Director of Athletics

About Ohio UniversityOhio University is Ohio’s first and finest public university, founded in 1804 as the first institution of higher learning in the Northwest Territory. For more than two centuries, we have continued to grow, adapt, and lead—remaining true to our mission while evolving to meet the needs of each new generation of students. Today, OHIO enrolls nearly 30,000 students across the state and online, offering over 250 academic programs in fields ranging from business, communications, and healthcare to the social sciences, the arts, and STEM.

Our focus is on student success—providing access to real-world industry and research experiences at an affordable cost. It’s why U. S. News & World Report ranks Ohio University as the No. 1 Best Value public university in the state and among the top in the nation. Our beautiful 1,740-acre main campus in Athens is consistently recognized as one of America’s best college towns. Blending seamlessly into Uptown Athens, the campus is steps away from historic neighborhoods, a vibrant local food culture, and an abundance of community connections.

Ohio University is also proud to be classified as a research university with very high research activity by the Carnegie Foundation, as well as an Opportunity University. As a charter member of the Mid-American Conference (MAC), OHIO competes in NCAA Division I athletics with 16 varsity men’s and women’s sports and more than 400 student-athletes. Our Athletics program is built on a commitment to excellence, integrity, and the holistic success of our student-athletes—both academically and athletically. Whether in competition or in the classroom, Bobcat Athletics inspires pride in our students, alumni, faculty, staff, and fans across the globe.

Position SummaryThe Director of Athletics reports to the President of the University and serves on the President’s Executive Council. The Director of Athletics is responsible for all aspects of the Athletics department, including fundraising, strategic planning, budgeting, personnel management, student wellbeing, and sports information, which includes media relations, marketing initiatives, and licensing.

The University seeks a leader of its intercollegiate athletics program, who will work with students, faculty, staff, community, and alumni across the University to maintain excellence in its athletics programs, recruit and retain a diverse group of exceptional coaches, and promote the student-athletes’ academic and athletic achievements throughout the University community. The Director of Athletics will work in concert with the President, as well as other senior leaders to support the overall goals and objectives of the University. Duties And ResponsibilitiesProvide leadership that adheres to the highest standards of integrity in all athletic, academic, and business matters.

Set conditions and promote an environment that fosters each student athlete’s health and welfare, academic and athletic achievement, and overall growth and development. Instill a culture and commitment to Title IX throughout the department. Lead the development of athletics fundraising goals and work in close coordination with University Advancement, the Board of Trustees, volunteer leaders, specifically the Bobcat Club, to develop fundraising strategies to meet strategic priorities. Meet with donors and prospective donors and actively engage in on-going fundraising activities.

Instill a championship culture throughout the Athletics department that empowers coaches, student-athletes, student employees, and staff as they compete for MAC championships. Develop a clear vision that will ensure the Athletics department has a competitive advantage in fundraising, facilities development, and the recruitment, retention and promotion of student-athletes and athletics personnel. Ensure budgetary and fiscal accountability of the Athletics department to adhere to a balanced budget through enhancing revenue generation and monitoring spending. Provide effective communication as the spokesperson for Ohio University and the Athletics department with the media, alumni, donors, fans, parents, faculty, staff, administration, and prospective student-athletes.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with faculty, administrators, staff, student body, student government associations, alumni, friends, booster clubs, and the local community regarding athletics at Ohio University. Provide strategic leadership and sound decision-making with regard to all Athletics department matters including fiscal affairs, personnel, strategic planning, facilities, public relations, and general operations. Provide full compliance with all applicable Federal, State, NCAA, MAC, and University rules and regulations.

Demonstrate collaborative, mission-driven leadership through a commitment to Ohio University’s public mission and the ability to work across academic, administrative, and external sectors—advancing a culture where athletics amplifies institutional impact within the state, region, and beyond. The ideal candidate will bring both a deep understanding of collegiate athletics and a forward-looking engagement mindset—ensuring Ohio University’s athletics program continues to lift all four pillars of the Dynamic Strategy and OHIO’s mission. Qualifications/ExperienceBachelor’s degree is required; Master's degree is preferred. Progressive and highly relevant athletic administrative experience, preferably at the Division I level.

Commitment to fundraising. Proven ability to work with diverse populations of students, faculty, staff, and external constituents. Demonstrated success in hiring, supervising and mentoring senior-level staff, developing and monitoring a multi-million dollar budget, and working with faculty, staff, students and administration. Strong record of compliance along with a thorough knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations. Unwavering commitment to ethics and student-athlete academic success and well-being. Excellent written, interpersonal and oral communication skills. Application ProcessOhio University Invites Letters Of Nomination, Applications, Or Expressions Of Interest To Be Submitted To The Search Firm Assisting The University.

Confidential Review Of Materials Will Begin Immediately And Continue Until The Appointment Is Made. For Full Consideration, Application Materials Should Be Submitted At Parker Executive Search’s Website. For Additional Information, Please ContactDaniel Parker, Vice President and Managing DirectorGrant Higgison, PrincipalGray McGee, Executive Recruiting Coordinatorghiggison@parkersearch. com | gmcgee@parkersearch. comParker Executive Search770-804-1996 ext. 118Ohio University is an equal access/equal opportunity university.