Athletic Director

Job Summary

The Athletic Director serves as the administrator for Oklahoma Panhandle State University’s intercollegiate athletic programs. This position provides strategic leadership, oversight, and direction for all athletic operations, ensuring alignment with the University’s mission, NAIA regulations, and conference standards. The Athletic Director is responsible for fostering a culture of academic success, competitive excellence, integrity, and student-athlete well-being while advancing institutional visibility and community engagement.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall vision, strategic planning, and leadership for all varsity athletic programs.
• Supervise and evaluate head coaches and athletic department staff; promote a culture of accountability and excellence.
• Establish departmental goals aligned with university strategic priorities.
• Ensure effective communication and collaboration across campus departments.
• Ensure full compliance with NAIA, conference, and institutional rules, policies, and procedures.
• Maintain oversight of eligibility certification, recruiting practices, and program operations.
• Serve as the primary liaison with governing bodies and conference officials.
• Promote academic achievement, retention, and graduation success of student-athletes.
• Support the development of student-athletes through leadership, life skills, and character-building initiatives.
• Ensure a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all student-athletes.
• Develop, manage, and oversee the athletic department budget.

Job Summary

The Athletic Director serves as the administrator for Oklahoma Panhandle State University’s intercollegiate athletic programs. This position provides strategic leadership, oversight, and direction for all athletic operations, ensuring alignment with the University’s mission, NAIA regulations, and conference standards. The Athletic Director is responsible for fostering a culture of academic success, competitive excellence, integrity, and student-athlete well-being while advancing institutional visibility and community engagement.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall vision, strategic planning, and leadership for all varsity athletic programs.
• Supervise and evaluate head coaches and athletic department staff; promote a culture of accountability and excellence.
• Establish departmental goals aligned with university strategic priorities.
• Ensure effective communication and collaboration across campus departments.
• Ensure full compliance with NAIA, conference, and institutional rules, policies, and procedures.
• Maintain oversight of eligibility certification, recruiting practices, and program operations.
• Serve as the primary liaison with governing bodies and conference officials.
• Promote academic achievement, retention, and graduation success of student-athletes.
• Support the development of student-athletes through leadership, life skills, and character-building initiatives.
• Ensure a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all student-athletes.
• Develop, manage, and oversee the athletic department budget.
• Allocate resources effectively across programs and initiatives.
• Monitor financial operations, including scholarships, fundraising, and expenditures.
• Lead fundraising initiatives in coordination with the university advancement office.
• Cultivate relationships with donors, boosters, alumni, corporate partners, and community stakeholders.
• Enhance the visibility and reputation of OPSU Athletics locally, regionally, and nationally.
• Oversee athletic facilities planning, maintenance, and scheduling.
• Ensure proper management of equipment, travel, and game-day operations.
• Evaluate and improve athletic infrastructure to support program growth.
• Recruit, hire, mentor, and retain high-quality coaching and administrative staff.
• Support professional development opportunities for athletic personnel.
• Promote collaboration and consistency across all athletic programs.
• Partner with athletics communications and marketing staff to promote teams and events.
• Increase attendance, engagement, and brand awareness.
• Serve as a key spokesperson for OPSU Athletics.
• Represent OPSU Athletics at institutional, conference, and community events.
• Work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as required.
• Other duties as assigned by the Vice President of Advancement or his/her designee.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in sports administration, education, or related field.
• Previous experience as an Athletic Director or senior athletics administrator.
• Strong knowledge of NAIA rules and regulations and athletic program best practices.
• Distinguished record of coaching, teaching and/or administrative activities.
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal skills, including demonstrated ability to work with a diverse community of professionals.
• Ability to plan and articulate a strategic vision for the Athletics Department.
• A record of increasing leadership responsibility with a knowledge of, appreciation for, and commitment to the philosophy and programs an athletic program. Administrative experience preferred.
• Meet all required standards of confidentiality and safety. Maintain work areas in a clean and orderly manner.
• Must be able to lift more than 50-lb. objects; frequent bending, stooping, and walking.
• Can be exposed to a variety of weather conditions for periods of time.
• Demonstrated willingness and ability to act ethically and in a socially responsible manner.

About Oklahoma Panhandle State University (OPSU): OPSU is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is the first public Hispanic Serving Institution in Oklahoma. The university is a baccalaureate degree granting institution located in Goodwell, Oklahoma. Rooted in “Progress through Knowledge,” OPSU is committed to promoting excellence in the preparation of students for success in a global community. Our university achieved multiple rankings by the 2023 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings: #3 Best Value Regional Colleges West; #8 Top Public Colleges for the Western Region; and #17 Best Regional Colleges West. U.S New and World Report also recognized OPSU as one of the top ten universities in Oklahoma, standing out of our affordable tuition rates.

Apply Now