Job Purpose: The Athletic Director provides leadership and direction for a competitive intercollegiate sports program. Current intercollegiate sports include football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, volleyball, softball, men’s soccer, women’s soccer, men’s tennis, women’s tennis, baseball, men’s track and field, women’ track and field, men’s cross-country, women’s cross-country, and cheerleading. The Athletic Director is responsible for maintaining an athletic program that stresses the student-athlete concept and is required to abide by the rules and regulations established by the Southwestern Athletic Conference and the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

Accountability: This is a full-time (12-month) position which reports directly to the President. The Athletic Director serves as a member of the Executive Cabinet and the Administrative Council.

General Statement of Duties: The Athletic Director is responsible for the overall management of the University’s intercollegiate athletics program. The Athletic Director provides strong leadership, fundraising and oversight for a comprehensive intercollegiate athletic program and is responsible for the sound fiscal management of the department’s general operating and scholarship budget. As the Chief Athletic Officer, the Athletic Director provides administrative leadership and vision to develop and guide the athletic program in a manner commensurate with the mission, values and strategic plan of the University.

Fundraising in support of the athletic program is a significant component of this position with defined annual advancement goals. The Athletics Director is responsible for leading the Athletics Development major gift program including identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding a targeted portfolio of priority fundraising prospects in concert with Athletics’ strategic priorities and objectives. This position works closely with University Advancement and the MVSU V-Club leadership to execute fundraising initiatives aimed at raising private donor support for MVSU Athletics.

Essential Job Functions*: Essential job functions include: directing and supervising the administration of the men’s and women’s athletic programs and all administrative, operational, and fiscal functions of Mississippi Valley State University’s athletic programs, ensuring compliance with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the Southwestern Athletic Conference and the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL); managing the department’s fiscal operations, including overseeing the budgets of the athletic teams and approving their expenditures; serving as the University representative to the NCAA; developing and implementing strategies for generating revenues and resources for the athletic program while promoting public support for the program and the student-athletes; negotiating facility agreements and contracts for sporting events; coordinating the development of long-term strategies and facilities planning; providing leadership for the marketing of the athletic programs among students, faculty, staff, alumni and the community; supervising the scheduling of all athletic events; promoting academic and athletic development/achievement of MVSU student-athletes by maintaining a close relationship with Academic Records and faculty representatives to ensure continued academic progress of the student-athlete; maintaining official departmental files and records and prepares reports related to team member medical and personal data scholarships, financial aid, player eligibility, transfer, etc., supporting a diverse, multicultural environment that encourages both the philosophy and practice of gender equity; effectively building relationships with other academic institutions, state and national associations, and various constituents of the University, including alumni, public supporters, parents, legislators, educators, chief executive officers of business enterprises, and the local and national media, in order to promote the intercollegiate athletics program; promoting and marketing the University and the intercollegiate athletic program through sponsorships of NCAA regional and national athletic events; directing long-range strategic planning efforts for the intercollegiate athletics program; and performing other duties as assigned by the President.

Non-Essential Functions*/Secondary Duties & Responsibilities Other responsibilities include: coordinating search committees for the selection for new coaches; providing assistance in preparing the annual University budget estimates and in revising the budgets once allocations are known; assisting in reviewing university policies and in recommending policy revisions and/or formulations to ensure that University policies are consistent with IHL Board policies and applicable state and federal laws and regulations, as well as with regulations of the NCAA and the Southwestern Athletic Confeence; serving as a general advisor to administrative officers on matters dealing with the operations of Athletics Department; serving on the NCAA regional and national committees; and developing positive relationships within the University as well as with external constituents, such as the MVSU National Alumni Association, the MVSU V-Club booster organization, former letter winners, civic groups, and the surrounding cities to heighten program visibilities and fundraising.

Supervisory Responsibilities: The Athletic Director will provide direct supervision over the associate athletic director, assistant director/development and operations, assistant director of compliance, eligibility and academic enhancement, director of sports communications and coaches of fifteen athletic programs, including football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, volleyball, softball, men’s soccer, women’s soccer, men’s tennis, women’s tennis, baseball, men’s track and field, women’ track and field, men’s cross-country, women’s cross-country, and cheerleading. Additionally, the successful candidate will also be expected to maintain a cooperative working relationship with the Faculty Athletic Representative, who reports directly to the President.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Proficient use of computers and appropriate software such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc. ; excellent oral and written communication skills; the ability to effectively perform multiple tasks simultaneously; excellent interpersonal skills; conflict resolution skills; the ability to work effectively with personnel at all levels; effective budget management skills; supervisory experience; proven fund-raising and marketing experience; demonstrated commitment to and thorough understanding of full compliance with NCAA, Southwestern Athletic Conference, IHL and University rules and regulations; knowledge of the policies and best practices of higher education at it relates to intercollegiate athletics; and the ability to maintain confidentiality.

 

Job Specifications:  (Acceptable Experience and Training)

This position requires a Masters degree and five years of senior athletic administrative experience.  A strong commitment to the Student-Athlete concept and a working knowledge of the NCAA rules and regulations, Title IX compliance, and fiscal and operational complexities of an intercollegiate athletic program.

A complete application includes a letter of application specifically addressing the applicant’s strengths relative to the qualifications and responsibilities of the position; a current resume; and the names, addresses, and contact information of five professional references. Official transcripts of all college and university coursework will be required of individuals chosen for campus interviews. Submission instructions will be provided to those candidates at that time.

Mississippi Valley State University is an equal opportunity, equal access, affirmative action employer committed to achieving a diverse community.

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