Athletics Director (Onsite)

University of Michigan-Flint School of Management; Flint (MI); On-site; USD 89,000 - 122,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Michigan-Flint invites applications for the inaugural Director of Athletics to lead a new NAIA-aligned program that supports academics and student well-being.

Reporting to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, the director will build the department, forge campus and community partnerships, oversee budget and operations, and promote inclusive student engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• 5+ years in intercollegiate athletics administration or related leadership.
• Working knowledge of NAIA, NCAA, or NJCAA compliance.
• Experience in budget management and personnel supervision.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to student success, gender equity, and well-being.
• Master's in sports administration or related field (preferred).
• Experience launching/expanding athletics programs.
• Knowledge of NAIA and WHAC regulations and reporting (preferred).
• Fundraising, external relations, or partnership development (preferred).
• Coaching experience or supervision of coaches (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Strategic leadership and program development.
• Compliance and governance oversight.
• Student-athlete success and well-being.
• Personnel leadership and culture.
• Financial management and resource development.
• Facilities and operations management.
• Enrollment and recruitment partnership.
• Campus and community engagement.
• Assessment and continuous improvement.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Governance & compliance

Relationship building

Communication

Diversity & inclusion

Public university operations

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

The University of Michigan-Flint invites applications for the inaugural position of Director of Athletics. Reporting to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, the Director will provide visionary leadership to establish and grow a competitive, student-centered intercollegiate athletics program aligned with NAIA membership and the University's mission as an accessible, student-focused, urban public institution.

As a founding leader, the Director of Athletics will build the University's athletics department from the ground up--developing its strategic direction, operational infrastructure, and organizational culture. The Director will integrate athletics into the broader campus experience, advancing student engagement, enrollment, retention, and community connection while promoting academic excellence, integrity, and well-being among student-athletes.

The Director will serve as a highly visible campus and community leader, building partnerships and strengthening collaborations across the University of Michigan-Flint, the greater Flint community, and regional stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership and Program Development
• Compliance and Governance
• Student-Athlete Success and Well-being
• Personnel Leadership and Culture
• Financial Management and Resource Development
• Facilities and Operations
• Enrollment and Recruitment Partnership
• Campus and Community Engagement
• Assessment and Continuous Improvement

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Ability to build and lead a new athletics program within a complex public university environment.
• Strategic thinker with strong operational and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships across diverse campus and community constituencies.
• Strong commitment to compliance, integrity, and student-centered decision-making.
• Cultural competence and ability to foster an inclusive and welcoming environment.

Work Environment and Expectations

• Requires evening and weekend hours, including attendance at athletic events and community engagements.
• Requires travel for NAIA conference meetings, athletic competitions, fundraising efforts, and professional development.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in intercollegiate athletics administration, coaching, or related leadership roles.
• Working knowledge of NAIA, NCAA, or NJCAA compliance and governance.
• Experience in budget management, personnel supervision, and program development.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to student success, gender equity, and holistic well-being.

Desired Qualifications

• Master's degree in sports administration, higher education, or related field.
• Experience launching or expanding athletics programs, preferably at a public or regional institution.
• Demonstrated knowledge with NAIA and WHAC regulations, requirements and reporting systems.
• A record of success in NAIA athletics administration/competition.
• Proven success in fundraising, external relations, or partnership development.
• Coaching experience or direct supervision of coaching staff.

Why Work at UM-Flint?

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family, and plan for a secure future.

Benefits Include:

• Generous time off
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions after 12 months of eligible service with immediate vesting.
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses.

Eligibility for benefits based on your job group, your appointment percentage and the length of your appointment. Learn more about employee benefits and eligibility from the UM Human Resources Benefits and Wellness webpage.

Modes of Work

Onsite

The work requires, or the supervisor approves a fully onsite presence. Onsite is defined as a designated U-M owned or leased work location within or outside of the State of Michigan.

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes here.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Salary

$89,000.00 - $122,000.00