Director of Athletics - 721

Position Details

Position Information

Division

Athletics

Department

Office of Chancellor

Working Title

Director of Athletics

Vacancy Type

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Position Details

Position Information

Division

Athletics

Department

Office of Chancellor

Working Title

Director of Athletics

Vacancy Type

Senior Academic and Administrative Officer

Min T/E Requirements

The next Director of Athletics will be an experienced, principled and student-centered leader with a demonstrated record of success in intercollegiate athletics or a similarly complex, mission-driven organization. The successful candidate will bring five to seven years of progressive leadership experience, including senior-level responsibility within a multifaceted enterprise, and will possess a bachelor’s degree (master’s degree preferred). As a senior university leader and member of the Chancellor’s Cabinet, the athletics director will demonstrate unquestioned integrity and a strong working knowledge of NCAA compliance standards, while embracing UNCP’s mission and culture. The director will be expected to lead with accountability, excellence, and sportsmanship, consistent with the values and expectations of NCAA Division II and the “Life in the Balance” philosophy.

• A proven ability to attract, develop, evaluate and retain coaches and staff, fostering a culture of integrity, accountability and competitive excellence.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and effective partnerships across campus and with alumni, donors, conference partners and community stakeholders.
• Experience in team building and/or coaching, with a strong understanding of the demands placed on coaches and student-athletes.
• Strong administrative and financial leadership skills, including oversight of budgets, personnel and complex operations.
• Demonstrated commitment to and support of student-athlete academic success, including reinforcing the expectation that coaches serve as educators and faculty partners.
• Successful experience in revenue generation including private fundraising, endowed scholarships, booster engagement, sponsorships, ticketing and game-day initiatives.
• Demonstrated integrity, transparency and alignment with UNCP’s mission, including its historic commitment to the community and student access.
• A talent for building trust and strong partnerships across campus, with system leadership and in the local community.
• Clearly relational, approachable and visible at games, practices and university gatherings.

FTE

1

Recruitment Range

Commensurate with Education and Experience

Anticipated Hiring Range

Commensurate with Education and Experience

Position

721

FLSA Status

Exempt

Months per year

12

Is this a grant funded position?

No

If yes, please indicate the end date of the grant.(if applicable)

N/A

Primary Purpose of Organization Unit

UNCP Athletics is a comprehensive NCAA Division II program with 16 men’s and women’s teams. The division supports more than 400 student-athletes across a broad sport portfolio and is deeply committed to competitive excellence, academic success and community engagement. The next director of athletics will have the opportunity to lead a values-driven program, strengthen championship culture and advance the university’s mission through strategic vision, collaboration and inclusive leadership.

Primary Purpose of Position

The director of athletics serves as the university’s chief athletics administrator, providing strategic leadership and oversight for all aspects of the intercollegiate athletics program. The position is responsible for the supervision and development of coaches, administrators and support staff; fiscal management and fundraising; compliance with NCAA, conference, university and system policies; and the promotion of student-athlete academic success and well-being. The director also plays a key role in campus collaboration, external relations and advancing a culture of integrity, equity and competitive excellence.

Job Description

The director of athletics serves as the university’s chief athletics administrator, providing strategic leadership and oversight for all aspects of the intercollegiate athletics program. The position is responsible for the supervision and development of coaches, administrators and support staff; fiscal management and fundraising; compliance with NCAA, conference, university and system policies; and the promotion of student-athlete academic success and well-being. The director also plays a key role in campus collaboration, external relations and advancing a culture of integrity, equity and competitive excellence.

This position is eligible for a sign-on bonus. To be eligible for a sign-on bonus, the candidate must not have worked as a probationary, permanent, or time-limited employee in the last 12 months as an employee in North Carolina state government subject to the State Human Resources Act.

Management Preference

Bachelor’s degree required, master’s degree preferred.

Lic or Certification required by statute or regulation

N/A

Posting Information

| Job Opening Date | 01/22/2026 | | Job Closing Date | | | Open Until Filled | Yes | | Posting Category | Professional | | Posting Number | EPA01088 | | Quick Link to Posting | https://jobs.uncp.edu/postings/12951 | | Special Instructions to Applicants |
**_Review of applications will begin immediately. Coach4Aday has been exclusively retained for this engagement, with founder Dan Kenney serving as lead consultant.

Please submit your resume and cover letter as soon as possible by emailing Coach4Aday directly at DKenney1953@gmail.com.

Please find more information at the link provided below:

 **
https://www.uncp.edu/file... ** _**

This position is subject to the successful completion of an employment background check. An employment background check includes a criminal background check, employment verification, reference checks, license verification (if applicable) and credit history check (if applicable). In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. New employees are paid only by direct deposit to the financial institution of their choice. Candidates claiming Veterans Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 as a part of the online application process. 

UNC Pembroke is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The University prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibits discrimination against all individuals based on their age, race, color, genetic information, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and national origin. UNC Pembroke is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and seeks priority referrals of protected veterans for our openings. |

Applicant Documents

Required Documents 1. C V/Resume 2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents 1. Other Document

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
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