Director of Athletics

University of Michigan; United States; On-site; USD 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Michigan seeks an experienced Director of Athletics to provide strategic leadership and oversight for the athletics department, ensuring integrity, performance, and competitive success in line with institutional values.

The role focuses on student‑athlete well‑being, coaching and staff development, financial stewardship, and facilities planning to sustain championship programs and holistic student development.

Job description

The client is seeking an experienced and accomplished leader to serve as its next Director of Athletics. This role is responsible for providing comprehensive leadership, strategic direction, and oversight of the athletics department, ensuring the integrity, performance, and overall success of the organization. The Director of Athletics is expected to bring a forward-thinking vision to anticipate the future of college athletics, while upholding the institution's core values and traditions.

The Director of Athletics will serve as the principal leader and subject matter expert in competitive excellence, with a strong focus on student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and athletic performance. This position will drive championship-caliber men's and women's programs grounded in integrity, accountability, and competitive excellence, while prioritizing student-athlete well-being, safety, academic achievement, and holistic development. The role includes comprehensive oversight of sport programs, personnel, and operations, ensuring that resources, facilities, and departmental priorities are aligned to support sustained competitive success.

Financial stewardship is a key responsibility, including budget development, resource allocation, operating expense management, and capital planning to support both competitive and operational priorities. The Director of Athletics will also serve as the primary athletics representative in matters pertaining to competition and institutional athletics leadership, including engagement with the media and relevant athletic conferences. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong business acumen, sound judgment, innovation, and a growth mindset, and will be a hands-on, day-to-day operational leader who advances the institution's tradition of excellence in athletics.