Director of Athletics & Recreation
About The Position
Rutgers University-Newark seeks a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as its Director of Athletics & Recreation. Reporting to the Chancellor, the Director of Athletics & Recreation provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and fiscal management for Rutgers University-Newark's NCAA Division III intercollegiate athletics program, campus recreation, and fitness facilities and operations. Rutgers University-Newark (RU-N) is a leading urban research university that embodies excellence, opportunity, and impact. As an anchor institution in the city of Newark, RU-N is committed to fostering academic achievement, civic engagement, and inclusive growth. The university serves a richly diverse student body and is nationally recognized for its programs that advance social mobility, community partnerships, and innovative scholarships. The Department of Athletics & Recreation is a vital part of this mission, providing students with opportunities to engage in healthy competition, physical fitness, and community building. The department oversees a robust NCAA Division III intercollegiate athletics program, comprehensive campus recreation offerings, and modern fitness facilities that serve the entire university community. The Director of Athletics & Recreation will be responsible for and not limited to the following: Providing strategic leadership, operational oversight, and fiscal management for all athletic and recreation programs, services, and facilities. Ensuring that Athletics and Recreation align with RU-N's anchor mission, student success priorities, and commitment to access, equity, inclusion, and community engagement. Fostering a culture of academic and athletic excellence that enhances the student-athlete experience on and off the field. Overseeing compliance with NCAA Division III and conference rules and regulations. Developing and managing departmental budgets, resources, and employees to ensure effective and transparent operations. Collaborating with campus and community partners to strengthen engagement, outreach, and support for athletics and recreation initiatives. Promoting visibility and pride in Rutgers University-Newark athletics through strategic communication, fundraising, and alumni relations efforts. Leading efforts to enhance facilities, programming, and services that support the health and well-being of all athletic students, faculty, and staff. The Department of Athletics & Recreation plays a central role in shaping the Rutgers-Newark student experience by promoting teamwork, resilience, leadership, and wellness. Through inclusive programs and competitive excellence, the department contributes to the university's mission of preparing students to lead and thrive in a diverse and changing world.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in sports management, higher education administration, or a related field.
- Minimum of 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience in collegiate athletics administration.
- Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to NCAA Division III philosophy and compliance.
- Proven ability to lead diverse teams and manage complex budgets effectively.
- Familiarity with student-athlete welfare, development, and needs.
- Demonstrated commitment to student success, equity, and inclusion in athletics and recreation.
- Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across a wide range of stakeholders within the university community.
- Commitment to ethical leadership and integrity in all aspects of departmental operations.
Nice To Haves
- Master's degree in a relevant discipline.
- Experience working in a public university or urban campus environment.
- Demonstrated success in fundraising, external relations, community engagement, or facility development.
Responsibilities
- Providing strategic leadership, operational oversight, and fiscal management for all athletic and recreation programs, services, and facilities.
- Ensuring that Athletics and Recreation align with RU-N's anchor mission, student success priorities, and commitment to access, equity, inclusion, and community engagement.
- Fostering a culture of academic and athletic excellence that enhances the student-athlete experience on and off the field.
- Overseeing compliance with NCAA Division III and conference rules and regulations.
- Developing and managing departmental budgets, resources, and employees to ensure effective and transparent operations.
- Collaborating with campus and community partners to strengthen engagement, outreach, and support for athletics and recreation initiatives.
- Promoting visibility and pride in Rutgers University-Newark athletics through strategic communication, fundraising, and alumni relations efforts.
- Leading efforts to enhance facilities, programming, and services that support the health and well-being of all athletic students, faculty, and staff.
Benefits
- Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
- Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
- Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
- Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
- Life insurance coverage
- Employee discount programs
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
Industry
Educational Services
Number of Employees
5,001-10,000 employees
