Director of Athletics and Recreation

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:

The opportunity

The Director of Athletics and Recreation provides vision, leadership, and strategic direction for the Department of Athletics NCAA Division II program ("intercollegiate Athletics or Athletics"), and the Campus Recreation and Club Sport programs ("Recreational Sports"), supervising the management, funding, coordination, implementation, and evaluation of SNHU's comprehensive programming. The Director ensures the highest levels of operations in all aspects of the activities under their charge, including athletics facilities, budget management, recreational programming, coaching, student-athlete eligibility and well-being, and compliance with federal and state laws, NCAA, Northeast10, and University rules and policies. As the public face of our competitive NCAA Division II program, the successful candidate will be expected to generate enthusiasm and support for Southern New Hampshire University and its programs among campus and community members, parents and alumni groups, community partners, and the press and external constituencies. The Director of Athletics and Recreation reports to the Vice President, Academic Operations.

What you'll do:

• Management, Administration, & Supervision
  • Provides vision, leadership, and coordination of Intercollegiate Athletics and the Recreational Sports program.
  • Assists in the strategic planning for facilities and programs.
  • Responsible for the oversight of hiring, training, evaluating, and supervising a staff of full- and part-time employees, including administrative, support, and coaching staff members.
  • Provides oversight for staff managing the Athletic Centers including the use of the facility (including negotiation of rental contracts) and ensures the care and maintenance of all facility and athletic fields.
  • Directs assigned staff in the development and implementation of a comprehensive and innovative Recreational Sports Program including but not limited to: Intramurals, Fitness Classes, and the Fitness Center.
  • Supervises staff members assigned to compliance roles and ensures University and program compliance with applicable laws, regulations, rules and policies.
  • As the institutional representative, attends national and regional conferences for NCAA, Northeast-10, and related affiliations, and ensures the accurate and timely submission of reports and certifications.
  • Develops, approves, evaluates, updates, and modifies department policies, handbooks, rules, expectations, and procedures as well as keeping all affected students and staff up to date of any changes.
  • Oversees and conducts regular performance evaluations of staff and coaches, providing feedback, support, and accountability to ensure program effectiveness and alignment with departmental goals.
  • Oversees and cultivates a positive, inclusive, and high-performance culture across the athletic division, ensuring alignment with institutional values, sportsmanship, and student-athlete development.
  • Ensure engaged sport oversight consistent with best practices, including with respect to hiring and onboarding of coaching staff, ongoing training, program oversight, budget management, skills development, communications, and recruitment.
  • Develop and implement coaching best practices with respect to program management, fiscal responsibility, conduct and communications, program expectations, student skill development and supervision.
  • Ensures high quality medical care and mental health support for students consistent with an independent medical care model, including but not limited to the provision of doctors, certified athletics trainers, counselors, strength and conditioning professionals, and nutrition support.
  • Provides opportunities for staff development and on-going education for staff and coaches.
  • Provides data and keeps accurate records on student-athletes, student/community participation in department programs, facility usage, etc.
  • Provides oversight for all Club sport programs.
• NCAA Division II Athletic Programs
  • Oversee and manage SNHU's NCAA Division II intercollegiate athletics program, including all varsity teams, coaches, administrative and support staff, to include student-athletes.
  • Ensure full alignment with the NCAA Division II philosophy of Life in the Balance, emphasizing competitive excellence, academic achievement, community engagement, and student-athlete well-being.
  • Collaborate with Head Coaches to develop and execute multi-year strategic plans that elevate programs within conference standings and NCAA Division II Northeast Regional rankings.
  • Design competitive models that guide programs from developmental stages to conference and national championship contention.
  • Analyze NCAA regional ranking criteria, strength-of-schedule metrics, and in-region competition requirements to inform scheduling and postseason positioning.
  • Evaluate and approve traditional and non-traditional season schedules, ensuring compliance with NCAA Division II bylaws, in-region requirements, and Northeast-specific travel considerations.
  • Provide oversight and guidance on practice planning, championship segment management, and strength and conditioning programs to maximize performance while prioritizing student-athlete health, safety, and academic balance.
  • Monitor playing and practice seasons in accordance with NCAA Division II time management and countable athletically related activity regulations.
  • Maintain close collaboration with the Compliance Associate Director to ensure strict adherence to NCAA Division II, conference, and Northeast Region rules.
  • Oversee recruiting practices, eligibility certification, financial aid, and amateurism standards to maintain a violation-free program.
  • Ensure each team annually plans and executes community service initiatives.
  • Conduct annual reviews of athletic department operations to identify efficiencies, reduce costs, and improve staff work-life balance.
  • Lead comprehensive marketing and promotional strategies to enhance the visibility and brand of SNHU athletics across the Northeast region.
  • Oversee Athletic Media Inventory, including:
    • Official athletics website management
    • Campus and facility signage
    • Digital and social media strategy
    • Video production and live streaming
    • Broadcast partnerships and external media agreements
• Campus Recreation
  • Responsible for the upkeep of all the athletic facilities at the institution.
  • Oversee all of campus recreational programing for students, faculty, and staff Budget & Fiscal Operations.
  • Assumes final responsibility for sound management of the Department's fiscal operation overseeing assigned staff in managing a budget.
  • Sets multi-year targets for revenue and expenditure and proposes short- and long-term budgets for facilities and service upgrades.
  • Oversee the Penmen Fund and develop policies and procedures regarding its use.
  • Ensures sound cash and fund handling procedures for the department.
  • Develops department budgeting processes and annual cycles.
  • Strategically manage the scholarship budget to help teams achieve success and growth through sound planning.
  • Seek out and solicit corporate sponsorships that can help enhance the athletic brand as well as provide budget relief when possible University and Community Presence.
  • Maintains relationships with various academic offices on campus to ensure Student-Athlete success, retention and facilitate compliance matters.
  • Ensures development of a comprehensive Departmental marketing program using varied media (including social media) directed at current students, alumni, faculty, staff, and the community.
  • Maintains high visibility on campus and in the community and represents the University through community involvement/speaking engagements, clinics, camps, etc.
  • Engages and interacts with students, student-athletes, and the Student Athlete Advisory Council, serving as a resource to students involved in department programs.
  • Act as primary presenter for the Athletics and Campus Recreation presentations at all Open Houses and Accepted Students Day to help support and drive campus enrollment goals.
  • Serves as liaison to institutional advancement, coordinating athletic fundraising initiatives and cultivating prospects in joint efforts with development staff.
  • Works with assigned staff in Alumni Relations to develop strategies to engage alumni through athletics events as well as in increasing athletic alumni giving to the university.
  • Creates and cultivates an annual giving mechanism for the NCAA Division II programs and alumni population.
  • Develops and cultivates strong partnerships with local community organizations, including youth sports leagues, to promote program growth, community engagement, and a seamless pipeline for student-athlete development.

What we're looking for:

• Minimum 8 + years of athletic administration experience
• Bachelor's degree, Master's or equivalent advanced degree preferred
• Familiarity with NCAA Division II collegiate athletics
• Knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations
• Supervisory experience required
• Fundraising and fiscal management experience required
• Demonstrated ability to work in an academic environment and collaborate effectively with cross-campus partners
• Demonstrated leadership and effective management experience Ability to work in a fast-paced, results-orientated, metrics driven environment
• Possess strong computer literacy and knowledge of social media

#LI-Onsite

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.

Compensation

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