Executive Director of Athletics & Recreation

Position Overview:

The Executive Director of Athletics & Recreation provides strategic leadership, direction, and oversight for the University's intercollegiate athletics and recreation programs. The Executive Director is responsible for the overall administration, planning, fiscal management, compliance, personnel, facilities, and operations of the department.

The Executive Director ensures that Athletics & Recreation supports the University's mission and educational priorities while promoting student success, student-athlete well-being, competitive excellence, institutional engagement, and a positive campus experience. The position oversees the University's NCAA Division III intercollegiate athletic program as well as recreational programs, facilities, and initiatives serving the broader University community.

The Executive Director serves as a member of the President’s Advisory Council (PAC) and collaborates with the President and fellow PAC members in the development and implementation of University-wide organizational strategy. In this role, the Executive Director contributes to institutional planning, decision-making, and cross-divisional initiatives that advance the University’s mission and strategic priorities, while aligning Athletics & Recreation programs, resources, and operations with those objectives.

Education:

• Master’s Degree from a four-year college or university. 

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible and successful experience in collegiate athletic administration.
• Demonstrated experience supervising coaches, administrators, and/or professional staff.
• Previous successful experience in athletic administration at the college level.
• Previous coaching experience at the college level.
• Experience with NCAA Division III athletics strongly preferred.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Thorough knowledge of NCAA Division III rules, regulations, compliance requirements, and best practices.
• Knowledge of the role of intercollegiate athletics and recreation within higher education and the student educational experience.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and outstanding organizational ability.
• Understanding of the role of athletics as an educational tool in the liberal arts environment.
• Thorough knowledge of “the business” of athletics.
• Ability to develop effective working relationships with senior leadership, faculty, staff, coaches, students, student-athletes, alumni, donors, families, and external partners.
• Proficiency with AI, internet and email, spreadsheet software, word processing software, and athletics, compliance, scheduling, financial, and other technology platforms as required.

(Equivalent combinations of education, licenses, certifications and/or experience may be considered.)

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Misericordia University is not able to sponsor or transfer employment visas for this position.