What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Athletics (Faculty) position at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania?
Please see Special Instructions for more details.
- A complete application includes 1. Cover letter; 2. Current resume; 3. Unofficial copies of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts; 4. Diversity statement
- Applications must be submitted online by March 3, 2025, for full consideration.
- Position will remain open until filled. Questions may be directed to Search & Screen Committee Chair: Dr. Danielle Barney, Associate Director of Athletics, Commonwealth University - Lock Haven (dbarney@lockhaven.edu)
Posting Details
Position Information
Position Title
Director of Athletics (Faculty)
Posting Number
F161
College/Area
Athletics Faculty (BL/LH/MA)
Department
Athletics Faculty (BL/LH/MA)
Bargaining Unit
APSCUF
Position Type
Faculty
Type of Appointment
Full Time
Complement Type
Tenure Track
Home Campus
Lock Haven
City
Lock Haven
State
Pennsylvania
Zip Code
17745
FTE%
100%
Work Location
Home Campus
Salary
Commensurate with experience and qualifications: open rank
If Other, please list
Appointment Start Date
August 1, 2025
Benefits
The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education provides a comprehensive package of employer benefits to eligible employees and their enrolled dependent(s), which include*:
- Medical and prescription drug benefits.
- Generous retirement plans, two options:
- Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP)
- State Employees’ Retirement System (SERS)
- Tuition benefits for employees and dependents.
- Paid time off.
- Employer-paid dental and vision benefits.
- Employer-paid life insurance.
- Voluntary insurances and additional retirement programs.
*Specific benefits may vary based upon university, employee group and/or collective bargaining unit. Visit: http://www.passhe.edu/inside/HR/syshr/healthcare/Pages/Summary-of-Benefits.aspx for additional information regarding benefits.
To be eligible for most benefits, you must be a permanent, full-time employee (including temporary, full-time faculty with at least an academic year contract) or a permanent, part-time employee (including temporary, part-time faculty with at least an academic year contract) who is scheduled to work every pay period for at least 50% of full-time hours.
Position Description Summary
The Department of Athletics Faculty at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania invites applications for Director of Athletics (Faculty) for Lock Haven.
The home campus for this position is Lock Haven.
This is Lock Haven Athletics
The Lock Haven Athletic Department provides a holistic experience for nearly 500 student athletes (unduplicated count) who make up greater than 20 percent of Lock Haven’s full-time undergraduate degree seeking student enrollment and participate on one of our 21 teams. All teams have membership in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) with 19 teams competing in Division II and two in Division I (men’s wrestling and field hockey). Wrestling is an affiliate member of the Mid-American Conference (MAC) and field hockey is an affiliate member of the Atlantic-10 (A-10), while all other sports compete in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). Holding membership on two different levels of the NCAA and three different conference affiliations places Lock Haven Athletics in a very unique and exclusive position because there are less than a handful of institutions nationally that share this distinction.
Lock Haven student athletes excel in the classroom. Their federal graduation rate, NCAA Academic Success Rates (ASR – Division II sports), and Academic Performance Rates (APR – Division I sports) all illustrate our student athletes regularly obtain their bachelor’s degrees at a much higher rate (approximately 15-20%) than the general student population. Similarly, our annual athletic department grade point average, is well above the national average. Over 150 of our student athletes annually earn national and conference individual scholar athlete honors.
In competition, Lock haven Teams have won 17 National Championships, 113 Conference Championships and 38 individual student athlete National Titles; while numerous student athletes annually earn All-Conference, All-Region and All-American honors and/or PSAC, A-10 and MAC weekly allocates. Our student athletes also made it possible for the athletic department to win the Dixon Cup Trophy three times. The Dixon Cup symbolizes the best overall finish in PSAC standings.
The Bald Eagles also make a difference by contributing over 7,000 community service/engagement service hours annually, which ensures their holistic development, while learning lifelong qualities and values such as perseverance, teamwork and honor, as well as other values that reflect the mission of the University. Other important information can be found www.golhu.com
VISION
Lock Haven Athletics is committed to providing a safe, balanced, inclusive, educational experience that inspires extraordinary student athlete accomplishments in academic achievement, athletic competition and civic engagement, which develops success in life after college.
