Description
Position Summary
The Director of Athletics (AD) serves on the President’s Cabinet and leads and manages the daily operations of Fairmont State University’s Department of Athletics. The AD is responsible for all sport oversight, staff supervision, compliance execution, scheduling, budgeting, event operations, and student-athlete support. Reporting to the Vice President for Athletics, the AD is the primary University contact with the NCAA Division II and the Mountain East Conference.
Key Responsibilities:
Operational Leadership & Department Management
Lead all daily operations of Falcon Athletics, including scheduling, travel, facilities usage, event management, and administrative coordination.
Exercise operational authority for departmental decision-making while implementing the strategic vision set by the Vice President for Athletics.
Serve as the primary point of contact and University representative to the MEC and NCAA.
Sport Oversight & Staff Supervision
Directly supervise all head coaches, assistant coaches, and athletics staff.
Oversee sport performance, competitive strategy, student-athlete support, and operational execution across all teams.
Lead all hiring processes for coaching and athletics staff, subject to VPA approval.
Compliance Management
Maintain deep and continuing familiarity with NCAA Division II, MEC, and Fairmont State University rules, policies, and certification requirements.
Direct the daily execution of compliance processes including eligibility, roster management, reporting, and education programming.
Ensure policies, procedures, and practices align fully with University, Board of Governors, NCAA, MEC, and federal regulations (including Title IX).
Budgeting & Fiscal Management
Manage the annual operating budget for all sports, ensuring responsible fiscal stewardship.
Oversee purchasing, travel, inventory, and routine facility needs.
Provide budget recommendations and operational priorities to the Vice President for Athletics.
Community Engagement & Public Relations
Support and encourage civic engagement and community involvement for student-athletes, coaches, and athletics staff.
Represent Athletics professionally to external audiences, advancing both the department and University interests.
Maintain strong working relationships and effective communication with FSAA, the Foundation, and University committees.
Fundraising Support
Provide proactive leadership in fundraising and revenue development within policy guidelines, in collaboration with Advancement and the VPA.
Student-Athlete Support & Well-Being
Oversee academic monitoring, leadership programming, and support initiatives for student-athletes.
Work closely with athletic training and sports medicine to uphold health and safety standards.
Maintain strong visibility among teams and student-athletes.
Facilities & Event Operations
Oversee game-day operations, event staffing, security, logistics, and visitor experience.
Coordinate postseason hosting, MEC/NCAA requirements, and special events.
Support facility scheduling, maintenance needs, and small-scale improvements (larger capital planning remains with VPA)
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Sports Management, Sport Administration, Business Administration, Education, or another closely related field relevant to athletics administration.
A minimum of 3-5 years of athletics administration or head coaching experience in NCAA Division II; or any other equivalent combination of related work experience.
Master’s degree in Sport Administration, Sports Management, Business Administration (MBA), Public Administration (MPA), Higher Education Administration, or a related field is preferred.
