Athletic Director/Student Engagement Initiatives
Position Summary:
The Athletic Director/Student Engagement Initiatives is responsible for the leadership, management, and overall operation of the college’s athletic programs, as well as fostering student engagement through extracurricular and co-curricular activities. This position ensures a balanced focus on both athletic success and the holistic development of students by promoting academic achievement, character development, and community involvement. The Athletic Director/Student Engagement Initiatives will lead efforts to strengthen student participation in various student activities to help retain students while promoting both in and outside of the classroom.
Salary Range: $65,000
Essential Job Functions, Duties & Responsibilities:
- Oversee all aspects of the athletic department and student engagement, including the planning, development, and execution of athletic programs and student engagement activities.
- Supervises coaching staff and athletic trainers, providing mentorship, guidance, and professional development opportunities.
- Prepares and manages the athletic department budget, ensuring cost-effective use of resources.
- Secures funding through grants, sponsorships, and fundraising efforts to support athletic programs and student engagement activities.
- Ensure proper maintenance and safety of athletic facilities, equipment, and transportation.
- Provides leadership and direction for the college's sports teams, ensuring alignment with the college's mission and vision.
- Manage recruitment, scheduling, travel, and budgets for athletic programs and teams.
- Ensures that all athletic programs comply with local, state, and national regulations, including ACCC (Alabama Community College Conference), NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) guidelines and other applicable governing bodies.
- Develops and implements programs and activities that engage students outside the classroom, such as student activities, student clubs, leadership opportunities, and volunteer initiatives.
- Collaborate with other departments to organize events, intramural sports, and activities that foster a sense of community and school spirit among students.
- Promotes student involvement in athletics, recreational sports, and fitness programs to enhance campus life.
- Works closely with the student organizations to support student-led initiatives and promote student leadership.
- Ensures that student-athletes maintain academic eligibility and are supported in their academic endeavors.
- Coordinates with academic advisors to track student-athlete progress, assist with course scheduling, and connect students with academic resources.
- Promotes leadership development, sportsmanship, and character building within the athletic programs.
- Oversee community outreach efforts and ensure that students engage in positive experiences, both on and off-campus.
- Advocates for student interests and well-being, providing support in navigating student concerns, challenges, and success strategies.
- Ensures the academic and personal success of student-athletes, with a focus on balancing academics and athletics.
- Collaborates with faculty, staff, and administration to integrate athletics and student engagement initiatives with academic programs and student services.
- Fosters strong relationships with community leaders and organizations, local businesses, and alumni to promote the College’s athletic programs and increase student participation.
- Represents the College at athletic events, conferences, and in communications with governing athletic organizations and external stakeholders.
- Develops and executes a marketing strategy to increase visibility and recognition of athletic programs, events, and student engagement initiatives.
- Works with the Marketing/PR Department to highlight student-athletes’ achievements, organize social media campaigns, and maintain the athletics webpage.
- Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of athletics and student engagement to support retention efforts.
- Serves as the institution’s primary representative for athletics, participating in community events and meetings with key external stakeholders.
- Maintains strong working relationships with local K-12, community, and higher education entities to support the College’s athletic programs.
- Participates and ensures active participation in the planning process of the College.
- Retains and submits documentation as requested to support compliance of athletic programs.
- Assumes other work-related responsibilities as assigned by the Dean of Student Affairs/Institutional Relations, Executive Vice President and/or the President.
- Serves on college committees as requested.
- Bachelor’s Degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- At least three (3) years in athletics, student engagement or a related field.
- Knowledge of best practices in student engagement, leadership development, and community building.
- Experience in coaching, recruitment, or the management of student-led programs.
- Experience working with K-12, higher education, and/or community organizations.
- Ability to communicate well
- Valid driver’s license or ability to travel independently
- Ability to lift, move, or transport independently up to 30 lbs.
- Ability to travel overnight
- Ability to plan, organize, coordinate, and manage complicated tasks
- Ability to lead staff to achieve productivity
- Ability to work flexible hours
- Ability to traverse campuses
- Ability to communicate by using PC and telephone.