The Adams State University Athletic Director (AD) is a bold and dynamic leader who inspires coaches, staff, and student-athletes to compete at their highest level possible. The AD advises the President in (1) strategizing the future of NCAA Division II Athletics and developing an athletic program in alignment with University strategic goals and initiatives; (2) ensuring processes and systems are in place to develop athletes and coaches to their fullest potential; (3) working with Athletics and campus constituents to create a single learning organization and culture; and (4) attaining financial stability for the department through revenue generation and budget oversight; (5) developing outreach to the community by providing camps and activities to generate a pipeline of student talent and garner interest in attending Adams State University. The AD also has fundraising responsibilities and provides oversight of the Grizzly Booster Club. The Director of Athletics is a full-time, 12-month position that reports directly to the President. The Director is a chief administrative officer of the department and provides leadership, direction, and operational management for the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and all aspects of the University’s NCAA Division II athletic programs for men and women. The Director supervises and evaluates departmental personnel and provides opportunities for staff training and professional development. Adams State University is a proud member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC). There are approximately 600 student athletes on campus. There are 20 programs on campus and our student athletes represent 33 different countries, and 40 states. Annually, our student-athletes engage in over 1,500 hours of community service.
The Director of Athletics will be expected to serve the University in the following ways: •Establish a vision and strategic direction for the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics in alignment with the University’s strategic plan and the NCAA; •Set high expectations for academic performance and collaborate with academic affairs, faculty, staff, and administrators to develop and implement appropriate strategies and policies to ensure student-athletics progress, earn degrees, and continually improve retention and graduation rates; •Formulate and implement all Athletics policies, procedures, and programs; •Provide leadership and oversight, including hiring and supervision for all 23 full time athletic coaches; •Establish collaborative relationships with the campus community, the community of Alamosa, University alumni, and boosters throughout the region; •Continually work to enhance the fan experience at all home contests, through proper preparation of facilities, equipment, and officials; and develop strong relationships with personnel involved with Athletic events, including game performers, student and community organizations, and corporate sponsors; •Ensure the Athletics Division operates with the highest level of integrity and ensures compliance with all NCAA, RMAC, and University rules , as well as federal and state laws; •Oversee and administer programs to ensure the well-being of all student-athletes including student-athlete development; •Provide success programs for all student-athletes to ensure they receive a high quality athletic experience which culminates with their graduation and job placement; •Provide development and oversight for the Athletics budgets; assisting in the allocation of funds and spending on items such as salaries, team travel, equipment purchase, and facility upkeep; while ensuring all programs adhere to prescribed budgets; •Oversee and administer financial development programs, including a total fundraising plan to secure additional internal and external funding, increase program-generated revenue, and allow for increased success and growth of the Athletics program; and •Represent the department and the University in NCAA (including NCAA Convention), RMAC, and campus meetings; Additionally, the Athletic Director is responsible for: •Overseeing the supervision and evaluation of Head Coaches and sport programs within the department and makes recommendations to the President; •Encouraging academic and athletic excellence and adheres to all rules and regulations set forth by the University, RMAC, and NCAA; •Maintaining an athletic department committed to the University’s mission and strategic priorities; •Identifying and cultivating alumni, supporters and friends who may have interest in supporting Adams State University athletics; •Overseeing Grizzly Club memberships, both at the individual and corporate level; •Developing and implementing a fundraising program to meet established revenue objectives, which includes promoting corporate sales and coordinating fundraising events and projects; •Developing a strategic approach for engaging sport-specific support groups to enhance annual giving to fit within an overall athletics fundraising model; •Leading strategic and effective leadership of the external operations fundraising and stewardship, and revenue generation for the Adams State University Athletic Department;
The successful candidate will be able to meet the above leadership expectations in addition to possessing at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution plus progressively responsible, related work experience including a minimum of five years leading and/or supervising the work of other professionals, coaches, and staff. Successful experience working in a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and/or Minority Serving Institution (MSI) is also expected. A master’s degree and familiarity with RMAC and NCAA regulations preferred.
The successful candidate must also have:
Experience in intercollegiate athletics;
Ability to articulate the philosophy and vision for the future of the university’s athletic programs and possession of a strategic vision and the ability to mobilize support behind institutional goals, as well as proven success at developing and implementing athletic strategic initiatives into a plan;
Demonstrate a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, equal opportunity, gender equity, and Title IX regulations and philosophy;
Demonstrate ability and experience managing and leading people and teams, including oversight, mentoring and support of staff and coaches;
Demonstrate experience in budget preparation and oversight and successful experience with revenue generation and demonstrated fundraising abilities with donors and external constituencies;
Demonstrate commitment to academic integrity and the academic progress and graduation of student athletes;
Demonstrate a firm commitment to ethical competition and integrity in all athletic related activities;
Excellent written and oral communications skills as well as a clearly articulated vision and philosophy of the role of intercollegiate athletics in the NCAA Division II culture;
A thorough understanding of NCAA rules and track record of success in meeting compliance standards;
Experience working with diverse populations and a commitment to diversity in the recruitment, retention, and representation of coaches, staff, and student athletes; and a
Proven track record of building and maintaining working relationships/partnerships with faculty, academic support programs, residence life, and student affairs staff.
Ability to treat others with respect, civility, and courtesy and to work honestly, effectively, and collegiality with employees, students, and the community. This includes the ability to use appropriate conflict management skills to effectively manage any disagreement that might arise or to bring the disagreement to management for assistance in productive resolution when the situation requires.
Applications must include the following:
A letter of application that specifically describes their qualifications and professional experience addressing their philosophy and vision for Adams State’s Athletic Department, the position description, essential responsibilities, professional attributes, and qualifications described above;
A current resume or CV;
An unofficial transcript;
List of four professional references with contact information
Submit all application materials electronically, in PDF format to the search committee chair, Kenneth Marquez, Vice President for Student Affairs at studentaffairs@adams.edu
About Adams State University Athletics
Located in Alamosa Colorado Adams State is a state -supported primarily undergraduate institution in the San Luis Valley, a rural and agricultural area of south-central Colorado, approximately 3.5 hours from Denver and 2.5 hours from Santa Fe, New Mexico. The University is designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution and as a regional education provider.
The Athletic Department is comprised of 20 Varsity NCAA DII sports and 600 student-athletes