MISSION
Consistent with the student-centered educational mission of Lock Haven, intercollegiate athletics is committed to offering student-athletes, through sports participation, learning opportunities and outcomes that complement those received in the University classroom.
PHILOSOPHY
Our athletic philosophy is to build teams that compete at the highest levels; to encourage individual and team excellence; to achieve exemplary graduation and academic performance rates; to aid in the academic, social and career preparation of our students; to provide quality facilities and services that meet the needs of our students; to entertain students, staff, alumni and fans with a high level of competition; and to offer a departmental climate for students and staff that values diversity, inclusiveness, compliance and equal opportunity.
CORE VALUES – Bald Eagles
B- Balance – The daily life of the student-athlete is extremely busy and routine orientated. We are devoted to fostering an environment that optimizes the pursuits of mind and body and ensures maintenance of a healthy and balanced life.
A- Academics – Our student-athletes understand the importance of achieving academic excellence in their chosen academic areas. We support student-athletes in achieving their academic and career aspirations. Athletics strives to challenge students with a comprehensive education and the development of multi-disciplinary skills.
L- Leadership – We are committed to expanding opportunities and experiences to create and prepare our student-athletes as leaders.
D- Diversity – We believe in the integrity of each individual. We recognize, embrace, and celebrate our differences and similarities and how we contribute to the overall diversity on campus.
E- Excellence - We are dedicated to maintaining a competitive spirit and sportsmanship in order to excel at the highest levels in such a way that reflects our core values.
A- Accountability – We maintain a true commitment to the letter and spirit of regulations set forth by the NCAA, PSAC, A-10, MAC, and Commonwealth University – Lock Haven.
G- Growth - We pledge to recruit, develop, and retain quality, gifted student-athletes, coaches, and administrators who represent Commonwealth University -Lock Haven with integrity. These individuals are committed to the development of all facets of the student-athlete experience and allow Lock Haven teams to compete at the highest level in the classroom and athletic competition.
L- Legacy – We are beneficiaries of the rich tradition created by efforts of those who have come before us. The opportunities and accomplishments earned during a student-athlete’s time at Commonwealth University – Lock Haven add to the growing pride we share with the Lock Haven community.
E- Equity – We demonstrate an unwavering commitment of support for Gender
Equity and Title IX.
S- Service - As athletics is the front porch of the university, it contributes though service to our campus and surrounding communities, while leaving a positive and lasting impression within our local and regional footprint.
Why the Bald Eagles?
Lock Haven Athletics adopted the Bald Eagle as its nickname and mascot in October of 1937 after a vote by the student body. The vote came down to the Bald Eagles or the Ravens. The mascot is ideally suited given the proximity to the Bald Eagle Mountain, Bald Eagle Valley and Bald Eagle State Park. The area is also home to a number of wild and native Bald Eagles.
School Colors
Lock Haven’s official school colors are Crimson and White.
Lock Haven Athletics adopted the Bald Eagle as its nickname and mascot in October of 1937 after a vote by the student body. The vote came down to the Bald Eagles or the Ravens. The mascot is ideally suited given the proximity to the Bald Eagle Mountain, Bald Eagle Valley and Bald Eagle State Park. The area is also home to a number of wild and native Bald Eagles.
School Colors
Lock Haven’s official school colors are Crimson and White.
Duties
Reporting to the Lock Haven Campus Administrator, the Director of Athletics is responsible for providing visionary leadership, organization, budgeting, and evaluation of 21 intercollegiate athletic teams. which compete at both Division I and Division II levels. In addition, the Director works in collaboration with the Lock Haven Foundation to raise external funding for intercollegiate athletics and serves as the principal liaison and representative for athletics with the campus community, conference, and national affiliations. The Director is a faculty position, represented by the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties (APSCUF) and a member of an academic department. The Director will have a lead role in program assessment and in athletics facilities development and is expected to achieve high expectations with accountability for bottom line results.
The Director of Athletics is a faculty member in the Department of Athletics Faculty and as such shall be a fully functioning member of the department as defined in the APSCUF CBA. The incumbent shall have a dotted reporting line to the Lock Haven Foundation for duties and responsibilities assigned as the Director of Athletics.
