Director of Athletics

Consistently among Ohio’s top three largest public universities in terms of enrollment, Kent State University is ranked by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching among the nation’s 91 public higher-research universities. Kent State is the highest-ranking public university in Northern Ohio on the Top Public Schools and Best National Universities lists by U.S. News & World Report. With eight campuses, three academic centers in Ohio, and academic sites in major world cities, Kent State is one of Ohio’s leading public universities and a major educational, economic and cultural resource far beyond the Northeast Ohio region it has served since 1910.

The Director of Athletics will report directly to the President and be a contributing member of the President’s Cabinet, comprised of excellent leaders who are excited to support and engage in mutual collaborations across campus to provide benefit for both the university and the Athletics program. The Director of Athletics will provide leadership to outstanding coaches, administrators, support staff and most significantly the student-athletes while managing and providing oversight to the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics.

The Director of Athletics will be charged to uphold the integrity of the Athletics Program through compliance to NCAA rules and regulations, policies and procedures of the university and the State of Ohio. Revenue generation, marketing and demonstrated fundraising skills will be necessary assets to assist in the viability and sustainability of the department’s budget. Kent State is seeking a Director who will be a strategic forward thinker, a visionary leader who has the ability to articulate their vision while understanding the needs of the Athletics program, university and a changing NCAA environment. As an effective communicator both to internal and external constituents, the Director will need to build relationships and be a goodwill ambassador to students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, former student-athletes, corporate partners, media entities, community leaders, the City of Kent and Northeast Ohio.

As the leader of this multi-faceted organization, the Director of Athletics must support and embrace diversity, equity and inclusion while welcoming a variety of perspectives that will better serve decision making and important initiatives. The Director will need to adapt to the current challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent recovery process. The Director should utilize the Mission, Vision and Core Values of Kent State University Athletics to align with the campus and to establish a caring and supportive culture that engages all members of the Department and provides opportunity for open communication and dialogue.

The preferred candidate will have Division I experience, exceptional organizational skills, and experience in the hiring, evaluation and professional development of coaches and staff members. For more information on Kent State University, its highly successful Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, and information regarding the City of Kent and Northeast Ohio region, go to www.Kent.edu/AD-search.

Application Process Candidates should apply through CarrSports Consulting and include a cover letter describing relevant experiences and interest in this position, curriculum vitae/resume; and names, titles and contact information for five references. To assure full consideration, application materials should be received by February 28, 2021, and the applicant portal will remain open until the hiring process is completed. Documents submitted to Kent State University for employment opportunities are subject to disclosure under the Ohio Publics Records law.

Kent State University values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity for all persons regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other status protected by law.