Vice President and Director of Athletics
About Villanova University
Villanova University (Villanova), located in Villanova, Pennsylvania, is a prestigious Catholic institution renowned for its rigorous academic programs, commitment to ethical leadership, and vibrant campus life. Founded in 1842, Villanova is distinguished by its emphasis on a values-driven education, community engagement, and a strong sense of tradition rooted in Augustinian principles. These values of TRUTH, UNITY and LOVE—VERITAS, UNITAS and CARITAS—inform all we do as a University. Initially a small college, Villanova has grown into a prominent university. Villanova's trajectory reflects its evolution from a local college to a leading national university, emphasizing a holistic education where students learn to think critically, act compassionately and succeed while serving others and follow in the rich intellectual and moral tradition that joins them together long after graduation.
Under the leadership of President Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, the University has charted a course of significant transformation that includes initiating and embarking on two ambitious, 10-year strategic plans, launching the University’s largest comprehensive fundraising campaign ($1.25B), initiating a vibrant physical campus renovation, and dramatically expanding student opportunities. The University offers a comprehensive range of degree programs across various fields of study through its six colleges and schools—the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Villanova School of Business, the College of Engineering, the M. Louis Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, the Charles Widger School of Law, and the College of Professional Studies. The university provides specialized programs in areas like business analytics, cybersecurity, and environmental science, along with traditional disciplines. Graduate and professional programs are available in fields such as law, business, engineering, nursing, and education.
Villanova also offers robust opportunities for interdisciplinary studies, research, and experiential learning through internships and co-op programs. In addition to its academic offerings, Villanova supports a vibrant campus life with numerous student organizations, clubs, and activities, including academic societies, cultural groups, and recreational sports. Students can participate in leadership programs, service projects, and a variety of opportunities that enhance their educational experience and foster a strong sense of belonging. The university's emphasis on community service and social justice further reflects its dedication to fostering an inclusive and engaged campus culture.
About the Position and Villanova Athletics
Reporting directly to the President, the Vice President and Director of Athletics is responsible for the leadership, strategic planning, management and administration of the University’s athletic and recreation program, in addition to overseeing budgets, personnel, planning, fundraising, revenue generation, marketing, media contract negotiations, and sports facilities. The Vice President and Director of Athletics must also ensure full compliance with University, Big East conference, and NCAA rules and regulations governing intercollegiate athletics and all applicable State rules and laws.
Known as the Wildcats, Villanova competes as a member of the Big East conference, sponsoring 24 varsity sports at the NCAA Division I level. Deeply rooted in the University’s Augustinian Catholic values and dedicated to developing its student-athletes intellectually, professionally and spiritually as they achieve at the highest levels of competition, Villanova Athletics has seen notable achievements and established itself as a powerhouse in several sports over the years. The university’s athletic programs have seen a trajectory of growth and success, marked by numerous conference championships and national accolades, particularly in basketball, track and field/cross country. The men's basketball team has won multiple NCAA Championships, with significant victories in 1985, 2016, and 2018. The track and field/cross country programs have also excelled, with numerous individual and team titles at both the conference and national levels. Villanova’s athletic success is supported by a commitment to excellence, a dedicated coaching staff, and a strong tradition of competitive spirit, contributing to the University’s storied athletic legacy of excellence.
Duties and Responsibilities
Provide bold, collaborative and innovative leadership required to make Villanova a national model for integrating athletics and academics.
Be a subject matter expert who possesses a strong grasp of national issues and can demonstrate experience with best practices and innovative strategies that are critical to building a contemporary best-in-class, Division I athletics program.
Possess high political acumen with the ability to navigate and manage the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics and the role it plays within higher education to include, but not limited to: new legislation, the monetization of sports, NIL, revenue generation, regulatory industries, state and federal mandates, media strategy, digital media streaming and T.V. revenue, and the Villanova Athletics fanbase – locally, nationally, and internationally.
