Director of Athletics

Required Qualities

• A bachelors degree and at least six years of demonstrated experience (or advanced degree and at least four years of experience) of progressively responsible related work in intercollegiate athletics administration that includes a minimum of three years leading and/or supervising the work of others.
• Successful experience in working with athletic boosters and fundraising and revenue generation.
• Values strong community connections, academic integrity, and high academic standards for student-athletes.
• Community leadership with a proven record of garnering support, both internally and externally to drive results of the athletic programs.
• A high degree of proven success in an athletic environment with successful teams.
• Experience in managing a sport budget or athletic division budget.
• Understanding of NCAA governance, rules, and compliance requirements.
• Experience in driving equity within athletics including Title IX.
• Proven success as a visionary leader as an AD, associate AD at a collegiate athletic program a plus.

Responsibilities

The Director of Athletics is responsible for the overall vision, direction, leadership, and management of an NCAA Division II athletics program with 16 sports with more than 350 student-athletes. The Director of Athletics is responsible for the following:

• Develop and manage a large, multi-year budget.
• Plan and oversee all athletic facilities including maintenance, renovation, and the construction of new facilities.
• Oversee department organization, personnel, policies and procedures, management of buildings, including the Young Center, space, and equipment assigned to the athletic department.
• Supervise and evaluate head coaches.
• Provide proactive leadership in fundraising and revenue development.
• Approve scheduling of all conference and non-conference intercollegiate events.
• Enforce all NCAA and conference rules and regulations as well as Title IX compliance.
• Oversee recruitment, scholarship utilization, travel, staff development, and other support activities to ensure competitive athletic teams and to ensure students enjoy a successful athletic career.
• Oversee development of long-term strategic and facilities planning.
• Provide 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.
• Represent the athletic department and Black Hills State University to external constituents, furthering the University’s public interests.
• Participate in the athletic director meetings of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.
• Ability to work effectively with the press, Foundation, and other constituents affecting the athletic program.

About Black Hills State University

Black Hills State is a masters-level state university with more than 3,600 students. The campus leads the region in sustainability efforts and maintains top academic programs in business (AACSB Accredited), exercise science, natural sciences, social sciences, the arts, mass communication, health sciences, and education. The University, founded in 1883, is located in the northern Black Hills, a region abundant with outdoor activity and culture. Spearfish, S.D., is recognized as one of the top 10 most livable small towns in the USA and has also been recognized nationally for outdoor recreational opportunities. A second location, BHSU-RC, is in Rapid City, the state’s second-largest city.

BHSU Athletics

BHSU, a member of NCAA Division II and the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, sponsors 16 sports and has a legacy of champion rodeo teams. As all of BHSU’s athletics programs continue to improve, its rodeo, men’s and women’s basketball, and cross country teams have shown a strong history of success over the years. The BHSU rodeo teams have seen individual championships as well as numerous top ten CNFR finishes as a team while the cross country teams have produced several championship teams and athletes. Additionally, the Yellow Jacket track and field programs have seen 28 men and seven women All-Americans since moving to Division II (2014). 

BHSU women’s basketball has made a total of ten postseason appearances, including eight NAIA tournament and two NCAA tournament showings. The men’s basketball program has appeared in nine NAIA tournaments and has totaled 14 conference championships. Most recently, the men’s team was the 2019-20 regular season co-champion of the RMAC. 

Our programs have also benefitted from BHSU’s exceptional facilities, such as Lyle Hare Stadium, and the Donald E. Young Center, which includes a gym, field house with a walking track, athletic weight room, fitness center with one of the largest collections of exercise equipment in the region, and an aquatic center with lap lanes. Facilities - Black Hills State University Athletics (bhsuathletics.com)

Application 

The review of applications will begin March 14, 2021.  The position is open until filled with an anticipated start date of June 22, 2021. For more information regarding this position, and how to apply, visit https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu.  Click on ‘Black Hills State University’ in the Quick Search section.  The system guides applicants through the electronic application form.  Applicants should submit a confidential letter of application, resume, and contact information for three references in one PDF file (please upload under the "other" document option). Applicants are subject to a background check and official transcripts are required 45 days after a contract is issued. For application assistance, contact BHSU Human Resources at 605.642.649. For questions, nominations, or inquiries contact Dr. Kurt Patberg, Senior Vice President, Athletics Staffing and Consultants at kpatberg.ASC@gmail.com.

Black Hills State University is an EEO/AA employer. Employment is contingent upon a satisfactory background check.