Athletic Director

EXPIRED

The purpose of the Athletic Director is to provide effective and inspirational leadership for Pepperdine’s Department of Athletics. This position is the chief administrator for athletics with responsibility for the overall intercollegiate athletics program at Pepperdine. The position reports to the senior vice president for strategic implementation and works closely with the president and senior leadership to advance athletic priorities. The position is expected to build a culture of trust in the Department of Athletics and across campus and is responsible for all administrative, management, and supervisory aspects of the Department of Athletics. The Athletic Director is responsible for the strategic long-range planning and monitoring of budgets, personnel, programs, facilities, fundraising, promotions and marketing, and public relations for a NCAA Division I program. The Athletic Director is responsible for holding academic success as a matter of highest priority for student-athletes and is responsible for assuring that all programs support the University’s Christian mission and comply with all NCAA compliance and conference standards.

• Pepperdine mission, vision and affirmation statement

• Pepperdine Athletics mission

• Pepperdine Athletics history and traditions

The purpose of the Athletic Director is to provide effective and inspirational leadership for Pepperdine’s Department of Athletics. This position is the chief administrator for athletics with responsibility for the overall intercollegiate athletics program at Pepperdine. The position reports to the senior vice president for strategic implementation and works closely with the president and senior leadership to advance athletic priorities. The position is expected to build a culture of trust in the Department of Athletics and across campus and is responsible for all administrative, management, and supervisory aspects of the Department of Athletics. The Athletic Director is responsible for the strategic long-range planning and monitoring of budgets, personnel, programs, facilities, fundraising, promotions and marketing, and public relations for a NCAA Division I program. The Athletic Director is responsible for holding academic success as a matter of highest priority for student-athletes and is responsible for assuring that all programs support the University’s Christian mission and comply with all NCAA compliance and conference standards.

• Pepperdine mission, vision and affirmation statement

• Pepperdine Athletics mission

• Pepperdine Athletics history and traditions

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure that the University’s and Athletic Department's missions are protected and advanced.

  • Ensure an environment for student-athletes that reflects the department’s commitment to Christian values, academic well-being for students, and competitive excellence.
  • Further the University’s Christian mission by living the precepts of the Christian faith in a sincere and genuine manner, exemplifying Christian leadership.
  • Recruit, hire, train, and evaluate mission-focused administrative staff, coaching staff, and administrative support personnel.

• Oversee fundraising activities and revenue generation for athletics; develop and maintain strong public relations presence and profile.

  • Work collaboratively with the University’s Advancement team to sustain and grow athletic department fundraising efforts.
  • Engage effectively at fundraising events and solicit donors, as appropriate.
  • Ensure strong and effective external relations with all key external constituencies, including donors, parents, alumni, and fans of Waves athletics, among others.
  • Strengthen community by enhancing fan engagement with the Waves and increasing game attendance and interest.

• Develop, disseminate, and implement departmental policies and regulations for theconduct of intercollegiate athletic programs. Assure compliance with all regulatoryagencies.

  • Develop strategic long-range planning objectives that advance the mission of the University and align with the mission and philosophy of the athletics program.
  • Ensure compliance with the rules and regulations of the NCAA, federal Title IX, conference and institutional policies by coaches, employees, friends, and supporters of the University.
  • Develop ongoing plans and recommendations for compliance with Title IX regulations. Ensure the timely completion of the annual “Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act” report, Graduate Success Rate (GSR), and NCAA Academic Progress Rate (APR); disseminate the reports to the campus community and the public as required by law.
  • Participate in conference and NCAA activities and attend appropriate meetings of those bodies to aid in formulating policies. Provide oversight for implementing NCAA Academic Eligibility Center procedures.

• Lead the intercollegiate athletic program, including coordination of present programs, and development of new programs in response to campus and community needs.

  • Maintain general oversight for the following programs and activities: NCAA Student-Athlete Opportunity Fund, NCAA scholarships, internships, and awards programs, and the Student-Athlete Advisory Council.
  • Ensure conformity with all internal policies as well as those of the NCAA and the various conferences to which our sports belong.
  • Work closely with the University President, senior vice president for strategic implementation, and senior leadership on issues relating to NCAA Division 1 intercollegiate athletics, trends, sustainability, challenges, and any other pertinent matters by sharing reports, recommendations, presentations, and findings.

• Oversee all fiscal operations of the department in accordance with University policies and procedures.

  • Prepare an annual budget (personnel, equipment, travel, etc.) for submission to the University that aligns with strategic priorities.
  • Exercise effective oversight of the budget and partner with the University finance office in maintaining appropriate accountability.
  • Work with the Senior Vice President to develop long-range fiscal plans and goals for the overall athletics program.
  • Cooperate in the annual external audit process of athletic finances per NCAA requirements.

• Oversee planning of athletic events as well as use and maintenance of athletic facilities as needed.

  • Execute contracts for athletic contests, facility rental(s) and facility use in collaboration with the Associate Director of Athletics.
  • Assist in the development, maintenance, and implementation of a facilities master plan for intercollegiate athletics.
  • Submit bids to stage NCAA, WCC, and MPSF championship events, community events and national events.

• Other responsibilities

  • Represent Pepperdine to the NCAA, West Coast Conference (WCC), and the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF), among other external organizations.
  • Effectively represent athletics and advance the interests at Pepperdine through service on university, conference, and NCAA-level committees, cultivating valuable relationships, influencing governing decisions, and promoting the best interests of Pepperdine and its student-athletes.
  • Maintain and strengthen the department's commitment to the physical and mental health and wellness of student-athletes. Support and empower health care staff in the realization of this goal.
  • Serve as a liaison to the University’s NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative to monitor the academic integrity of the athletics program and the welfare of student-athletes.
  • Serve on University committees as appropriate to support and enhance the role of athletics in a holistic academic program.
  • Travel to major tournaments, key conference contests, and NCAA postseason tournament championships.
  • Position Pepperdine Athletics to succeed in the face of the changing landscape of intercollegiate sports.
  • Contribute to the overall success of the intercollegiate athletics program by performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
  • Uphold University mission through work performed.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree. Significant experience in athletics leadership (10+ years), including management and supervisory experience. Demonstrated record of support for the University’s mission and Christian values.

Preferred Qualifications, Knowledge and Skills:

Excellent critical-thinking skills and use of sound judgment.Excellent communications skills both written and oral.Graduate degree in pertinent field. Athletics administration experience at an NCAA Division I level athletic program. Demonstrated knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations governing recruitment, player eligibility, and related functions. Record of successful collaboration and team building with a broad range of stakeholders.Strong analytical and project management skills.Experience working with faith-based institutions (either in a professional or personal capacity).Experience managing multi-million dollar budgets. Demonstrated success as a fundraiser. Demonstrated success in building external relationships and strengthening community through fan engagement.

Qualified individuals should be able to articulate a strong commitment to diversity, and have the ability to work effectively with individuals from different backgrounds.

Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal, education, and employment screening. Qualified individuals with criminal histories will be considered for employment in compliance with applicable laws.

Applications will be accepted through the Pepperdine jobs site until the time that a new Athletic Director is appointed, candidates should submit application materials consisting of a curriculum vitae and a letter of interest. Nominations, confidential inquiries, and questions concerning this search may be directed to employment@pepperdine.edu.

Expected Pay Range: $280,000 - $360,000 per year

The above pay range reflects what Pepperdine University reasonably expects to pay for this position at time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on relevant factors such as work experience, market conditions, education/training, and skill level. In addition to base pay, Pepperdine offers a robust and highly competitive benefits package.