Director of Athletics
About The University of Texas at Tyler
Founded in 1971, The University of Texas at Tyler offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 10,000 students across five academic colleges and three schools — Ben and Maytee Fisch College of Pharmacy, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Education and Psychology, College of Engineering, Soules College of Business, School of Health Professions, School of Medicine and School of Nursing. UT Tyler welcomes students from many backgrounds and geographical areas, including 60+ nations, 45 states, and 167 Texas counties. Learn more about the history of this great institution at uttyler.edu/about.
UT Tyler is part of the renowned University of Texas System, one of the largest public university systems in the nation and the world, along with 14 other health and academic institutions across Texas. Together, UT System institutions produce more than 66,000 graduates annually.
About UT Tyler Athletics
UT Tyler is a member of the NCAA Division II and competes within the Lone Star Conference. After completing a three-year provisional period, UT Tyler was fully accepted as a full Division II member in 2021. With 17 athletic programs and more than 300 student-athletes, Patriot Athletics continues to grow, bringing national recognition and increased opportunities to the East Texas community. Intercollegiate teams include baseball, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's golf, men's and women's soccer, softball, men's and women's tennis, men's and women's track and field, men's and women's indoor track and field and volleyball.
With one of the newest intercollegiate athletic programs in the country, the programs at UT Tyler are known for producing winners - on and off the fields and courts. UT Tyler has won NCAA National Championships in men's golf (2013), softball (2016, 2024), and baseball (2018), along with individual National Champions with Laura Lindsey (2013, women's golf), Kevonte Shaw (2015, indoor track - 200 meters) and Whitney Simmons (2016, outdoor track & field - Hammer and 2017, indoor track & field - Weight Throw). The athletic program won 67 American Southwest Conference team titles, 82 individual championships and made 77 NCAA tournament appearances at the Division III level. The Patriots have claimed 12 Lone Star Conference Championships and have appeared in 23 NCAA Division II National Tournaments in the first few seasons of full-fledged Division II status.
Position Overview
Reporting to the President and serving as a member of the President’s Cabinet, the Director of Athletics is a visionary and strategic leader for all athletic programs at the University. The position serves as a role model for ethical leadership to ensure full compliance with all applicable NCAA, athletic conference and university policies, rules and regulations.
The Director of Athletics develops and manages operating budgets (FY 2024 Operating Budget: $9.2 million) and is responsible for providing strategic leadership for fundraising efforts. The position oversees the daily operation and management of athletic programs and facilities.
The Director of Athletics also leads a team of coaches and staff dedicated to the academic and athletic success of student-athletes. Additionally, the role is responsible for promoting community and student body support by delivering a positive, engaging and exciting game-day experience with the new tailgating policy and planning other fan engagement activities and events.
Duties and Responsibilities
Provides leadership and vision for the athletics department, ensuring alignment with the university's mission and strategic goals.
Establishes long-range goals and strategic planning to develop and sustain a successful athletic program.
Ensures strict adherence to all NCAA and conference regulations, and university compliance policies, rules and regulations, as well as ethical standards of behavior.
Provides oversight of intercollegiate athletics programs, including budgeting, fundraising, staffing, compliance, facilities and game day operations, ensuring competitiveness within the conference.
Champions the academic success and well-being of student-athletes, fostering a culture of academic excellence and integrity.
Establishes and ensures a safe environment for student-athletes.
Recruits, hires and retains high-performing coaches and athletic department staff, building successful teams.
Works in collaboration with the Office of University Advancement to develop and maintain strong relationships with donors, alumni and the campus community to secure financial support for athletics.
Oversees and coordinates game-day operations, including fan engagement activities like tailgating, and works to create a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere that enhances the overall spectator experience.
Serves as a primary spokesperson for the Department of Athletics, promoting the philosophy and mission of the university and its athletic programs with the university community, the media and the general public.
Promotes a positive image of the university with the conference and NCAA by working collaboratively, attending professional meetings and actively serving on committees.
Advises the President and Cabinet on issues relating to intercollegiate athletics.
Demonstrated commitment to the academic success and well-being of student-athletes.
Excellent communication, interpersonal and leadership skills.
Ability to develop and manage operating budgets through strong organizational, fiscal, management and leadership skills.
Ability to lead marketing and promotion efforts of athletics programs.
Ability to develop a strategic plan that promotes current and future success of athletic programs.
Ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with community, boosters, alumni and university community.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree required. A degree in sports administration, kinesiology or related field is preferred.
Five years’ experience in NCAA athletics administration is required.
Coaching or playing experience at the collegiate level is preferred.
Strong understanding of NCAA and conference rules and regulations.
Proven ability to mentor coaches and staff.
An understanding of and demonstrated commitment to the student-athlete recruitment process and the ability to collaborate with Admissions staff in the enrollment of student-athletes.
Proven successful track record of fundraising, creation of external partnerships, fiscal management and sport supervision.
Application Process
The University of Texas at Tyler invites nominations and applications or expressions of interest to be submitted to the search firm assisting the university. Applications must include a cover letter, resume or curriculum vitae, and list of references. For full consideration, application materials should be submitted to Parker Executive Search’s website by February 14, 2025. 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
Xavier Harper, Executive Recruiting Coordinator
ghiggison@parkersearch.com | xharper@parkersearch.com
Parker Executive Search
770-804-1996 ext. 118 | 770-804-1996 ext. 123
The University of Texas at Tyler is committed to equal employment opportunity. It accepts the obligation as a member of the community at large, and as a government contractor, to exercise an active and positive program of non-discrimination in all areas of employment. Employment decisions are made by providing equal opportunity and access on the basis of qualifications and merit.