The Director of Athletics provides overall leadership for all intercollegiate athletics programs in concert with Evangel’s mission and oversees the various administrative functions associated with being members of the KCAC Conference and the NAIA. The Director of Athletics supports the distinct mission of Evangel University and creates an environment in which coaches and athletic personnel are committed to educating and equipping students to become Spirit-empowered servants of God who impact the Church and society globally. The Director of Athletics leads in ways that enhance Evangel’s reputation and brand with all audiences and furthers Evangel’s mission.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Leadership
Develop, maintain, and clearly articulate a written Christian philosophy and vision for Intercollegiate Athletics which supports and carries out the mission of Evangel University.
Develop yearly performance goals with each member of the Athletic Department to ensure alignment with the Evangel University mission.
Oversee the Valor Club by casting vision, establishing fundraising goals, and building a support base for athletics in alignment with the Evangel University Advancement office.
Lead eligibility endeavors in collaboration with the Faculty Athletics Representative and Registrar.
Direct and oversee the Athletics Advisory Board by vision casting and building support for Valor athletics.
Administer all national athletic association (NAIA) and conference (KCAC) matters including compliance to rules, eligibility of athletes, and represent Evangel University at all necessary meetings.
Collaborate with administration to plan and execute athletic scholarship programming to meet athletic recruiting and discount/net-tuition revenue goals.
Operations Management
For each head coach, collaboratively develop a pre-season list of performance goals including objectives for: targeted recruitment, individual athletic development of players, individual Christian character development of players, teamwork development of the program, brand identity of the program – both on-and off-campus, and tiered expectations (must, should, wow) for wins/losses.
For each head coach, meet post-season to review goal accomplishment, provide developmental feedback to the coach, and provide an annual report to the President on goal accomplishment based on the pre-season list of performance goals.
Oversee the game day experience by personally leading or delegating home contest leadership for all sports, including scheduling, arranging for set-up, scheduling officials, athletic trainers, ticket takers, and group to run concessions.
Oversee all athletic facilities in collaboration with Evangel’s facility departments.
Partner closely with the Evangel University Business and Finance Office to develop annual budgets for each sport and athletic operations. Prepare the departmental budgets for all athletic teams, SID, athletic trainers, and club sports.
Oversee athletic camps for all sports.
Collaborate with the Vice President for Academic Affairs in the search process to hire coaches for all intercollegiate athletic teams.
Primary point person for the oversight of the recruitment process for student athletes while working collaboratively with the individual coaches per sport.
Ensure that all details associated with the arrangements for team travel, lodging and food are executed either directly or through delegation.
Perform general administrative duties in regard to coordinating athletic insurance requirements for students including but not limited to injury claims and insurance verification. Work with the CFO in any bidding for athletic insurance and monitoring claim reports.
Coordinate with the respected parties the stewardship of all joint-use facilities such as shared by the City, Evangel University, and the Springfield Public Schools and Nixa Public Schools.
Ensure that practice schedules are placed into the University’s EMS so Conference Services knows when others can use the facilities.
Relationship Management/Communication
Collaborate with members of the Advancement Office and assigned Athletic Department staff to assist in the coordination of Alumni and other events involving fans and constituents of the university. Work with Advancement in fundraising efforts for the university, both in athletic fundraising and beyond.
In conjunction with the Advancement Department, cultivate and develop loyal alumni and constituents by advertising and other creative promotional opportunities to provide support for Evangel University’s athletic programs.
Measure and enhance the brand visibility of Evangel University through the athletic programs.
Meet monthly with the Vice President for Academic Affairs and ensure collaboration between the curricular and co-curricular spheres of the university.
Serve as the liaison with the Athletics Committee.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Understanding and commitment to the mission of Evangel University
Master’s degree in a relevant field with a minimum of five years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training. A doctorate degree is preferred.
Influencing skills related to fund raising and the recruitment of athletes and coaches.
Supervisor skills and experience with leading coaches and directing teams.
Coordination and organization skills with respect to arranging a schedule for all athletic teams and clubs, including managing tournaments.
Administrative skills necessary for administering a budget and administering eligibility requirements.
Computer skills including spreadsheets for budget and athletic statistics.
Long-range planning skills for formulating departmental goals.
Verbal and written communication skills, excelling in group presentations.
Evangel University is an equal opportunity employer participating in the E-Verify program.