POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting directly to the President, the Director of Athletics will provide dynamic leadership, vision, and comprehensive management for Argo Athletics, embodying the University of Providence’s mission and philosophy. This role involves overseeing all facets of intercollegiate athletics, including personnel management, budgeting, facility oversight, and ensuring compliance with Title IX, NAIA, conference, state, and University regulations. The Director will foster a culture focused on the mission, promoting both academic and athletic excellence. Responsibilities include supervising a dedicated team of athletic coaches and support staff, developing and managing the athletics program's operating budgets, and engaging in fundraising activities as needed.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership and Vision:

• Develop a five-year vision and strategic plan for the growth and success of the university's athletic programs and facilities to align with the university’s strategic plan, mission and values, goals, and budgeting processes.
• Provide strong leadership to coaches, staff, and student athletes, fostering a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Represent the athletics department on the Senior Leadership Team, with the Board of Trustees, and in university-wide initiatives. Serve as a key advisor to the President and other senior administrators.
• Develop a culture that supports and helps develop the faith formation of the athletes.
• Advises the University President and senior administrators on issues relating to intercollegiate athletics, its trends, problems and other pertinent matters by making reports, recommendations, presentations, findings and preparing other correspondence as required or directed.

Operational Management:

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the athletics department, including budget management, fundraising, facilities management, and compliance with NAIA, conference and University policies and procedures, regarding recruitment, eligibility, academic standards, and ethical conduct.
• Ensure the effective recruitment, hiring, and retention of high-quality coaches and staff members who are committed to the mission of the university and the success of student athletes.
• Provides leadership in the recruitment effort for the University's intercollegiate athletics program and ensures compliance with NAIA rules and regulations governing the recruitment of student-athletes by providing guidance and/or policies to team coaching staffs that engenders compliance with recruiting rules.
• Develops a schedule of intercollegiate athletics contests that aligns with program goals, minimizes university subsidies, and generates significant revenues through effective marketing.
• Coordinates game dates with various teams and other institutions, ensuring a balanced mix of home and away games and the availability of required facilities.
• Collaborate with the Chief Financial Officer to manage financial operations, including budget planning, forecasting, and reporting.
• Collaborate with the Provost and Student Engagement to support the academic success, personal development, and overall well-being of student-athletes.
• Ensures appropriate medical care for student-athletes by coordinating with the Assistant Athletic Director, Student Athlete Wellness & Risk Management, and the Head Athletic Trainer.
• Contributes to the overall success of the intercollegiate athletics program by performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the President.

Student Advocacy and Development:

• Ensure student-athletes have access to resources needed to succeed in their athletic and academic endeavors.
• Purposefully foster a selfless environment that cultivates community, embraces learning, and enhances excellence in sport and life.
• Lead the growth and development of student-athletes and their integration within the entire campus culture while promoting their academic achievement and graduation rates.

Advancement and External Relations:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy in collaboration with VP for Advancement, Marketing & Communications to secure philanthropic support for athletics programs, facilities, and scholarships.
• Cultivate strong relationships with alumni, donors, corporate partners, and community stakeholders to enhance the visibility and reputation of Argo Athletics.
• Serve as a passionate advocate for the athletics department, promoting its achievements and contributions to the university community and beyond.

Compliance and Integrity:

• Foster a culture of integrity, sportsmanship, and ethical behavior among student-athletes, coaches, and staff members, emphasizing the importance of character development and social responsibility.
• Ensures compliance with National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), applicable athletic conferences and University rules and regulations, particularly those regarding financial aid and student eligibility to participate in intercollegiate athletics, by delegating compliance responsibilities to the Assistant Athletic Director, Operations and the Assistant Athletic Director, Student Athlete Wellness & Risk Management.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Advanced degree preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

• Practicing Catholic preferred.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of progressively responsible experience in athletics administration at the NAIA or NCAA level.

Disclaimer: This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must have valid authorization to work in the United States of America without the need for current or future employer-sponsored work authorization.

An affirmative action/equal opportunity employer covered by the Montana veterans’ and handicapped persons’ employment preference act

The University of Providence is a Catholic, student-centered, mission-focused university. For more information, please contact Human Resources at 406.791.5977.