Director of Athletics

• Please contact Anne-Marie Kenney for salary information
• Managing Budget: $1.7 million Approximately
• Reports to:
  
  Dave Ramsaran, PhD, Provost and Dean of the Faculty

Susquehanna University invites applications and nominations for the position of director of athletics. The university seeks a collaborative, strategic, and student-centered leader to build on a tradition of competitive excellence, strengthen departmental culture and operations, and advance a holistic and equitable student-athlete experience. The next director will play an important role in supporting enrollment, student success, and engagement across the university.

This is an on-site position. The anticipated start date is early 2027.

Reporting to the provost and dean of the faculty, the director of athletics provides strategic leadership and oversight for Susquehanna University’s intercollegiate athletics, club sports, and recreation programs. The director is responsible for 23 NCAA Division III varsity sports, more than 70 coaches and staff, approximately 600 student‑athletes, and an operating budget of approximately $1.7 million. The director advances academic and athletic excellence, student-athlete well‑being, and a holistic and equitable student experience, aligned with the university’s mission and strategic priorities.

As a senior leader within Academic Affairs, the director oversees departmental operations, resource management, compliance, program development, and assessment while fostering a collaborative and accountable departmental culture. The director works closely with faculty and campus partners, including Student Life, Enrollment Management, Finance, Operations, University Communications and Marketing, and University Advancement, to strengthen student success, institutional enrollment, campus engagement, and external support for athletics.

Specific Responsibilities

• Direct and supervise intercollegiate athletics, club sports, and recreation programs, including administrative, compliance, recruiting, operational, and business functions.
• Provide leadership for athletics program development, assessment, and evaluation, including determining the feasibility of new programs and implementing strategies for continuous improvement.
• Develop and oversee departmental budgets, financial controls, and resource allocation in collaboration with university financial leadership.
• Identify and pursue revenue‑generating opportunities, including corporate sponsor ships, facilities rentals, and grants.
• Partner with the vice president for advancement to strengthen athletics fundraising, alumni engagement, and donor relationships.
• Recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate coaches and staff, establishing clear performance expectations and supporting professional development.
• Ensure compliance with university policies, NCAA Division III regulations, conference requirements, and applicable federal and state laws.
• Support the recruitment, retention, academic success, personal development, and well‑being of student‑athletes.
• Collaborate with the faculty athletics representative, faculty athletics committee, and campus partners to advance student success and institutional priorities.
• Oversee athletics facilities, maintenance coordination, and planning for facility improvements.
• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of athletic camps, including planning, implementation, and post‑event review.
• Provide leadership for athletics communications, marketing, and promotion.
• Represent the university on institutional, conference, and NCAA committees, as appropriate.
• Facilitate student‑athlete leadership development and access to professional development, internships, and other experiential learning opportunities.