Vice President & Director of Athletics – Northern Kentucky University

Vice President & Director of Athletics – Northern Kentucky University

CSA is pleased to partner with Northern Kentucky University on the search for their next Vice President & Director of Athletics. Inquiries and nominations should be directed to CSA Search & Consulting sulting. Applications via the form below.

Northern Kentucky University (NKU) is a thriving public university located in the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati metropolitan area, just minutes from downtown Cincinnati. Nationally recognized as a steward of place, NKU is a model for public engagement by aligning its teaching, learning, research, scholarship, and economic and civic mission with the region’s needs. With more than 15,000 students and some 2,000 faculty and staff, NKU is a regional leader educating undergraduate and graduate students in a student-centered, relational environment that promotes exploration and discovery.

Despite being a ‘young’ university by higher education standards, NKU has more than 90,000 alumni across the country and around the world, and 78% of those alumni remain in the region after graduation. This is a time of exciting growth and positive change at NKU.

The primary mission of NKU’s intercollegiate athletics program is to provide a positive academic and athletic experience for actively engaged student-athletes with our talented coaching staff. The program functions at a level and in a manner that projects a positive image for the university in the community. Membership in the NCAA Division I and the Horizon League, along with adherence to their governing philosophies and regulations, provides a framework for implementing the mission of NKU Athletics.

NKU’s Athletics Department is responsible for 21 sports, including several new sports added over the last three years. The strategic imperative is to position NKU’s intercollegiate sports to compete at the highest level of NCAA Division I and in the Horizon League, while balancing budgetary realities.

Reporting to NKU President Cady Short-Thompson and serving on the President’s Cabinet, the Vice President and Director of Athletics will have the opportunity to shape the university’s vision and visibility. This individual will be responsible for oversight and planning within the athletics department to support the continued development and growth of a Division I Intercollegiate program that adheres to the rules, regulations, and policies of NKU, the Horizon League, and the NCAA.

STRATEGIC RESOURCE LEADERSHIP:

• Demonstrate significant experience in strategic and financial planning, strong analytical and strategic thinker to set the division’s priorities; responsible allocation of resources; consideration of the university’s best interests; and the ability to make difficult decisions.
• Develop strategies and ticket pricing to grow athletic event audiences, enhance fan experiences, and increase overall support for Norse Athletics.
• Lead the development of Athletics fundraising goals and work in close coordination with University Development to develop fundraising strategies to meet the priorities of the Athletic Department and University, including student scholarships, NIL funding, and improvement to existing facilities and the construction of new facilities, as opportunities arise. Meet with donors and prospective donors as part of ongoing fundraising activities.

MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP:

• Demonstrate successful experience in organizational development and personnel management; highly relational communicator and effective fundraiser who actively engages with fans, donors, and constituents.
• Encourage the professional development of the administrative and coaching staff, promote their accomplishments, and nurture a culture of positive morale and interdepartmental relationships.
• Provide visionary leadership and role modeling for sustaining a culture of transparency, professionalism, integrity, and respect at all levels.
• Plan and oversee the department’s efforts to encourage and support the academic success of student-athletes, recognizing that student-athletes must find a balance between academic success and athletic…