Director of Athletics

The University of Massachusetts Boston (UMass Boston) is a recognized model of excellence for urban public universities. The scenic waterfront campus, with easy access to downtown Boston, is located next to the John F. Kennedy Library and Presidential Museum, the Commonwealth Museum and Massachusetts State Archives, and the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate.

One of the five campuses of the UMass system, UMass Boston is a research university with a teaching soul. It combines the rigorous focus on generation of knowledge that characterizes a major research university with a dedication to teaching that places its top scholars and researchers in undergraduate and graduate classrooms where a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio fosters easy student-professor interaction. Eighty-seven percent of full-time faculty hold the highest degree in their fields. Located in Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood, UMass Boston has a growing reputation for innovation and a particular focus on research addressing complex urban issues. As metropolitan Boston’s only public research university, UMass Boston offers its diverse student population both an intimate learning environment and the rich experience of a great American city. The University maintains a strong commitment to all aspects of diversity and inclusion, including anti-racist and health promoting initiatives.

With approximately 340 student-athletes, UMass Boston sponsors 18 NCAA Division III varsity teams in men’s and women’s basketball, cross country, ice hockey, soccer, tennis, and indoor and outdoor track and field as well as softball, baseball, women’s volleyball, and men’s lacrosse. The Beacons athletic teams compete primarily as members of the Little East Conference; hockey competes in the New England Hockey Conference.

Beacons team members have been named All-Americans over 150 times in 12 different sports. In addition, our women's indoor and outdoor track and field teams have won six NCAA Team Championships and over 50 individual championships. Since 2010 the Beacons have won three NCAA Regional titles in volleyball (2010, 2012, 2013) and three regional crowns in baseball (2010, 2017, 2019) and the first-ever NCAA Division III Super Regional in 2019.

Our men's soccer team has won three straight conference titles (2014, 2015, 2016). Men's and women's ice hockey both won their first conference crowns on the same day in 2016. The men's hockey team then advanced to the NCAA "Frozen Four" in their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance. The volleyball program has earned a Little East Conference record nine tournament titles (2010-13, 2015-18, 2019) and 10 regular-season titles since 2009 (2009-2018). The Beacons also have won conference championships in women's soccer (2012, 2019), softball (2017 & 2018), men's tennis (1990, 2013, 2017, 2019), men's basketball (2006), and baseball (2010, 2017, 2018, 2019).

The Director of Athletics serves on the Chancellor’s leadership team and manages all aspects of the Department of Athletics and Recreation within the framework of the NCAA Division III philosophy. The Director of Athletics provides leadership for competitive intercollegiate programs and promotes a strong program of recreation, intramural sports, and fitness/wellness, all in keeping with the University’s commitment to excellence and student development. The Director of Athletics represents the University on a regional and national basis. The Director of Athletics is proactive in promoting equity for all members of the community, including gender and racial equity, and fostering an environment of diversity and inclusion. The Director of Athletics is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to recruit, matriculate, retain and graduate student athletes. The Director of Athletics is responsible for the creation, development, implementation and operation of all intercollegiate, intramural and recreational programs offered by the Department of Athletics and Recreation and for determining the optimal manner of providing these programs to UMass Boston’s diverse student population.

Examples of Duties:

