Director of Athletics

Missouri Valley College; Missouri; On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan

Flexible spending

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Missouri is seeking an experienced Director of Athletics to provide strategic leadership to its intercollegiate athletics programs. The successful candidate will lead a team of approximately 85 coaches and staff, ensuring compliance, community engagement, and enhanced student-athlete experiences. Applicants should hold a Bachelor's degree and have a minimum of five years in senior leadership roles, preferably in NAIA athletics, with proven skills in fundraising and strategic planning. A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated success in recruiting and program building.
• Proven ability to lead change while maintaining values.
• Experience with budget oversight and strategic allocation.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership for MVC's athletics programs.
• Develop and execute long-term strategic plans.
• Lead recruitment plans to meet enrollment goals.
• Ensure compliance with NAIA and college policies.
• Engage with community, donors, and alumni.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Fundraising

Community engagement

Budget oversight

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Missouri Valley College, with one of the largest intercollegiate athletics programs in the country, seeks a Director of Athletics who is committed to long-term leadership, institutional stewardship, and legacy-building at both the college and community levels. This role is ideal for a leader who views MVC not as a stepping stone, but as a place to invest, grow, and make a lasting impact.

Reporting directly to the President, the Director of Athletics provides strategic, financial, and operational leadership for an athletics department of approximately 85 coaches and staff and more than 800 student‑athletes.

The Director of Athletics will lead the department through a pivotal period of opportunity, while continuing to strengthen MVC Athletics as a source of pride, connection, and stability. The successful candidate will demonstrate a sustained commitment to relationship‑building, program development, and the long‑term success of student‑athletes, staff, and the institution.

Essential Functions

• Provide visionary, values‑based leadership for all aspects of MVC’s intercollegiate athletics programs, including personnel, student‑athlete success, budgeting, facilities, operations, compliance, fundraising, and community engagement.
• Develop and execute a long‑term strategic plan for MVC Athletics that prioritizes institutional alignment, competitive excellence, fiscal responsibility, and sustained program growth.
• Lead the implementation and assessment of strategic recruitment plans to meet or exceed student enrollment goals.
• Champion a culture that embraces the ideals of academic success, health, safety, and holistic development of student‑athletes.
• Lead the department with a focus on ensuring competitive, operational, and cultural continuity during and beyond this period.
• Recruit, hire, support, evaluate, and retain head coaches and senior staff with an emphasis on continuity, mentorship, and professional development.
• Hire coaches and staff who will promote a culture of integrity and caring.
• Oversee and steward athletics facilities and events in a manner that enhances the student‑athlete experience and community engagement.
• Ensure full compliance with NAIA, conference, and college policies while promoting a culture of integrity, accountability, and transparency.
• Lead fundraising and external engagement efforts, cultivating long‑term donor relationships and strengthening community and alumni investment in the college.
• Actively engage with the community, donors, and alumni.
• Serve as the primary ambassador for Missouri Valley College Athletics locally, regionally, and nationally, fostering strong relationships with conference leadership, peer institutions, civic leaders, and community partners.

Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.

• At least five years of progressively responsible senior leadership experience, preferably with demonstrated knowledge of and engagement in NAIA athletics.
• Demonstrated success in recruiting, and long‑term program building, organizational stability, and leadership continuity within an organization.
• Strategic understanding of the NAIA, including familiarity with NIL, fundraising, and student‑athlete wellness.
• Proven ability to lead through change while maintaining institutional identity, values, and culture.
• Experience building, mentoring, and retaining effective administrative teams and staff.
• Strong financial acumen, including experience with budget oversight, strategic resource allocation, and long‑range planning.
• Demonstrated commitment to fundraising and donor stewardship with a focus on sustained relationships rather than short‑term gains.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and public engagement skills, with the ability to build trust across campus and within the broader community.
• Evidence of deep appreciation for community‑connected institutions and a willingness to be personally and professionally invested in Marshall and Saline County, Mo.
• Record of ethical leadership, integrity, and accountability.

Application Instructions

To apply, please email cover letter, resume, unofficial transcripts, and contact information for three professional references to [e-mail].

Additional Information

As a pre‑condition of employment, applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Employment at Missouri Valley College is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check. Salary commensurate with education and experience. A comprehensive benefit package is available which includes medical, vision, and dental insurance; flexible spending; life insurance; retirement; holidays; sick days.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Missouri Valley College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and adheres to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other legislation prohibiting discrimination in employment and access to educational programs. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, and all eligible candidates are encouraged to apply.