Director of Athletics and Recreation

Southern New Hampshire University; Manchester (NH); On-site; USD 129,000 - 207,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Southern New Hampshire University seeks a dynamic Director of Athletics and Recreation to provide strategic vision and operational leadership for its NCAA Division II intercollegiate athletics program and campus recreation. You will work with coaches to grow programs, manage budgets, and engage partners across campus and the community.

The role requires a strong track record in fundraising, compliance, and student-athlete wellbeing, with a focus on exceptional public presence and community

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive athletic administration experience.
• Bachelor's degree required; Master's or advanced degree preferred.
• Strong knowledge of NCAA rules and Division II experience preferred.
• Proven fundraising, fiscal management, and budget stewardship.
• Supervisory and team leadership experience.
• Ability to collaborate across campus with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, public presence, and community engagement.
• Comfort in a fast-paced, metrics-driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction, operational oversight, and culture leadership across all athletics and recreation programs, staff, and facilities.
• Champion NCAA Division II compliance, eligibility, and the Life in the Balance philosophy.
• Partner with Head Coaches to develop multi-year program growth plans and position SNHU teams for postseason success.
• Lead the fiscal operations of the department, including budget management, scholarship strategy, and fundraising.
• Ensure the highest standards of student-athlete health, safety, and wellbeing.
• Represent SNHU to the NCAA, Northeast-10 Conference, and related affiliations.
• Drive marketing, media, and brand visibility strategies for SNHU athletics.
• Build relationships across campus to support student success and university growth.
• Lead campus recreation programming and oversee facilities and fields.

Skills

Athletic administration

Fundraising

Budgeting

Leadership

Communication

Collaboration

Public speaking

Metrics-driven

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Southern New Hampshire University is a team of innovators. World changers. Individuals who believe in progress with purpose. Since 1932, our people-centered strategy has defined us — and helped us grow a team that now serves over 180,000 learners worldwide. Our mission to transform lives is made possible by talented people who bring diverse industry experience, backgrounds and skills to the university. And today, we're ready to expand our reach. All we need is you.

This position is based in the following office location: Manchester, NH

The opportunity Director of Athletics and Recreation Southern New Hampshire University | Reports to: Vice President, Academic Operations Southern New Hampshire University is seeking a dynamic and proven leader to serve as its next Director of Athletics and Recreation. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of a comprehensive NCAA Division II program and a vibrant campus recreation environment at one of the most innovative universities in the country. The Director provides strategic vision and operational leadership for SNHU's intercollegiate athletics program, competing at the NCAA Division II level as a member of the Northeast-10 Conference — as well as all Campus Recreation and Club Sport programs. The Director serves as the public face of SNHU athletics, building enthusiasm and support among students, alumni, community partners, and external constituencies, while maintaining a culture of excellence, integrity, and student-athlete well-being.

What you'll do:

• Provide strategic direction, operational oversight, and culture leadership across all athletics and recreation programs, staff, and facilities.
• Champion NCAA Division II compliance, eligibility, and the "Life in the Balance" philosophy, ensuring competitive excellence alongside academic achievement and community engagement.
• Partner with Head Coaches to develop and execute multi-year program growth plans, elevate conference and regional standing, and position SNHU teams for postseason success.
• Lead the fiscal operations of the department, including budget management, scholarship strategy, corporate sponsorship development, and oversight of the Penmen Fund.
• Ensure the highest standards of student-athlete health, safety, and wellbeing, including medical care, mental health support, and strength and conditioning.
• Serve as SNHU's representative to the NCAA, Northeast-10 Conference, and related affiliations, ensuring timely and accurate reporting and certification.
• Drive marketing, media, and brand visibility strategies for SNHU athletics across the region, including digital media, live streaming, and external partnerships.
• Build and nurture relationships across campus — with academic affairs, institutional advancement, alumni relations, and enrollment — to support student success, fundraising, and university growth.
• Lead campus recreation programming (intramurals, fitness, club sports) and oversee the care and operation of all athletic facilities and fields.

What we're looking for:

• 8+ years of progressive athletic administration experience
• Bachelor's degree required; Master's or advanced degree preferred
• Demonstrated knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations, with Division II experience strongly preferred
• Proven track record in fundraising, fiscal management, and budget stewardship
• Strong supervisory and team leadership experience
• Ability to collaborate effectively across an academic institution and with diverse community stakeholders
• Excellent communication, public presence, and community engagement skills
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, metrics-driven environment

We believe real innovation comes from inclusion - where different experiences, perspectives and talents are celebrated.

So if you're wondering whether SNHU is right for you, take the leap and apply. You might be just the person we're looking for.

If you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to fully engage in any part of the application or hiring process, please complete the Accommodation Request form or contact us at 603-626-9447. A member from the Employee Accommodation Support Center will be in contact with you within two business days to discuss your request.

Compensation

The annual pay range for this position is $129,057.00 - $206,531.00.

Actual offer will be based on skills, qualifications, experience and internal equity, in addition to relevant business considerations.

We expect this position to be hired in the following target hiring range $142,610.00 - $192,943.00.

Exceptional benefits (because you're exceptional)

You're the whole package. Your benefits should be, too.

As a full-time employee at SNHU, you'll get:

• High-quality, low-deductible medical insurance
• Low to no-cost dental and vision plans
• 5 weeks of paid time off (plus almost a dozen paid holidays)
• Employer-funded retirement
• Free tuition program
• Parental leave
• Mental health and wellbeing resources