Athletic Director

Centenary University Mission & Priorities Centenary University launches students into a successful career and life.

Centenary advances three strategic priorities:

Student Success, University Vitality, and World Engagement. Position Summary The Athletic Director provides strategic, operational, and educational leadership for Centenary University's intercollegiate athletics program. As the senior athletics leader, the Athletic Director oversees all varsity sports, athletic personnel, and program operations to ensure a competitive, compliant, and student-centered athletics experience aligned with the University's mission and values. Reporting to the Vice President for Student Life, the Athletic Director leads and supports head coaches, assistant coaches, and an Assistant Director of Athletics. The role is responsible for fostering student-athlete success in academics, athletics, leadership development, and wellbeing; ensuring compliance with NCAA, conference, and university policies; and advancing University Vitality through enrollment support, visibility, and community engagement generated by athletics. The Athletic Director serves as a campus leader, advocate, and ambassador for Centenary Athletics, promoting integrity, inclusion, and excellence across all programs. Core Responsibilities and Expected Outcomes 1) Strategic Leadership and Vision for Athletics Establish and communicate a clear vision for Centenary Athletics aligned with university priorities. Develop and implement short- and long-term strategic plans for sport offerings, facilities, staffing, and competitive success. Foster a culture of accountability, sportsmanship, equity, and student-athlete development.

Outcome:

A cohesive, mission-aligned athletics program that contributes meaningfully to student success and campus life. 2) Student-Athlete Success and Wellbeing Ensure academic progress, retention, and graduation of student-athletes through collaboration with Academic Affairs, advising, and support services. Promote physical health, mental wellbeing, and personal development through holistic student-athlete support. Address student-athlete concerns with professionalism, care, and timely resolution.

Outcome:

High academic performance, strong retention, and a positive student-athlete experience. 3) Supervision, Leadership, and Staff Development Directly supervise head coaches, the Assistant Director of Athletics, and other assigned athletics staff. Hire, mentor, evaluate, and retain high-quality coaches and staff who embody Centenary's values. Provide professional development opportunities focused on leadership, compliance, recruitment, and student development.

Outcome:

Engaged, effective athletic staff with clear expectations and consistent performance standards. 4) NCAA, Conference, and University Compliance Serve as the chief compliance officer for Athletics, ensuring adherence to NCAA, conference, and University policies. Oversee eligibility certification, recruiting practices, playing and practice seasons, and reporting requirements. Provide education and training to staff and student-athletes on rules and compliance responsibilities.

Outcome:

Full compliance with minimal violations and strong university trust. 5) Program Operations, Budget, and Resource Management Oversee the athletics operating budget, including planning, allocation, monitoring, and fiscal accountability. Ensure efficient management of facilities, equipment, travel, scheduling, and game operations. Collaborate with campus partners on facilities planning, risk management, and event logistics.

Outcome:

Well-managed, financially responsible athletics operations that support competitive excellence. 6) Recruitment, Enrollment Support, and Retention Collaborate with Admissions and Enrollment Management to support recruitment goals through athletics participation. Ensure ethical, compliant recruiting practices that align athletic talent with academic fit. Support retention initiatives for student-athletes through coordinated advising and engagement strategies.

Outcome:

Positive enrollment contribution, reduced attrition, and strong student-athlete fit and persistence. 7) Equity, Inclusion, and Title IX Alignment Promote equitable treatment and opportunities across all varsity sports. Partner with campus leadership to ensure Title IX compliance and gender equity in athletics. Foster inclusive team cultures that respect diversity and encourage belonging.

Outcome:

Fair, inclusive, and compliant athletics programs trusted by students and the University community. 8) External Relations, Visibility, and Community Engagement Serve as the primary spokesperson for Centenary Athletics to internal and external audiences. Cultivate positive relationships with alumni, parents, conference partners, and the local community. Support advancement initiatives, donor engagement, and athletics-related events.

Outcome:

Enhanced visibility, reputation, and community connection for Centenary University. 9) Communication, Collaboration, and Campus Integration Partner closely with Student Life, Academic Affairs, Admissions, Finance, Advancement, and Marketing. Communicate clearly and consistently with coaches, staff, students, and senior leadership. Contribute as a collaborative leader to university initiatives beyond Athletics.

Outcome:

Strong cross-campus partnerships and athletics integration into the broader University experience. 10) Integrity, Risk Management, and Professional Judgment Model ethical leadership, transparency, and sound decision-making. Manage risk related to athletics participation, facilities, travel, and events. Handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.

Outcome:

High trust, minimized risk, and strong adherence to university values and policies. 11) Fundraising, Advancement, and Athletic Development Lead and support fundraising efforts for Centenary Athletics in coordination with University Advancement. Plan and execute athletics-based fundraising events, campaigns, and promotions that engage alumni, parents, and friends of the University. Cultivate, steward, and maintain relationships with donors and prospective supporters with an interest in Centenary Athletics. Collaborate with coaches to identify program needs and articulate compelling cases for support. Enhance donor engagement through game-day experiences, recognition programs, and targeted communications.

Outcome:

Increased philanthropic support for Athletics that enhances resources, student-athlete opportunities, and program sustainability while strengthening alumni and donor connection to Centenary University. Qualifications Bachelor's degree required Master's degree preferred (Athletic Administration, Higher Education, Sport Management, or related field) Demonstrated experience in intercollegiate athletics leadership, administration, or coaching. Knowledge of NCAA rules, compliance, and governance structures. Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills. Experience with budget management and staff supervision. Proven ability to collaborate across campus and with external stakeholders. Commitment to student-centered decision-making and the mission of Centenary University. Key Competencies Strategic Leadership and Vision Student-Athlete Development and Advocacy Compliance, Ethics, and Integrity Staff Supervision and Team Building Budgeting and Operational Management Equity, Inclusion, and Title IX Awareness Communication Excellence and Professional Presence Cross-Functional Collaboration Problem Solving and Sound Judgment Reporting Structure Reports to: Vice President for

Student Life Direct Reports:

Head Coaches; Assistant Director of Athletics Expected Performance Indicators Student-athlete academic performance, retention, and graduation rates Compliance record with NCAA and conference requirements Staff performance, engagement, and retention Effective budget management and operational efficiency Enrollment support and recruitment outcomes tied to athletics Positive campus and community perception of Athletics