The Director provides leadership and oversees all aspects of the intercollegiate athletics program including the supervision of all programs and personnel, budgeting, contest scheduling, transportation, scheduling of facilities, fundraising, the recruitment of academically and athletically talented student-athletes, and the recruitment and evaluation of coaches. In addition, the Director ensures the athletic program achieves campus, conference and NCAA rules compliance. The Director will delegate specific responsibilities to assure the efficient and productive operation of all academic, administrative, business and fiscal activities of the department.
- Schedules and manages all contests and their arrangements
- Administers regulations of appropriate athletics governing bodies
- Participates in selection of coaching staff
- Represents Lock Haven athletics in an official capacity at events and to appropriate state, regional, and national organizations
- Prepares budgets, monitor expenditures and ensures fiscal stewardship
- Initiates, designs and implements long-range plans for the athletic program
- Promotes Athletics within the mission of CU
- Works collaboratively with health care professionals to ensure proper medical/health care is provided for student athletes
- Directs efforts to equalize opportunities for men and women in sport
- Promotes an inclusive environment for student-athletes, coaches and staff
- Serves as a representative to campus and CU committees as appropriate
- Fulfills the duties required of the Director of Athletics by the Agreement between APSCUF and PASSHE for Non-Faculty Athletic Coaches
- Develops and implements a strategy for achieving fund-raising goals that progressively increases alumni and donor financial support for the athletic department
- Develops and implements a strategy for securing corporate sponsorships that progressively increases financial support for Lock Haven athletics
- Actively builds and maintains positive relationships that benefit the athletic department in local and regional community
- Serves as the primary representative of Lock Haven Athletics to the Commonwealth University community and with external constituents and stakeholders
- Monitor and maintain NCAA compliance requirements, with extensive knowledge of intercollegiate sports and athletics rules and regulations.
- Develops collaborative relationships with other campus offices to ensure compliance, quality of service, and institutional integrity.
Qualifying Experience and Education (Minimum/Preferred)
Minimum Qualifications
- Master’s degree
- Applicants must have a commitment to and responsibility for adhering to all rules and regulations of the PSAC and the NCAA.
- Minimum 5-8 years of progressively responsible experience as an administrator in an NCAA environment (institution, conference, or National Office) or relevant professional experience
- Knowledge of NCAA rules, budget practices, personnel supervision, and event management
- Proven highly effective interpersonal, leadership, consensus-building skills
- Demonstrated commitment to broad-based sports programming and to the principles of diversity and equity, and academic priorities are required
- Documented athletic fundraising ability
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in a collective bargaining environment
Special Instructions to Applicants
- A complete application includes 1. Cover letter; 2. Current resume; 3. Unofficial copies of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts; 4. Diversity statement
- Applications must be submitted online by March 3, 2025, for full consideration.
- Position will remain open until filled. Questions may be directed to Search & Screen Committee Chair: Dr. Danielle Barney, Associate Director of Athletics, Commonwealth University – Lock Haven (dbarney@lockhaven.edu)
Supplemental Information
A complete application includes 1. Cover letter; 2. Current resume; 3. Unofficial copies of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts; 4. Diversity statement
Finalist(s) for this position must communicate well and successfully complete an interview process. Recommendation for hiring is needed for a majority of the regular, full-time department faculty. Completing this search is contingent upon student enrollment and available funding.
Background Clearances
Offers of employment are conditional, pending successful completion of the background clearances mandated by Act 153 of 2014 and Board of Governors Policy 2014-01-A: Protection of Minors. In order to qualify for a provisional appointment, the Applicant Acknowledgement Consent Form, Provisional Hire Form, Pennsylvania State Police and Justifacts portion of the clearance process must be successfully completed prior to your start date. The remaining PA Child Abuse History Clearance and FBI Clearance must be successfully completed and returned as soon as possible within the first 90 days of employment.
Diversity Statement
At Commonwealth University we recognize our responsibility to continuously support a living, learning, and working environment that values the diverse contributions from all members of our campus community. Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion enriches our campus community and is instrumental to our institutional success. Commonwealth University strives to cultivate a campus climate that allows all members to embrace diversity, equity and inclusion as we achieve success both in and out of the classroom, in our work responsibilities, and in our professional lives beyond Commonwealth University. We uphold our commitment to DEI by:
- Actively supporting and promoting the intellectual and personal growth of our students, inside and outside of the classroom.
