Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Duties:

Provides visionary leadership, strategic planning, and policy development for the athletics program; maintains a program that is committed to the university’s mission and strategic priorities; administers the overall athletic budget; recruits and manages the coaching staff; and ensures compliance with all university, MIAA and NCAA policies, rules, and regulations.

Assists in formulating policies and procedures governing athletic programs.

Provides leadership with sound decision-making with regard to all departmental matters; ensures that the Athletics Department has a highly competent and diverse coaching, administrative, and support staff consistent with the University's mission.

Evaluates annually all athletic team programs, coaches, and staff to effectively plan short- and long-term strategic goals. Oversees the recruitment, educational progress, and academic success of student-athletes.

Sets the expectation for coaches and student-athletes that performance in the classroom is the primary purpose of higher education and that pursuit of knowledge and earning a degree are the main goals and works collaboratively with Admissions, Financial Aid, and the Registrar’s Office to ensure that athletic scholarships are awarded properly, and students are successfully matriculating.

Oversees overall direction, coordination, and the evaluation of departmental administrative duties, including (but not limited to): risk management and insurance coverage; athletic training procedures; facility oversight and scheduling; event management; team transportation; and budget preparation and monitoring.

Ensures compliance with policies of the university, and conference and national athletic affiliations.

Supervises utilization of athletic facilities including scheduling, maintenance, and construction.

Maximizes visibility for the athletic program through effective public relations and media relations efforts.

Serves as liaison with athletic conference, regional, and national affiliation for athletics and engages in the governance and leadership of the MIAA and the NCAA.

Develops and implements plans for fundraising and revenue generation for the athletic program and works collaboratively with Alumni Office, MSSU Foundation, University Marketing & Relations Office, athletic booster club steering committee.

Maintains strong working relationships with other departments on campus and with the external community and serves as liaison with student body leadership, and other college officials in administering the department as a viable part of the University.

Serves as the principal spokesperson for the athletic program.

Supervises and manages all subordinate supervisors and department employees in all the areas of the Athletic Department, in accordance with university policies and applicable laws.

Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; assign and direct, appraise performance, reward and discipline employees, provide guidance, address complaints, and resolve problems.

Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein and as may be assigned.