Athletic Director
Winston Salem State University, Winston Salem, North Carolina, United States, 27104
Position Details
Athletic Director – Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) Application Process details and contact information are provided by the search firm assisting the University. Applications must include a cover letter, resume or curriculum vitae, and a list of references. For full consideration, materials should be submitted to Parker Executive Search's website by March 11, 2026. Confidential review will begin immediately and continue until the appointment is made.
Position Overview Reporting to the Chancellor, the Athletic Director will serve as a visionary and strategic leader responsible for elevating WSSU Athletics to new levels of excellence. The Director will provide strategic leadership, oversight, and innovation, strengthening the University’s athletic identity while fostering holistic student-athlete development. Responsibilities include managing resources, overseeing facilities, cultivating alumni and donor relationships, enhancing the department’s brand, and maintaining compliance with NCAA, CIAA, Title IX, and state and institutional policies. The Director will partner with Chancellor Bonita Brown and university leadership to ensure athletics programs support the University’s mission of academic achievement, leadership development, and community impact.
Duties and Responsibilities
Provide visionary leadership and strategic planning for WSSU Athletics, aligning with the University’s mission and strategic plan.
Partner with the Chancellor and university leadership to drive cross-campus initiatives that integrate athletics with institutional priorities.
Champion the holistic development of student-athletes, prioritizing academics, wellness, personal growth, and leadership alongside competitive success.
Lead with integrity, accountability, and professionalism, fostering a culture of excellence, respect, and collaboration among staff, coaches, and student-athletes.
Develop, recruit, mentor, and retain a talented team of coaches and administrators, providing professional development opportunities and promoting collaboration and excellence.
Oversee all aspects of athletics operations, including budgeting, facilities management, game and event management, scheduling, marketing and media relations, ticket sales, sponsorships, fundraising, and general operations.
Ensure full compliance with NCAA Division II, CIAA, Title IX, and state and institutional regulations, maintaining high ethics and integrity standards.
Partner with university offices to align athletics with recruitment, retention, and student support strategies.
Develop and execute fundraising and revenue generation strategies, including alumni engagement, booster clubs, corporate partnerships, and philanthropic support.
Represent WSSU Athletics regionally and nationally, enhancing the University’s visibility, reputation, and community partnerships.
Leverage athletics facilities for institutional impact and community engagement, maximizing game-day experiences and year-round usage.
Implement data-driven approaches to track team performance, student-athlete academic success, departmental efficiency, and operational effectiveness.
Establish KPIs and performance benchmarks and provide regular updates to University leadership.
Oversee risk management, emergency preparedness, and compliance strategies to ensure safety of student-athletes, staff, and assets.
Lead initiatives to modernize and innovate athletic programming, facilities, and operations, maintaining a competitive advantage.
Support initiatives that enhance student-athlete engagement, retention, and leadership development, including mentorship programs and campus integration.
Application Details Application materials should be submitted to Parker Executive Search’s website by March 11, 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
DeLaina Sarden, Principal
Khristian Carr, Executive Recruiting Coordinator
dsarden@parkersearch.com
|
kcarr@parkersearch.com
Parker Executive Search, 770-804-1996 ext. 119 | 770-804-1996 ext. 134
Note:
All materials submitted will be handled confidentially during the search process.
Position Information Position Number: 000520
Working Position Title: Athletic Director
Building and Room No.: Bowman Gray Field House, Room 230 – 601 S Martin Luther King Jr Drive
Appointment Type: Permanent Full-Time
Time Limited: No
Appointment Length: 12
Requirements and Preferences
Normal Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; evenings and weekends as needed.
Position required to work during periods of adverse weather or other emergencies: All - Emergency and Pandemic on site
Department Required Skills:
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
Understanding and appreciation for the mission and significance of HBCUs with commitment to advancing that mission through athletics leadership.
Strategic, forward-thinking leadership experience in collegiate athletics administration; preference for Division II experience.
Fundraising and revenue generation experience with measurable results.
Integrity and ethical leadership.
Compliance with NCAA regulations and North Carolina state policies.
Aptitude for fundraising and advancement and ability to build relationships with alumni, donors, corporate partners, and external entities.
Experience overseeing athletics facilities and facilities management.
Experience leading brand development, marketing, and visibility for athletics.
