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:

Manchester, NH

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.
  • Ensu