Director of Athletics

University of Alabama at Birmingham; United States; On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Alabama at Birmingham seeks a visionary Director of Athletics to lead an 18-sport NCAA Division I program. The role emphasizes competitive excellence, student-athlete development, and community engagement within a transformative period for Blazer Athletics.

The Director will drive strategic planning, financial sustainability, and partnerships while ensuring strict compliance with NCAA, Title IX, and university policies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field required or equivalent
• Ten (10) years of related experience
• Significant experience in strategic and financial planning and organizational development
• Experience in recruiting and hiring exceptional coaches and athletic administrators

Responsibilities

• Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive long-term vision for UAB Athletics
• Establish strategic priorities, measurable goals, accountability, and stewardship measures
• Collaborate with University Executive to navigate conference dynamics, NIL, and revenue sharing
• Develop innovative revenue-generation strategies including philanthropy, sponsorships, partnerships, and ticket sales
• Recruit, hire, develop, and retain talented coaches, administrators, and staff
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing culture rooted in trust, transparency, professionalism, integrity, respect, and UAB values
• Serve as a visible ambassador for UAB Athletics and strengthen relationships with alumni, donors, corporate partners, fans, and the Birmingham community
• Ensure compliance with University of Alabama System, university, conference, NCAA, and Title IX rules and regulations
• Foster student-athlete academic achievement, personal development, health, and well being

Skills

Strategic planning

Financial planning

Leadership

Communication

Relationship building

Recruiting leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Director of Athletics

Requisition ID: T240739

About the Opportunity

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) seeks a visionary and innovative Director of Athletics to lead UAB Athletics during a transformative period in intercollegiate sports. As the leader of an 18-sport NCAA Division I athletics program competing primarily in the American Conference, the Director of Athletics will be responsible for advancing competitive excellence, supporting the academic achievement and holistic development of student-athletes, strengthening financial sustainability, and engaging the university, Birmingham community, alumni and supporters around a compelling vision for the future of Blazer Athletics.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive long-term vision for UAB Athletics
• Establish strategic priorities, measurable goals, accountability, and stewardship measures
• Collaborate with University Executive to navigate conference dynamics, NIL, and revenue sharing
• Develop innovative revenue-generation strategies including philanthropy, sponsorships, partnerships, and ticket sales
• Recruit, hire, develop, and retain talented coaches, administrators, and staff
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing culture rooted in trust, transparency, professionalism, integrity, respect, and UAB values
• Serve as a visible ambassador for UAB Athletics and strengthen relationships with alumni, donors, corporate partners, fans, and the Birmingham community
• Ensure compliance with University of Alabama System , university, conference, NCAA, and Title IX rules and regulations
• Foster student-athlete academic achievement, personal development, health, and well being

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field; advanced degree preferred
• Ten (10) years of related experience
• Significant experience in strategic and financial planning, as well as in organizational development and personnel management
• Experience in recruiting and hiring of exceptional coaches and athletic administrators
• Effective written and verbal and presentation skills, and the ability to communicate complex issues in a succinct and cogent manner to a variety of audiences
• Ability to build relationships and maintain leadership presence in all situation
• Ability to be a highly engaged and motivated leader
• Ability to be self-motivated with a high degree of personal initiative
• Ability to achieve strategic initiatives and attain organizational goals
• Analytical and problem solving skills
• Strong prioritization skills for competing requests and meeting diverse customer requirements

UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, and veteran's status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB's Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix .