Director of Athletics

Harris-Stowe State University is a historically Black institution (HBCU) located in the heart of vibrant mid-town St. Louis, Missouri. Harris-Stowe’s beautiful campus is minutes from the renown Gateway Arch, St. Louis Zoo, St. Louis Art and History Museums, Forest Park and other cultural and educational institutions. Harris-Stowe’s diverse faculty and staff provide a wide range of academic programs to one of the most culturally diverse student bodies in the St. Louis region.

Job Summary

Harris-Stowe State University has an opening for a Director of Athletics. The Director of Athletics reports directly to the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs. The Director of Athletics provides oversight for strategic leadership, direction, budgeting, risk management and oversight for all athletic programs at Harris-Stowe State University. The position has oversight of strategic planning, fiscal affairs, staffing, fundraising and promotions, athletics facilities, regulatory compliance concerning Intercollegiate athletics, and general operations. Works closely with multiple internal and external constituencies to advance the University's strategic goals and objectives. Develop, implement, and monitor effective recruitment/retention plans for athletes. Monitor the athletics program according to NAIA, and American Midwest Conference rules and regulations, and University standards of good practice.

Essential Functions

• Plans, administers and directs the university's athletic activities and staff.
• Supervises all full-time and part-time staff, including athletics administrators, coaches and administrative staff.
• Provides leadership and represents Harris-Stowe State University in its responsibilities as a NAIA participant and a member of the American Midwest Conference (AMC).
• Promotes academic excellence through improving graduation rates and academic success of student-athletes with innovative and proven results.
• Plans efforts of the department to encourage and support the academic success of student-athletes.
• Ensures full compliance with the laws, policies, rules, and regulations governing the college and its employees, as well as the rules of the NAIA, AMC and Title IX regulations.
• Oversees the budget for athletic operations and authorizes expenditures.
• Manages day-to-day business and facility operations, financial and personnel activities of the athletic department.
• Plans and schedules athletic events and oversees ticket sales (and other auxiliary) activities.
• Assists in athletic fundraising activities and activities geared to promote the college's athletic programs among students, alumni, and other supporters.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within the athletic department, promoting an inclusive environment for all student-athletes, coaches, and staff
• Oversees public relations with faculty, staff, students, alumni, media, and the general public.
• Serves as the primary spokesperson for the college's intercollegiate athletic program.
• Develops excellent relationships and engagement with alumni, parents, and other external constituents.
• Builds a strong fan base for all sport teams through effective marketing and game day experiences focusing on customer service and event planning.
• Negotiates and administers contracts to include making arrangements for all athletic contests including game contracts, facilities and media contracts, travel arrangements, intramurals, and game day management.
• Develops longer-term plans to determine need for and feasibility.
• Creates professional development opportunities for athletic staff.
• Review policies and standard operation procedures annually.
• Strategic Planning: Develop and implement long-term strategic plans for the athletic department, aligning with the university's vision and mission.
• Set clear goals and objectives to enhance the overall performance and competitiveness of the university's athletic teams.
• Fundraising and Development: Collaborate with the university's development office to establish and execute fundraising initiatives for the athletic department. Engage alumni, donors, and the community to garner financial support for facilities upgrades, scholarships, and program enhancements.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Must possess excellent written and oral communication skills. Evidence of usage of data-informed decision-making and strategic planning. Must be able to exercise appropriate human relations skills both within and outside the University environment.
  
  

Minimum Education And Experience

• Master's degree from an accredited institution of higher education. Knowledge of principles and good practices of university athletics and an in-depth knowledge of NAIA rules, regulations and timelines. Must be a successful fundraiser. Must be committed to gender equity and academic integrity.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
  
  

Physical Requirements

Successful candidates must have the ability to travel frequently from one site to another. Should have adequate sight to engage in word processing, view screens, the ability to climbing stairs, ability to sit for extended periods of time in meetings and observations, etc. Must be capable of lifting at least 15 pounds.

"Please No Phone Calls"

Due to the large number of applications submitted and the high volume of applicant inquiries we receive regarding the status of applications, we are unable to accept phone calls or walk-in inquiries regarding applicant status. Only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

EOE Statement

Harris-Stowe State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and assigned for this position. This is not an exhaustive list, nor is it limited to all duties and responsibilities associated with the position. HSSU management reserves the right to amend and change the responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.