Director of Athletics

Position Summary

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 Thunderbirds—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.

Essential Functions

• 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.

Position Summary

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 Thunderbirds—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.

Essential Functions

• 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.

Education & Experience

• 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, conference realignment, governance reform, revenue sharing, and student-athlete wellness.
• Proven ability to lead through change while maintaining institutional identity, values, and culture.
• Experience building, mentoring, and retaining effective administrative teams and staff.
• Strong financial acumen, including experience with multi-million-dollar budget oversight, strategic resource allocation, and long-range planning.
• Demonstrated commitment to fundraising and donor stewardship with a focus on sustained relationships rather than short-term gains.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and public engagement skills, with the ability to build trust across campus and within the broader community.
• Evidence of deep appreciation for community-connected institutions and a willingness to be personally and professionally invested in Cedar City and southern Utah.
• Strong commitment to student-athlete-centered decision-making, holistic development, and inclusive excellence.
• Record of ethical leadership, integrity, and accountability.

Supplemental Information

This position will remain open until filled. Applicants should submit a cover letter and résumé electronically. Review of applications will begin March 26, 2026. No hard copy applications will be accepted.

Due to recent changes in H1B visa fees, Southern Utah University is no longer able to sponsor international faculty and staff that require an H1B visa and are currently living outside of the United States.

Southern Utah University does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services. For more information or contact information, please visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination/.

_ In accordance with Utah State Code 53A-3-410, appointment to this position is contingent upon the successful passing of a background check. _

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