• Provides leadership in the development of comprehensive programs for intercollegiate competition, intramurals, recreation, and wellness/fitness within the context of the mission of the University and its student development philosophy.
• Promotes and prioritizes the academic success and holistic development of student athletes and actively supports their integration into the broader campus community. Ensures that student athletes are encouraged to challenge themselves intellectually and participate in a broad range of campus programs and activities.
• Assumes overall responsibility for departmental operations including, but not limited to, issues pertaining to facility and equipment maintenance, accessibility, use of buildings and fields by on- and off-campus groups, purchasing, and departmental staffing and management. Partners with University budget and facilities offices on capital projects and improvements.
• Exercises strategic leadership and supervision for all department staff to ensure alignment in the planning and development of departmental goals and objectives.
• Works closely with University Health Services and other stakeholders to ensure that best practices are followed and are compliant in the area of health and safety including, but not limited to, development and implementation of University-approved COVID-19 protocols.
• Implements policies, procedures and direction for the Department of Athletics and Recreation consistent with University policies and practices, and in collaboration with campus stakeholders.
• Works closely with the University budget office in designing and managing the Department budget in accordance with applicable policies and regulations. Approves all purchases, expenses and payments, including NCAA championship reimbursements, in accordance with University policy.
• Works closely with the Sport Leadership and Administration program to create professional development opportunities for students and promote equity, diversity, inclusion, and social justice through sport leadership.
• Plans and implements effective fundraising activities for the Department in collaboration with University Advancement.
• Develops and implements initiatives to advance the University’s mission.
• Collaborates with all segments of the University community to provide positive experiences to all students, faculty, staff, and other stakeholders.
• Maintains compliance with all University, NCAA, and conference regulations and collaborates with the campus Title IX Coordinator to ensure that all Title IX requirements are met. Effectively represents the University with league and NCAA leadership.
• As a member of the campus senior leadership team, exercises a leadership role in promoting the University’s anti-racist and health promoting initiatives and other strategic goals.
• Takes a leading role in enhancing recreational athletics opportunities for residential and non-residential students and promoting wellness within the University community.
• Collaborates with Enrollment Management to successfully recruit and retain student athletes; this may include overnight travel when representing the University.
• Partners with University Advancement and Marketing & Engagement to implement effective fundraising, alumni relations, community outreach and marketing in support of campus athletics.
• Regularly evaluates athletics programs and staff performance in support of strategic goals.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in senior management of all aspects of athletic administration at the collegiate level required. Master’s Degree in athletic administration or a related field preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership ability in organizational and administrative matters, including but not limited to policy development and implementation within an athletic department.
• Substantial experience in the hiring, evaluation and professional development of coaches and staff members.
• Significant experience in developing and implementing athletics department budgets and demonstrated ability to partner effectively with the University budget office in designing and managing the Department budget in accordance with applicable policies and regulations.
• Strong working knowledge of intercollegiate, intramural, and recreational programs.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain favorable relations with all members of the University community and the public. Ability to cultivate productive relationships across campus.
• Proven track record of successfully raising funds from a variety of sources and ability to effectively promote the Department. Demonstrated success in securing funding for capital projects that align with the mission of the University a plus.
• Demonstrated and successful experience with recruitment, retention, and holistic development of student athletes.
• Knowledge of and ability to implement University, Little East Conference, New England Hockey Conference, and NCAA rules and regulations.
• Thorough familiarity with Title IX and NCAA rules and regulations regarding equity and training requirements for student athletes and athletics staff.
• Leadership experience in a Division III Intercollegiate Athletics environment and understanding of related budget requirements preferred.
• Understanding of UMass system and UMass Boston structure and operations a plus.

Application Instructions: Please apply online with your resume, cover letter and list of three references.

• Please note that a cover letter is required. Applications submitted without cover letters will not be considered.

This posting is open until filled. This is a non-union and exempt position

For more information, or to apply, please visit: https://employmentopportunities.umb.edu/boston/en-us/job/507444/director-of-athletics

All official salary offers must be approved by Human Resources.

The University of Massachusetts Boston provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, genetic information, pregnancy or a pregnancy-related condition, or membership in any other legally protected class. The University of Massachusetts Boston complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the university operates. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment.

UMass Boston normally does not provide H-1B visa sponsorship for non-academic positions. The University of Massachusetts Boston is committed to providing a safe and secure environment that is supported by qualified employees for all of its students, faculty and staff to carry out the University's teaching, research and public service missions. As a condition of employment, the University will conduct appropriate background check reviews. For more information, please see the University of Massachusetts Boston campus policy and procedures for employee background reviews.