NCAA MOCK University of Atlanta – Director of Athletics; DI

(NCAA MOCK INTERVIEWS) University of Atlanta – Director of Athletics (DI)
The following is a fictional posting exclusively for the NCAA Pathway Program

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF ATLANTA: Founded in 1882, the University of Atlanta, located in the heart of Atlanta GA, offers students a balance of educational excellence and real-world experience. UAtlanta is a public research university with an enrollment of more than 26,000 students and is consistently listed within the US News & World Report’s Top 150 National Universities.

The University of Atlanta offers a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs. Among its numerous colleges include the nationally recognized Colleges of Law, Medicine, and Business.

POSITION SUMMARY: The Director of Athletics has direct responsibility for the University’s NCAA Division I Intercollegiate Athletics Program, including 16 varsity sports and over 425 student-athletes. The position supervises a staff of approximately 140, manages an annual budget of $51M, and represents the University nationally and with the Sun Belt Conference (SBC). The Director reports to the President and serves as a member of the President’s Cabinet.

The Atlanta Aviators football team competes in the FBS and has an avid fanbase across the state. UAtlanta’s football and other sport programs enjoy passionate rivalries with Georgia State and Georgia Southern.

The Director sets goals and implements strategy for the Athletics Department including strategies to enhance the academic experience for student-athletes. The Director fosters principles that encourage integrity, student-athlete well-being, diversity, and inclusiveness, while promoting an environment of excellence and success for every student at the University.

The Director leads athletics fundraising activities through the development of optimal strategies to promote broad engagement and participation by local communities, UAtlanta alumni and other donor prospects. The Director partners with University Advancement in branding, marketing and promoting the University’s athletics program, athletics events, and fundraising activities.

• Serve as an advocate for student-athlete well-being and the athletics program in general.
• Develop, implement, and manage a strategic vision for the athletics program.
• Serve as a spokesperson for intercollegiate athletics.
• Ensure alignment of the athletics program with the mission of the University.
• Hire, manage, and evaluate a large staff.
• Develop long- and short-term financial forecasts and collaborate with the University’s CFO to ensure proper oversight of revenues and expenses.
• Fundraise and participate in alumni affairs in conjunction with University Development and Alumni Relations.
• Market and promote the athletics program and athletics events.
• Demonstrate excellence in public and media relations throughout the local, regional, and national stage.
• Oversee programs to ensure academic excellence for student-athletes.
• Ensure the compliance of all Athletics Department employees with the laws, policies, rules and regulations governing the University and its employees, as well as the rules of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and Sun Belt (SBC).
• Represent the University nationally to the NCAA and the Sun Belt.
• Values the safety and health of students, faculty, and staff as a top priority. Serves as an advocate for student-athlete well-being and the athletics program in general.
• Represent the University in matters relating to athletics, including University and Alumni Association events.
• Demonstrate an appreciation for and commitment to diversity and the principles of equity and Title IX.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the Atlanta, Georgia community and its people.

• Aligns with and embraces the mission and values of the University of Atlanta and the NCAA.
• At least eight (8) years of senior-level management experience in intercollegiate athletics or a related field, preferably in higher education athletics administration and at the NCAA Division I level.
• Working knowledge of NCAA Division I athletics programs and what is required to…