Director of Athletics

About Southern Utah University

Southern Utah University (SUU) is a public comprehensive institution located in Cedar City, Utah, known for its strong sense of community, personalized student experience, and commitment to educational access and excellence. SUU serves as a regional anchor for southern Utah, providing transformative academic and co-curricular opportunities while contributing meaningfully to the cultural, economic, and civic vitality of the region.

SUU Athletics-home of the Thunder birds-sponsors 15 varsity programs and competes in NCAA Division I. SUU will compete in the Western Athletic Conference during the 2025-26 academic year before joining the Big Sky Conference on July 1, 2026. Thunderbird Athletics is deeply integrated into the identity of the university and the Cedar City community, with a strong emphasis on student-athlete success, integrity, and relationship-building.

SUU Athletics develops graduates, leaders, and lifelong ambassadors for the University.

Position Summary

Southern Utah University seeks a Director of Athletics who is committed to long-term leadership, institutional stewardship, and legacy-building at both the University and community levels. This role is ideal for a leader who views SUU not as a steppingstone, but as a place to invest, grow, and make a lasting impact.

Reporting directly to the President, the Director of Athletics provides strategic, financial, and operational leadership for a Division I athletics department of approximately 70 coaches and staff and more than 350 student-athletes across 15 varsity programs.

The Director of Athletics will lead the department through a pivotal period of opportunity and transition, including conference affiliation changes, evolving NCAA governance, and the continued strengthening of SUU Athletics as a source of pride, connection, and stability for the University and Cedar City community. The successful candidate will demonstrate a sustained commitment to relationship-building, program development, and the long-term success of student-athletes, staff, and the institution.

* Provide visionary, values-based leadership for all aspects of SUU's intercollegiate athletics programs, including personnel, student-athlete success, budgeting, facilities, operations, compliance, fundraising, and community engagement.

* Develop and execute a long-term strategic plan for SUU Athletics that prioritizes institutional alignment, competitive excellence, fiscal responsibility, and sustained program growth.

* Champion a culture that embraces the ideals of academic success, health, safety, and holistic development of student-athletes.

* Lead SUU Athletics through conference transition and ensure competitive, operational, and cultural continuity during and beyond this period.

* Recruit, hire, support, evaluate, and retain head coaches and senior staff with an emphasis on continuity, mentorship, and professional development.

* Hire coaches and staff who will promote a culture of integrity and caring.

* Oversee and steward athletics facilities and events in a manner that enhances the student-athlete experience and community engagement.

* Ensure full compliance with NCAA, conference, and University policies while promoting a culture of integrity, accountability, and transparency.

* Lead fundraising and external engagement efforts, cultivating long-term donor relationships and strengthening community and alumni investment in SUU Athletics.

* Actively engage with the community, donors, and alumni.

* Serve as the primary ambassador for SUU Athletics locally, regionally, and nationally, fostering strong relationships with conference leadership, peer institutions, civic leaders, and community partners.

* Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.

* At least five years of progressively responsible senior leadership experience, preferably with demonstrated knowledge of and engagement in NCAA Division I athletics.

* Demonstrated success in long-term program building, organizational stability, and leadership continuity within an organization.

* Strategic understanding of NCAA Division I and FCS athletics, including NIL, transfer portal dynamics,…