Chief Athletics Officer — Lead National NAIA Program

National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Marian University in Indianapolis seeks a strategic Vice President/Director of Athletics to lead a nationally competitive NAIA program with a student-first focus. The role guides academic achievement, character development, and faith integration, while partnering across the university to advance mission and achieve competitive excellence.

The successful candidate will manage budgets, facilities, compliance, donor relations, and long-range planning to position Marian Athletics for sustained

Qualifications

• Strong commitment to advancing Marian University's Catholic Franciscan mission, identity, and Sponsorship Values.
• Experience as a senior institutional leader contributing to university strategy, priorities, and decision-making.
• Proven record of advancing academic achievement, student development, and competitive athletic excellence.
• Progressive leadership experience in intercollegiate athletics or higher education; senior-level athletics experience preferred.
• Experience leading complex organizations and developing high-performing coaches and staff.
• Strong strategic, financial, and operational experience including budgeting, facilities, compliance, and long-range planning.
• Proven ability to build relationships with donors, alumni, corporations, and community partners.
• Experience with fundraising, donor engagement, sponsorships, partnerships, or revenue development.
• Strong communication, collaboration, judgment, integrity, accountability, and stewardship.

Responsibilities

• Lead a large, nationally competitive NAIA intercollegiate athletics program.
• Position Marian Athletics for continued strength and success through collaboration with university leadership.

Skills

Senior leadership

Intercollegiate athletics leadership

Strategic planning

Fundraising & donor relations

Relationship building

Financial & operational oversight

Communication & collaboration

Donor engagement

Integrity & stewardship

Education

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution

Advanced degree in a relevant field

Job description

Marian University in Indianapolis seeks a strategic Vice President/Director of Athletics to lead a nationally competitive NAIA program with a student-first focus. The role guides academic achievement, character development, and faith integration, while partnering across the university to advance mission and achieve competitive excellence.

The successful candidate will manage budgets, facilities, compliance, donor relations, and long-range planning to position Marian Athletics for sustained