What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Athletics position at Western Carolina University?
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.collegiatesportsassociates.com 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@collegiatesportsassociates.com
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.collegiatesportsassociates.com 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@collegiatesportsassociates.com
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.
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.
Salary : $13
