Director of Athletics & Recreation

Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title

Director of Athletics & Recreation

Job Category

Staff & Executive - Athletics

Department

Newark Chancellor's Office

Overview

View Full Description

Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title

Director of Athletics & Recreation

Job Category

Staff & Executive - Athletics

Department

Newark Chancellor's Office

Overview

The Office of the Chancellor at Rutgers University – Newark is the central administrative authority for the campus. The OOC oversees strategic direction, operations and alignment with the mission and vision of Rutgers University. Serving as the executive leadership hub, the OOC is responsible for daily administration on campus, including students, faculty and staff; and including coordinated partnerships and outreach with external stakeholders.

Posting Summary

Rutgers University–Newark seeks a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as its Director of Athletics & Recreation. Reporting to the Chancellor, the Director of Athletics & Recreation provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and fiscal management for Rutgers University–Newark’s NCAA Division III intercollegiate athletics program, campus recreation, and fitness facilities and operations.

Rutgers University–Newark (RU–N) is a leading urban research university that embodies excellence, opportunity, and impact. As an anchor institution in the city of Newark, RU–N is committed to fostering academic achievement, civic engagement, and inclusive growth. The university serves a richly diverse student body and is nationally recognized for its programs that advance social mobility, community partnerships, and innovative scholarships.

The Department of Athletics & Recreation is a vital part of this mission, providing students with opportunities to engage in healthy competition, physical fitness, and community building. The department oversees a robust NCAA Division III intercollegiate athletics program, comprehensive campus recreation offerings, and modern fitness facilities that serve the entire university community.

The Director of Athletics & Recreation will be responsible for and not limited to the following:

• Providing strategic leadership, operational oversight, and fiscal management for all athletic and recreation programs, services, and facilities.

• Ensuring that Athletics and Recreation align with RU–N’s anchor mission, student success priorities, and commitment to access, equity, inclusion, and community engagement.

• Fostering a culture of academic and athletic excellence that enhances the student-athlete experience on and off the field.

• Overseeing compliance with NCAA Division III and conference rules and regulations.

• Developing and managing departmental budgets, resources, and employees to ensure effective and transparent operations.

• Collaborating with campus and community partners to strengthen engagement, outreach, and support for athletics and recreation initiatives.

• Promoting visibility and pride in Rutgers University–Newark athletics through strategic communication, fundraising, and alumni relations efforts.

• Leading efforts to enhance facilities, programming, and services that support the health and well-being of all athletic students, faculty, and staff.

The Department of Athletics & Recreation plays a central role in shaping the Rutgers–Newark student experience by promoting teamwork, resilience, leadership, and wellness. Through inclusive programs and competitive excellence, the department contributes to the university’s mission of preparing students to lead and thrive in a diverse and changing world.

FLSA

Exempt

Grade

10

Salary Details

Minimum Salary

143712.000

Mid Range Salary

181901.000

Maximum Salary

220090.000

Offer Information

The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university’s broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Benefits

Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programs

Position Status

Full Time

Working Hours

Standard Hours

37.50

Daily Work Shift

Work Arrangement

Union Description

Admin Assembly (MPSC)

Payroll Designation

PeopleSoft

Seniority Unit

Terms of Appointment

Staff - 12 month

Position Pension Eligibility

ABP

Qualifications

| Minimum Education and Experience |
• Bachelor’s degree in sports management, higher education administration, or a related field.

• Minimum of 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in collegiate athletics administration. | | Certifications/Licenses | | | Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities |
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to NCAA Division III philosophy and compliance.

• Proven ability to lead diverse teams and manage complex budgets effectively.

• Familiarity with student-athlete welfare, development, and needs.

• Demonstrated commitment to student success, equity, and inclusion in athletics and recreation.

• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across a wide range of stakeholders within the university community.

• Commitment to ethical leadership and integrity in all aspects of departmental operations. | | Preferred Qualifications |
• Master’s degree in a relevant discipline.
• Experience working in a public university or urban campus environment.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, external relations, community engagement, or facility development. | | Equipment Utilized | | | Physical Demands and Work Environment |
• Position will require evening or weekend work to support departmental needs, specific programs, and campus initiatives at the request of the supervisor or campus leadership. | | Special Conditions | |

Posting Details

| Posting Number | 25ST2446 | | Posting Open Date | 11/26/2025 | | Special Instructions to Applicants | | | Regional Campus | Rutgers University-Newark | | Home Location Campus | Rutgers University-Newark | | City | Newark | | State | NJ | | Location Details | |

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate’s offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * What is the highest level of education you have completed?

   • High School Diploma/GED
   • Associate's Degree
   • Bachelor's Degree
   • Master's Degree
   • Ph.D.

2. * Do you have a Bachelor’s degree in sports management, higher education administration, or a related field?

   • Yes
   • No

3. * Do you have a minimum of 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in collegiate athletics administration?

   • Yes
   • No

4. * Have you been in your current position for 6 months?

   • Yes
   • No

5. * Do you have experience with coaching or recruiting in NCAA Division III?

   • Yes
   • No

Applicant Documents

Required Documents 1. Resume/CV 2. Cover Letter/Letter of Application 3. List of Professional References (contact Info)

Optional Documents

Apply Now

View Less Description