- Providing workshops, trainings, programs designed to broaden the knowledge and understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion within our campus community.
- Ensuring that all learning and living environments throughout our campus are welcoming and capable of serving all individuals.
Title IX/Clery
The University prohibits any form of discrimination or harassment on the basis of sex, race, color, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, marital or family status, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, or disability in any decision regarding admissions, employment, or participation in a University program or activity in accordance with the letter and spirit of federal, state, and local non-discrimination and equal opportunity laws, such as Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and ADA Amendments Act, the Equal Pay Act, and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act.
The University also complies with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crimes Statistics Act, as amended by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Title IX prohibits retaliation for asserting or otherwise participating in claims of sex discrimination. VAWA imposes additional duties on universities and colleges to investigate and respond to reports of sexual assault, stalking, and dating or domestic violence, and to publish policies and procedures related to the way these reports are handled. The University has designated the Title IX Coordinator (Jennifer Raup, Elwell Hall, ORL, 570-389-4808, jraup@commonwealthu.edu or titleixcoord@commonwealthu.edu), to coordinate the University’s compliance with Title IX and VAWA and to respond to reports of violations.
The University has directed the Police Department to coordinate the University’s compliance with the VAWA-related Clery reporting requirements. For information on the University’s crime statistics, which is available in a publication called “Annual Security Report”, please contact Commonwealth University – Bloomsburg Police at 570-389-2211, Commonwealth University – Mansfield Police at 570-662-4900, or Commonwealth University – Lock Haven Police at 570-484-2278 or by accessing the following website: https://www.commonwealthu.edu/offices-directory/university-police/annual-security-
report
Additionally, inquiries concerning Title IX and its implementing regulation can be made to the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights, Region III, The Wanamaker Building, 100 Penn Square East – Suite 505, Philadelphia, PA 19107; Phone: (215) 656-6010; Fax: (215) 656-6020.
The University has directed the Police Department to coordinate the University’s compliance with the VAWA-related Clery reporting requirements. For information on the University’s crime statistics, which is available in a publication called “Annual Security Report”, please contact Commonwealth University – Bloomsburg Police at 570-389-2211, Commonwealth University – Mansfield Police at 570-662-4900, or Commonwealth University – Lock Haven Police at 570-484-2278 or by accessing the following website: https://www.commonwealthu.edu/offices-directory/university-police/annual-security-
report
Additionally, inquiries concerning Title IX and its implementing regulation can be made to the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights, Region III, The Wanamaker Building, 100 Penn Square East – Suite 505, Philadelphia, PA 19107; Phone: (215) 656-6010; Fax: (215) 656-6020.
About Commonwealth University of PA
The Power of Three Bloomsburg, Lock Haven and Mansfield universities have joined forces to boldly transform higher education in our region and beyond. While we are uniting as Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, you can expect a college experience that is anything but common.
We’re Honoring our History by preserving the founding principles of each campus and continuing our vibrant on-campus student experience, serving as pillars of our communities, supporting students and our neighbors alike.
We’re Investing in Today by answering the greatest challenges facing higher education: accessibility, cost, quality, and relevance through the combined strength of our storied institutions.
We’re Building a Powerful Tomorrow by boldly changing the trajectory of public education to position ourselves for growth, increased access, and to meet economic and workforce development needs in our region, across Pennsylvania and beyond.
We’re Honoring our History by preserving the founding principles of each campus and continuing our vibrant on-campus student experience, serving as pillars of our communities, supporting students and our neighbors alike.
We’re Investing in Today by answering the greatest challenges facing higher education: accessibility, cost, quality, and relevance through the combined strength of our storied institutions.
We’re Building a Powerful Tomorrow by boldly changing the trajectory of public education to position ourselves for growth, increased access, and to meet economic and workforce development needs in our region, across Pennsylvania and beyond.
Anticipated Start Date
Negotiable, August 1, 2025
Anticipated End Date
N/A
Posting Detail Information
Open Date mm-dd-yyyy
01/02/2025
Close Date mm-dd-yyyy
Open Until Filled
Yes
Quick Link
https://commonwealthu.peopleadmin.com/postings/2038
