The Rivier athletics program places the highest priority on the overall quality of the students’ educational experience, supporting the successful completion of student athletes’ academic programs and creating a goal-oriented team culture. The Director of Athletics will provide leadership, strategic planning, and policy development for the department serving 300 students, 15 full-time staff, and more than 20 part-time coaches and support staff. Rivier is a founding member of the Greater Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC).

The Director of Athletics will inspire the highest ethical standards for student- athletes, cultivating a culture that builds character and mutual respect among student- athletes, coaches, and departmental staff.

The Director of Athletics is responsible for planning, directing, managing, and evaluating all aspects of the comprehensive National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III program.

•Develops and communicates a strategic vision for the Athletics Department within the framework of the University’s mission of transforming hearts and minds to serve the world.

•Ensures prioritization of student-athlete academic success and physical and mental well-being.

•Delivers strong and proactive leadership in developing and implementing the department’s strategic plan, aligning it with the University’s mission, values, and strategic goals.

•Builds and sustains strong relationships with University leadership. Collaborates with enrollment, advancement, and marketing to create, design, integrate, and execute initiatives and special projects for recruitment, retention, and fundraising efforts; maximizes all channels of communication and sponsorships.

•Oversees all athletics-related activities and facilities, develops staff and delegates as appropriate. Sets clear performance expectations and metrics. Delegates both responsibility and accountability.

•Develops ongoing assessments and evaluations of athletics programs to guide future planning and resource allocation.

•Develops and administers the annual athletics budget and reviews and controls expenditures, and vendor qualifications.

•Meets regularly with the coaches and the athletics administrative team to develop strategy, maximize facilities, and foster student and fan engagement.

•Assures compliance with all University policies and conference and NCAA rules and certification requirements; fosters adherence to all athletics-related state and federal laws, including Title IX.

•Conducts annual employee evaluations based on evidence, observation, and feedback.

•Establishes and upholds standards for student-athlete conduct, training, and scholarship.

•Reviews, updates, and maintains, policy handbooks and standard operating procedures for student- athletes, coaches, sports information, sports medicine, and NCAA Division reporting. Facilitates staff development in the areas of student development, mentoring, coaching, recruiting, alumni relations, community relations, and NCAA compliance.

•Performs other duties as requested, such as representing Athletics on University-wide committees and providing leadership to emerging athletics opportunities for expansion.

To apply, interested candidates should upload a two-page letter of application addressing position requirements, experience, and applicant’s philosophy of Division III athletics, a resume, and contact information for three professional references to: https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/rivieredu/jobs/4975787/director-of-athletics.

For best consideration, materials should be received by July 21, 2025. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt. Only those applicants that meet all minimum standards will be contacted. All applications will be considered highly confidential.

Rivier University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, veteran or marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability in admission or access to, treatment, in or employment in its programs and activities, and Title IX requires that the University not discriminate on the bases stated above.

Qualifications:
The successful candidate will have an earned bachelor’s degree in a closely related field; a master’s degree is strongly preferred. Five years of experience at the full-time associate athletic director or above level. The successful candidate will possess a comprehensive understanding of intercollegiate athletics administration at the DIII level, student-athlete development, NCAA compliance, and the role of enrollment management, marketing, alumni relations, and fundraising in supporting strategic and operating objectives. 

Demonstrated experience in all dimensions of a Division III athletics program, including hiring, scheduling, compliance, technology, game management, facilities, budgeting, and the development of a student-centered, competitive athletic culture. Coaching experience preferred. 

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a career with impeccable integrity and commit to the University’s mission and values. 

About Rivier University

Rivier University is a four-year, Catholic institution that welcomes students from all backgrounds and provides a transformative and supportive educational experience. Located in Nashua, New Hampshire, Rivier was founded by the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary and Sister Madeleine of Jesus in 1933. Throughout its history, the University has been dedicated to providing a learning environment that educates the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Our graduates excel professionally, academically, and in service to their communities. As Division III participants in the NCAA and GNAC (Great Northeast Athletic Conference), we go head to head with schools from across the region and have brought home more than 25 championships. Our coaches also create an environment that is competitive and caring, ensuring that students have the resources and support necessary to find a balance between academic and athletic endeavors. River’s coaches and athletic trainers have years of experience helping athletes reach their full potential.

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