the President, the Vice President supervises offices committed to athletics and compliance. 

We seek candidates who possess a deep understanding of the current higher education landscape, especially the paths to success for small, private universities.  The ideal candidate will be a master of industry-standard best practices, and will also embrace a willingness to experiment and to take calculated risks with the prospect of securing great institutional rewards.  The Vice President of Athletics is a member of the President’s Executive Leadership Team, reporting to the President. The VP of Athletics is expected to affirm, model, and cultivate the Christ-centered mission of Gardner-Webb University. The VP will provide administrative direction and oversight for all aspects of the intercollegiate athletic department, which includes, but is not limited to, fiscal responsibility, identifying/recruiting of qualified personnel, strategic planning, public relations, marketing, fundraising, and general day-to-day operations. The VP will serve on institutional committees/councils as assigned and will have knowledge of, oversee, and comply with all rules and regulations set forth by the NCAA, the Big South Conference, and Gardner-Webb University.

The general duties of the Vice President of Athletics include the following:

• Advance the mission, vision, and short- and long-term goals of the University in coordination with the President;  
• Serve as a member of President’s leadership cabinet;
• Communicate enrollment updates effectively to the University community and to members of the Board of Trustees;
• Provide leadership to ensure that all athletic programs are rooted in the Christ-centered mission of Gardner-Webb University;
• Create and maintain an environment where the student athletes’ well-being is top priority including academic eligibility, progress toward graduation, and the integration of student-athletes into the campus community;
• Provide leadership to ensure the highest standards of integrity in academic, financial, and business matters;
• Ensure the excellence of the athletic department’s overall day-to-day operation and act as the official representative of the college’s athletic department to all external athletic agencies;
• Ensure that the athletic department has a highly competent administrative, coaching, and support staff;
• Ensure opportunities for community involvement, partnerships, and service initiatives;
• Establish and ensure success of department goals and assessment including but not limited to academic achievement, recruiting and retention goals, and post-season success;
• Coordinate team goals with each team’s head coach and oversee the athletic training staff and the training room operations;
• Be present at home athletic contests, assigning other “administrators on duty” when not able to attend.
• Work closely with the Sports Information Director to ensure positive publicity of the athletics department.
• Provide for professional growth opportunities for the athletic staff.
• Meet regularly with the Faculty Athletic Representative to strengthen policies and systems between athletics and academics.
• Any other duties as assigned by the President.

Required Qualifications:

• A master's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required, along with at least four years of experience in athletics management initiatives at a higher education institution.
• Proof of successful administrative and/or coaching leadership for a minimum of six years.
• Knowledge of NAIA and AAC rules and regulations.
• Demonstrated commitment to the academic success of student athletes with emphasis on graduation success.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, and presentation skills; outstanding listener with strong relational skills.
• Demonstrated drive to succeed in the highly competitive athletics landscape.

Gardner-Webb University (gardner-webb.edu) is a coeducational, residential, private Christian institution, located in Boiling Springs, North Carolina with easy access to Charlotte, Asheville, and Greenville-Spartanburg. The University offers 80+ undergraduate and graduate degree programs to approximately 3,600 students.  GWU is a Carnegie-classified Doctoral/Professional University.  In 2022, Gardner-Webb was home to students from 93 counties in North Carolina, 44 US states, and 28 foreign countries.  GWU is a NCAA Division I institution with 22 athletic teams and close to 600 student-athletes.

Apply Now