Director of Athletics

Sam Houston State University; Huntsville (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Sam Houston State University seeks a Director of Athletics to lead all activities of the department and ensure strategic alignment with university priorities. The role involves budget oversight, NCAA compliance, and external representation at conference and national levels.

The successful candidate will drive revenue growth, collaborate with the president’s leadership team, and champion student-athlete success within Title IX guidelines.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree required; seven years of administrative experience in intercollegiate athletics.
• Demonstrated ability to ensure compliance with NCAA rules and regulations.
• Strong leadership, strategic planning and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all activities, operations, and policies of the Athletics Department.
• Provide leadership in budget planning and ensure NCAA compliance and standards.
• Represent the athletic program to the university community, conference, state and national level.
• Develop revenue streams and collaborate on fundraising for Athletics.
• Maintain liaison with alumni, faculty, staff and students; uphold Title IX compliance.

Education

Advanced degree

Job description

Come and join the Bearkat community! Named after Texas' legendary hero, General Sam Houston, the university boasts a rich historical legacy that resonates with the spirit of Texas, which provides a balance between a peaceful, natural setting and proximity to urban amenities. With a student population of over 21,000, SHSU offers a vibrant and dynamic community. SHSU has a small town feel with large scale opportunities. Located in the Piney Woods region of East Texas and just an hour drive north of Houston, Huntsville provides area residents with a sense of community and belonging. SHSU offers compelling options for individuals seeking a fulfilling and impactful career including a superior benefit package , competitive salaries and a flexible work environment fostering work/life balance. SHSU offers programs that support a healthy work-life balance, contributing to employee well-being and job satisfaction, as well as, professional development opportunities with our educational assistance and dependent assistance programs.

Posting Information

This position is security-sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information.

Requisition

Requisition 202600033ES

Title

Director of Athletics

FLSA status

Exempt

Department

Division

Division Office of the President

Open Date

Open Date 11/05/2026

Open Until Filled Yes

Educational and Experience Requirement

Advanced degree required. Minimum of seven years administrative experience in intercollegiate athletics required. Experience must reflect evidence of compliance with NCAA rules and regulations. A combination of education, experience, and training that would produce the required knowledge and abilities may be considered.

Nature & Purpose of Position

Responsible for all activities, operations, and policies of the Athletic Department as well as competitive success and fiscal sustainability. The individual will also serve as a member of the president’s leadership team and represent the Athletic Department at the conference, state, and national level.

Primary Responsibilities

Supervises associate and assistant athletic directors, head coaches of all sports, and other staff members of the Athletic Department. Reports to the president of the university. Responsible for the overall management and direction of the university’s athletics program, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities. Provides leadership in budget planning and execution, while ensuring strict compliance with NCAA regulations and standards. Oversees revenue sharing, Name, Image, and Likeness ( NIL ) activities, the transfer portal; and Title IX compliance obligations. Represents the athletic program to the university community, the general public, and the NCAA . Seeks new and expanded revenue streams, and in consultation with the Vice President for Advancement, is involved with fund-raising on behalf of Athletics. Develops and maintains excellent relations between intercollegiate athletics, alumni, faculty, staff, and students. Acts as the university’s principal representative in the field of intercollegiate athletics and spokesperson on matters of policy, news releases, hiring, terminations, etc., as related to the Athletic Department. Performs other related duties as assigned. Operates within the university’s affirmative action program. Must be knowledgeable of all NCAA and conference rules. Must adhere to NCAA and conference bylaws. Must be supportive of institutional compliance and academic programs and support the university’s commitment to student success. Must report all NCAA and conference violations to proper personnel.

This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority ( CSA ).

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Sam Houston State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and Smoke/Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or protected veteran status. The University takes seriously the initiative to ensure equal opportunity in the workforce and to comply with Title VII as interpreted by the U.S. Supreme Court. Sam Houston State University is an “at will” employer. Employees with a contract will have additional terms and conditions. Security-sensitive positions at SHSU require background checks in accordance with Education Code §51.215.