Director of Athletics - Prescott Campus

Job Description

About Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University:

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is an independent, culturally diverse institution providing quality education and research in aviation, aerospace, engineering, and other related fields with residential campuses located in Daytona Beach, Florida, and Prescott, Arizona. The University's Worldwide campus provides educational opportunities online and at approximately 130 locations throughout the United States, Asia, Europe, and Central/South America.

As the largest and most comprehensive aviation and aerospace-focused university in the world, Embry-Riddle is a unique institution. Over the past 90 years, the University has evolved with industry to break new ground and produce top-level graduates who serve the ever-changing needs of aviation and aerospace, and other STEM-related disciplines. Embry-Riddle offers programs in seven primary fields of study including: Applied Science; Aviation; Business; Computers and Technology; Engineering; Safety, Security, and Intelligence; and Space.

For Academic Year 2020-21, there were over 10,700 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students that attended the University's residential campuses, and approximately 32,700 students in total enrolled with the University around the world.

Embry-Riddle's Prescott Campus is respected worldwide for cutting-edge instruction and training for tomorrow’s aviation, aerospace, security, and intelligence leaders. Prescott is a mile-high city and its climate reflects seasonable weather excellent for flying. Daytime averages are 80°F in the summer and 45°F in the winter. At 5,000 ft. above sea level, it boasts a mild climate, clean air, pristine wilderness areas, and nearby national forests. The university is a small, private, residential university in the mountains of Arizona with approximately 3,500 students. Staff/faculty/student interaction is highly valued and is a central theme of our campus. It is located 100 miles north of Phoenix and 120 miles south of the Grand Canyon.

The Opportunity:

The Director of Athletics provides leadership and oversight for the Intercollegiate Athletic Program, including:

• Intramural programs
• Intercollegiate Athletic Program
• Athletics facilities
• Budget management and fundraising
• Public, campus, and community relations, including working with the SGA on various activities
• Mentoring of coaches and strategic planning

Primary Job Functions or Duties:

• Expressed high standards and the inspirational leadership and management skills to build momentum and encourage others toward action and the pursuit of excellence.
• Commitment to Embry-Riddle’s Mission to teach the science, practice, and business of aviation and aerospace, preparing students for productive careers and leadership roles in business, government agencies, and the military.
• Oversee the athletic operation and development of the varsity and intramural programs and all athletic facilities.
• Direct athletic programs and supervise coaching staff and other department employees, in accordance with University policies and applicable laws, which includes but is not limited to the following: hiring; training; evaluating; appraising, rewarding, and disciplining in conjunction with the Office of Human Resources.
• Provide strategic oversight and assist in formulating plans, policies, and procedures governing athletic programs.
• Foster a culture that integrates and respects the University's structure and authority.
• Ability to work collaboratively with Embry-Riddle leadership, coaches, and stakeholders.
• Ensure coaches/athletes comply with the national association and conference rules and regulations, which includes the certification of varsity teams.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Review and recommend candidates for coaching and support staff positions (athletic training, sports information, etc.), and oversee training for coaches and other employees.
• Appraise performance, provide feedback, and give guidance for all athletic personnel.
• Plan, assign, and direct departmental duties and responsibilities.
• Implement appropriate strategies and programs to maximize revenue through fundraising, corporate partnerships, facility rentals, and ticket revenues.
• Work with Financial Aid and Enrollment Management to oversee and manage athletic scholarships for the department and individual teams.
• Ensure that all coaches work closely with the Office of Admissions to uphold the academic standards of the University.
• Supervise and coordinate facility staff to ensure appropriate facilities use among all sports teams, Embry-Riddle students, faculty, staff and the community.
• Ensure all required forms for student-athlete eligibility are handled in a timely manner. Act as liaison for Embry-Riddle with the NAIA National Office on all student-athlete eligibility matters.
• Develop and update the student and staff handbooks.
• Complete annual reports that need to be filed with the conference, national association, and the federal government.
• Lead the process for addressing complaints and resolving problems within the Athletic Department.
• Represent Embry-Riddle in all Cal Pac, CCC, and NAIA meetings.
• Ensure all coaches understand the commitment to the Champions of Character program as established by the NAIA.
• Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein and as may be assigned.

​Secondary Job Functions or Duties:

Support all Embry-Riddle Athletics teams. Attend games when feasible. Support and promote the rules, philosophy, and fundamental principles of the Embry-Riddle Athletics program and the NAIA. The violation of the NAIA rules is prohibited and may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.

ERAU benefits include:

• Retirement Plan - ERAU offers immediate vesting and provides a 6% gift and will match up to 4% of employee contributions
  
  
• Two BC/BS health plans – PPO and high deductible plan with a health savings account
  
  
• Tuition waivers for employees, spouses, and dependent children
  
  
• Use of various campus services: fitness center, library, mailroom and enjoy observation flights
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree. Area of study: Athletics Administration, Education Administration, Sports Administration/Management, or related field . Master's degree preferred.
  
  
• Required skills, knowledge, abilities:
  
  Superior knowledge of all NAIA rules and California Pacific Conference rules and regulations.
  
  Strong ability to clearly communicate and interact professionally with coaches, student-athletes, faculty, staff, and donors.
  
  Available to work evenings and weekends is required.
  
  The ability to connect with the community through organizations and committees is required.
  
  Strong computer skills including working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
  
  
• Minimum of five to ten years of work-related experience. A minimum of five years of collegiate athletics administration is preferred.