About the Position
Reporting to the Vice President of Student Engagement and Transformation/Dean of Students, the Executive Director is responsible for the organization, administration, and coordination of 21 university athletic programs and facilities, which complement the educational experience of the University. The Executive Director has oversight of department administration, staff operations, and the student-athlete experience. As a member of the Division of Student Engagement and Transformation, the Executive Director serves as a campus-wide leader, ensuring excellence in all aspects of Widener’s intercollegiate athletics programs. The Executive Director must be skilled in collaborative leadership, long-range strategic planning, and professional development for staff and students.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provide strategic leadership to achieve goals for competitiveness, student academic achievement, the student-athlete experience, compliance, financial management, and event attendance that reflects the mission and values of the university.
- Serve as a key member of the Vice President’s leadership team and contribute to division-wide programs and initiatives.
- Communicate regularly with key campus partners and collaborate with campus offices to plan, problem-solve, and promote the student-athlete experience.
- Provide leadership in matters involving the NCAA and the Middle Atlantic Conference including compliance, communications, and conference regulations.
- Effectively manage available resources to support goals and objectives through the development, implementation, and monitoring of the annual operating budget.
- Direct and plan fundraising programs for Athletics in conjunction with University Advancement.
- Assume a leadership role in the development and implementation of an ongoing planning process for department staff, programs, and internal and external facilities.
- Provide leadership in the selection, hiring, and onboarding of coaches and other area personnel.
- Supervise the work of all coaching personnel and department staff members as well as provide leadership in the performance evaluation process.
- In concert with the Vice President for Enrollment and CIO and all the Head Coaches, develop goal-setting measures to monitor recruitment and roster goals of all coaches and support them in achieving those goals.
- Communicate regularly with key campus partners and collaborate with campus offices to plan, problem-solve, and promote the student-athlete experience.
- Participate actively in professional organizations through attendance at conferences, clinics and conventions as needed for an understanding of current developments within all areas of responsibility.
- Represent the University in matters involving the NCAA and the Middle Atlantic Conference.
- Ensure that all policies, operations, and compliance pertaining to University, NCAA, and Middle Atlantic Conference rules and regulations, related to athletic programs and student eligibility, are appropriately developed and executed.
Secondary Responsibilities:
- Performs other job-related duties and tasks as assigned by the Vice President.
- Serve on campus committees.
- Certify that the department of athletics is compliant with all University, NCAA, and Middle Atlantic Conference regulations related to student eligibility and competition.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree required; master's degree preferred.
- At least five years of progressive leadership and management experience in collegiate athletic administration and/or coaching, or a related field, preferably within an organization of similar size and complexity.
- Demonstrated success in developing and executing strategic planning and effective organizational leadership.
- Demonstrated commitment to a program that promotes and supports both academic and athletic excellence.
- Demonstrated experience and proficiency with financial planning and budgeting.
- Experience in external relations, sponsorships, and fundraising.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate with both internal and external constituencies.
- Knowledge of the principles of intercollegiate athletics administration, budgeting and personnel management, NCAA Division III rules and regulations, Title IX compliance, gender equity, and diversity.
Application Process
Widener University invites nominations and applications or expressions of interest to be submitted to the search firm assisting the University. Applications should include a cover letter, current resume or curriculum vitae, and a list of professional references. For full consideration, application materials should be submitted to Parker Executive Search’s website by March, 31, 2026. Confidential review of materials will begin immediately and continue until the appointment is made.
For additional information, please contact:
Daniel Parker, Vice President and Managing Director
Grant Higgison, Principal
Gray McGee, Associate
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