Work collaboratively with colleagues and units across campus to provide strategic leadership to ensure the continued elevation of the Villanova Athletics Department in alignment with the University’s mission and vision to achieve goals for competitiveness, student academic achievement, and the student-athlete experience, in addition to partnering with institutional stakeholders to promote programs and generate fan support for student-athletes through developing and executing comprehensive marketing and communications strategies designed to enhance national awareness and generate revenues and resources for the University’s athletics department
Ensure that the department operates in a manner that represents Villanova’s Augustinian foundation of Veritas, Unitas, and Caritas and shared values – holistic student development, inclusion & belonging, equity & justice, and well-being – for student-athletes, coaches, and staff.
Commensurate with the University’s goals and standards as well as Title IX and Big East conference and NCAA rules and regulations, build and sustain an athletics program that strengthens all sports to be competitive at the championship level while ensuring an exceptional academic and overall experience for each student-athlete.
Promote the welfare of student-athletes with effective planning, policy creation, and programming that are in coordination with the University, Big East conference, and all NCAA rules and regulations.
Provide management, guidance, and leadership to coaches, staff members, administrators, and other members of the athletic department.
Oversee revenue generation activities for athletics and recreation including the identification and solicitation of corporations and sponsors. Work collaboratively and diligently with University Advancement to actively participate in fund-raising activities including the identification and solicitation of individuals in support of annual giving, endowment, scholarship and major gift support.
Recruit, mentor, support, and supervise a diverse pool of strong, ethical, and talented staff and coaches to foster success and ensure the efficient and productive operation of all administrative and operational business functions of the department.
Demonstrate core competencies in the areas of leadership and vision, the development of a strategy to advance that vision, and the management and oversight of a complex organization that is operationally efficient and financially sound.
Promote a community of compliance and high ethical standards.
Serve as the primary spokesperson of the Department promoting the philosophy and mission of the intercollegiate athletics program with faculty, staff, students, alumni, media and the general public.
Represent the Department at University, community, conference, NCAA and other appropriate meetings.
Fulfill additional duties as directed by the President.
Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree is required; advanced degree is preferred.
The successful candidate will have a demonstrated record of prior visionary strategic and operational leadership success in a highly competitive environment, including a demonstrated ability to identify, manage and solve problems through creative and conceptual thinking and effective resources management, as well as capitalize on opportunities as they arise; or equivalent management experience.
Reputation as a strategic leader of integrity and vision who is firm, yet flexible, trusted, and respected.
Must demonstrate an appreciation of University mission, culture and tradition and a commitment to lead a competitive intercollegiate sports program in the context of an academically rigorous environment.
Demonstrated ability to lead multi-unit teams of professionals in establishing and achieving ambitious goals.
Proven track record of successful hiring and supervision of staff members with demonstrated alignment and commitment to the University’s vision and mission, with an emphasis on the integration of diverse industry experiences and transferable skills to foster an inclusive and dynamic workforce, to include the implementation and monitoring of hiring practices that prioritize candidates with transferrable skills and relevant acumen, regardless of their industry of origin.
Experience with effectively managing dynamic and complex budgets.
Ability to remain organized in a fast-paced environment.
Proven ability to work with diverse populations of students, faculty, staff, and external constituents.
Supervisory and budgetary experience.
History of remaining compliant along with a strong knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations.
Inclusive leadership style with a proven history of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as working knowledge of Title IX.
Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills and an ability to work effectively with multiple constituent groups.
Application Process
Villanova University 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 October 18th, 2024. 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
DeLaina Sarden, Principal
Gray McGee, Executive Recruiting Coordinator
danielparker@parkersearch.com | dsarden@parkersearch.com | gmcgee@parkersearch.com
Parker Executive Search
770-804-1996 ext. 119 | 770-804-1996 ext. 132
Villanova University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages the recruitment of qualified candidates for student and employment positions.