The Athletic Director (AD) at Oklahoma City University serves as a dynamic leader responsible for the success and growth of the university’s NAIA intercollegiate athletic programs. Reporting to the President and serving as a member of the President’s Cabinet, the AD provides strategic vision, leadership, and oversight for athletic programs, student-athlete success, and community engagement. This role involves ensuring alignment between the Athletics Department and the university’s mission, while fostering a culture of academic excellence, compliance, and inclusion.
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
- At least seven years of progressive experience in collegiate athletic administration, including expertise in compliance, budgeting, scheduling, personnel supervision, and facility management.
- Valid Oklahoma driver’s license.
- Master’s degree in a related field.
- Experience as a collegiate head coach, demonstrating team leadership and strategic planning capabilities.
- Leadership & Strategic Direction:
- Develop and implement a strategic plan for the Athletics Department.
- Recruit, develop, and retain coaches and staff aligned with the university’s mission.
- Serve on the President’s Cabinet, providing insights on athletics’ role within the institution.
- Financial Management & Facilities Oversight:
- Prepare and oversee the Athletics Department’s annual budget, including scholarship allocations.
- Lead fundraising and sponsorship initiatives in collaboration with the Office of University Advancement.
- Coordinate with Facilities to maintain and optimize athletic spaces for training, competition, and events.
- Compliance & Conference Representation:
- Ensure compliance with NAIA, Sooner Athletic Conference, and university regulations.
- Represent the university at conference and NAIA meetings.
- Community Relations & Student Success:
- Promote athletic programs through events, media relations, and public appearances.
- Collaborate with academic leaders to support student-athlete academic achievement and wellness.
- Engage the campus and local community to increase attendance and involvement in athletic events.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Inspirational Leadership: Ability to inspire and manage a diverse team effectively.
- Financial Acumen: Proven ability to manage budgets and lead fundraising initiatives.
- Compliance Expertise: In-depth knowledge of NAIA and collegiate athletic governance.
- Communication Skills: Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills to engage with varied stakeholders.
- Commitment to DEI: Demonstrated ability to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in athletics.
- Knowledge of NIL: Familiarity with Name, Image, and Likeness regulations and strategies.
- Strategic Thinking: Visionary planning skills to align departmental goals with institutional priorities.
- Collaboration: Ability to build relationships with faculty, administration, and community partners.
Oklahoma City University (OCU) Athletics, home of the Stars, is one of the most successful programs in NAIA history. With an impressive legacy of 76 national championships, OCU consistently demonstrates excellence both in competition and in academics. The Stars have been recognized with the Learfield Sports Directors' Cup three times, reflecting the department's overall success, and maintain a position as one of the top NAIA programs in the nation.
Student-athletes at OCU excel academically, with the department achieving a cumulative GPA of 3.31 in 2023-24, its highest in the past decade. Community engagement is another cornerstone, highlighted by initiatives such as the annual food drive, which has delivered over 128,000 items since 2007.
Offering 18 varsity sports, including newer additions like competitive cheerleading, pom/dance, and STUNT, OCU Athletics is supported by state-of-the-art facilities such as the Devon Boathouse and Ann Lacy Softball Stadium. The program thrives on the commitment of its student-athletes, staff, and a vibrant community of supporters, embodying the university’s mission to foster a championship experience academically, athletically, and socially
For More Information and To Apply
This is an exciting time to lead the athletic department at Oklahoma City University. The university is committed to creating a safe and respectful environment for all constituents of the university including those who learn, work, and live on campus. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central values at OCU. Minorities, women, people with disabilities, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. Nominations may be sent to the search committee co-chairs Amy Cataldi and Phil McSpadden at hrrecruitment@okcu.edu subject line: Athletic Director Nomination.
Review of applications begins immediately, and it is expected that the successful candidate will assume the position in July of 2025. Applications received through January 15, 2025 will be assured of full consideration. Requested application materials include a letter of interest, a resume/curriculum vitae, employment application, and names of three professional references with contact information. References will not be contacted until later in the search process and only with candidate approval. All applications are confidential.
About Oklahoma City University
Oklahoma City University was founded in 1904 and is a coeducational, urban, private university located in the Uptown district of Oklahoma City. The university is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and offers a wide variety of degrees in the liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Oklahoma City University is the only Oklahoma institution listed in the top tier of the regional, master's-level university category by U.S. News and World Report magazine. Oklahoma City University is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the values and goals of diversity and inclusion.