Position Description
Athletic Director
University of Northern Iowa
The University of Northern Iowa (UNI) invites applications for the position of Director of Athletics.
Primary Function
Directs University intercollegiate athletic program; assists coaching and administrative staffs in the identification, development and administration of program/facility objectives; effects and monitors operational procedures in assigned areas; directs, supervises and administers all fund-raising activities in collaboration with the University Advancement staff; supports promotional activities; and provides leadership and commitment to the integrity and graduation of student-athletes.
Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities
- Identifies immediate and long-range objectives for University intercollegiate athletic program; plans, develops, directs implementation and administers approved policies, procedures and operational systems relating to athletic program offerings; reviews and assesses effectiveness of intercollegiate programs; and effects required program revisions, organizational changes and staff re-assignments as conditions warrant.
- Calls and conducts meetings of athletics management team; arranges for preparation and presentation of athletic program reports; advises management team members as to program offerings under consideration; directs and assists in the coordinating of events, activities and programs; reviews new and/or revised systems, procedures, programs, etc. under consideration; assists in the investigation of conditions in question; and aids with effecting and monitoring continuing effective staff communications.
- Directs, supervises and administers all fund-raising activities for intercollegiate athletes with the Vice President for Advancement and staff; develops priorities for major gifts, deferred gifts, and endowments; cultivates prospective donors locally and nationally; presents major and deferred gift proposals; creates and implements stewardship programs; and coordinates communication to donors on primary messages and priorities on behalf of UNI Athletics and University Advancement.
- Prepares and administers athletic program budgets; establishes system and procedures for effecting expenditures, recording revenues, etc.; monitors financial transactions, administration of program budgets, operational unit expenditures, purchases, etc.; directs and assists as required with the negotiation of program contracts, events, guarantees, etc.; arranges for adjustment of facilities changes, ticket pricing, etc.; aids in projecting funding requirements (i.e., staffing needs, travel expenses, equipment costs, etc.); identifies funding/revenue sources; and directs establishment and/or transfer of program/operational positions, fund expenditures, adjustments, etc. in accordance with authorized budget allowances.
- Aids in directing Panther Scholarship Club activities; participates in the planning, development and advancing of Club membership drives; assists in developing and maintaining close working relationships between club members, athletic staff, University officials, etc.; attends Club functions, activities, programs and special events; consults with appropriate staff members, vendors, etc. concerning promotional programs, materials, relating to the Panther Scholarship Club; and renders supportive services as required.
- Develops and maintains effective working relationship with University officials, intercollegiate, MVC, NCAA, WWC and Gateway officers, officials from other universities, community leaders, program supporters, Panther Scholarship Club members, alumni groups, etc.; accepts and/or arranges for student-athletes and/or coaching staff members to render program speaking engagements; and performs related public relations assignments and serves as an active, visible member of the community.
- Assists in the screening, interviewing and selection of applicants for administrative and coaching positions; reviews and approves other proposed staff placements; conducts and/or participates in the evaluating performance of program coaches and administrative staff members; directs administration of University personnel policies and procedures within assigned areas; and recommends revisions or adjustments in existing and/or new proposed personnel systems and regulations.
- Directs and assist administrators and program coaches with the planning and effecting new and/or revised staffing assignments and/or operational patterns; aids with the development and implementation of new and/or adjusted systems, procedures, program offerings, etc.; and provides related assistance to coaching staffs, and management personnel as required.
- Assesses and determines athletic program and facility equipment and/or maintenance needs; identifies and investigates building expansion, remodeling or repair requirements and equipment replacement needs; consults as required with staff members, appropriate University service areas, etc. concerning projects or purchases being studied and/or in process; obtains cost estimates, identifies funding source, etc.; and completes like preparatory studies as required or directed.
- Represents the University's position on regulatory and/or governance affairs at regional and national conference (MVC, NCAA, WWC and Gateway) meetings; monitors intercollegiate athletic program activities to ensure proper observance of appropriate governance bodies' rules and regulations by coaches, student-athletes, fans and supporters; reviews and investigates conditions in question; directs the preparation and release of required program reports; and completes related administrative duties as required or directed.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree plus at least seven years of progressive administrative experience in a university/college athletic program, business enterprise, or a closely related field required.
- Strong interpersonal skills; experience in managing substantial budgets; and success in fundraising and/or revenue generation are also required.
- Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to gender equity, diversity, and NCAA compliance.
- Ability to create a collaborative working environment; and a record of developing strong partnerships within the university community and/or the community at-large also required.
- Master’s degree, college coaching and/or athletics administration experience, supervisory experience, and a demonstrated understanding of support services for student-athletes preferred.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a letter of application outlining interest and relevant experience, a resume, and names and contact information for three references.
Applications should be directed to: Director of Athletics Search Chair, Human Resource Services, 121 Commons, UNI, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0034. Fax 319-273-2927.
Email: HRS-Applications@uni.edu.
Materials received by March 24, 2008 will be given first consideration.
UNI Athletics encourages applications from women, persons of color, veterans, and persons living with disabilities. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a comprehensive plan for affirmative action.
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Last Updated March 19, 2008 |

