Director of Athletics

Overview

Director of Athletics at UC San Diego. This position reports directly to the Chancellor with a dotted line to the Vice Chancellor Student Affairs and Campus Life. The Director is responsible for planning the future direction and providing strategic direction for the Intercollegiate Athletic program, including development of professionals in the Athletics program, supporting academic excellence of scholar-athletes, increasing community engagement, donor cultivation, and providing professional leadership of the Athletics department.

The department includes 24 varsity teams, more than 600 scholar-athletes, and a staff of more than 200 coaches and staff. The Director collaborates with multiple university offices and departments to fulfill its mission.

Responsibilities

The Director weighs recommendations from Athletics senior staff, makes final decisions, and relays pertinent information to the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs. Responsibilities include strategic planning, program development, staff development, donor cultivation, community engagement, and leadership across the Athletics department.

Qualifications

• Outstanding leadership abilities and interpersonal skills to work effectively with a diverse client and high-level management group. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain relationships with colleagues, University officials, faculty, students, donors, the media, and the campus community, with emphasis on tact, diplomacy, flexibility, professionalism, and discretion. Commitment to diversity, equal employment opportunity, and affirmative action.
• Ability to multi-task, exercise independent judgment, make sound decisions, solve problems, and communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Demonstrated energy and enthusiasm for advancing ideas and programs in a university environment.
• Advanced knowledge of intercollegiate athletics, NCAA Division I philosophies and objectives, and structure of athletic organizations and conferences. Knowledge of coaching principles and relevant policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Knowledge of applicable rules and standards of the NCAA/NAIA and the Big West Conference, UC San Diego rules and regulations, and the ability to navigate local, regional, and national competition rules.
• Ability to present programs and teams to the media; capability to develop and implement donor cultivation ideas with sound judgment and realistic expectations for prospects.
• Knowledge of campus, department, sport, and organizational rules, policies, procedures, and programs; proficiency with computer technology to manage workload.
• Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and planning skills. Commitment to academic priorities and to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Ethical conduct that inspires confidence and motivation among colleagues, the campus community, and potential donors.
• Willingness and ability to travel as required; flexibility to work evenings and weekends.
• Knowledge of current issues in Division I athletics, including revenue sharing, legal considerations, and NIL opportunities for scholar-athletes.

Special Conditions

Work schedule includes evenings, weekends, and holidays. Travel to out-of-town meetings and athletic competitions may be required. This position is a mandated reporter under CANRA and a campus security authority for Clery Act disclosure.

Pay and Benefits

Pay scale observed: Annual Full Pay Range: $180,900 - $400,300 (prorated if appointment percentage is less than 100%). Hourly equivalent: $86.64 - $191.71. Hiring pay scale and compensation may be influenced by experience, skills, and organizational needs. The posted range may be broader than actual pay based on internal equity and bargaining agreements.

Application Process

UC San Diego is being assisted in this recruitment by DeLaina Sarden with Parker Executive Search. Please apply at: This position will remain open until filled. Initial Review Date: Thu 7/31/2025. Apply Now.

Additional Information

UC San Diego values equity, diversity, and inclusion. UC San Diego is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status. UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco-free environment. See UC San Diego Principles of Community for more information. Vaccination policies may apply as required by law or policy.