Ability to represent the University at conference, regional, and national levels and build external partnerships.
Ability to navigate institutional politics and stakeholders effectively.
Financial acumen including budgeting, resource management, and long-term planning.
Ability to create and sustain a winning athletics program aligned with institutional values.
Leadership in a complex institutional environment with multiple stakeholders.
Understanding of the intersection between athletics and student success, prioritizing both competitiveness and academics.
Experience leading coaching staff and athletic programs.
Strong communication, relationship-building, and organizational skills.
Required License: Valid US Driver’s License (Yes)
Commercial Driver’s License: No
Physical Required: No
Other medical/drug tests: None specified
Posting Details
Open Date: 02/04/2026
Open Until Filled: Yes
Salary: Commensurate with education and experience
Supplemental and Related Information
Posting may include supplemental questions and applicant documents sections as part of the submission process.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Athletic Director – Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) Application Process details and contact information are provided by the search firm assisting the University. Applications must include a cover letter, resume or curriculum vitae, and a list of references. For full consideration, materials should be submitted to Parker Executive Search's website by March 11, 2026. Confidential review will begin immediately and continue until the appointment is made.
Position Overview Reporting to the Chancellor, the Athletic Director will serve as a visionary and strategic leader responsible for elevating WSSU Athletics to new levels of excellence. The Director will provide strategic leadership, oversight, and innovation, strengthening the University’s athletic identity while fostering holistic student-athlete development. Responsibilities include managing resources, overseeing facilities, cultivating alumni and donor relationships, enhancing the department’s brand, and maintaining compliance with NCAA, CIAA, Title IX, and state and institutional policies. The Director will partner with Chancellor Bonita Brown and university leadership to ensure athletics programs support the University’s mission of academic achievement, leadership development, and community impact.
Duties and Responsibilities
Provide visionary leadership and strategic planning for WSSU Athletics, aligning with the University’s mission and strategic plan.
Partner with the Chancellor and university leadership to drive cross-campus initiatives that integrate athletics with institutional priorities.
Champion the holistic development of student-athletes, prioritizing academics, wellness, personal growth, and leadership alongside competitive success.
Lead with integrity, accountability, and professionalism, fostering a culture of excellence, respect, and collaboration among staff, coaches, and student-athletes.
Develop, recruit, mentor, and retain a talented team of coaches and administrators, providing professional development opportunities and promoting collaboration and excellence.
Oversee all aspects of athletics operations, including budgeting, facilities management, game and event management, scheduling, marketing and media relations, ticket sales, sponsorships, fundraising, and general operations.
Ensure full compliance with NCAA Division II, CIAA, Title IX, and state and institutional regulations, maintaining high ethics and integrity standards.
Partner with university offices to align athletics with recruitment, retention, and student support strategies.
Develop and execute fundraising and revenue generation strategies, including alumni engagement, booster clubs, corporate partnerships, and philanthropic support.
Represent WSSU Athletics regionally and nationally, enhancing the University’s visibility, reputation, and community partnerships.
Leverage athletics facilities for institutional impact and community engagement, maximizing game-day experiences and year-round usage.
Implement data-driven approaches to track team performance, student-athlete academic success, departmental efficiency, and operational effectiveness.
Establish KPIs and performance benchmarks and provide regular updates to University leadership.
Oversee risk management, emergency preparedness, and compliance strategies to ensure safety of student-athletes, staff, and assets.
Lead initiatives to modernize and innovate athletic programming, facilities, and operations, maintaining a competitive advantage.
Support initiatives that enhance student-athlete engagement, retention, and leadership development, including mentorship programs and campus integration.
Application Details Application materials should be submitted to Parker Executive Search’s website by March 11, 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
DeLaina Sarden, Principal
Khristian Carr, Executive Recruiting Coordinator
dsarden@parkersearch.com
|
kcarr@parkersearch.com
Parker Executive Search, 770-804-1996 ext. 119 | 770-804-1996 ext. 134
Note:
All materials submitted will be handled confidentially during the search process.
Position Information Position Number: 000520
Working Position Title: Athletic Director
Building and Room No.: Bowman Gray Field House, Room 230 – 601 S Martin Luther King Jr Drive
Appointment Type: Permanent Full-Time
Time Limited: No
Appointment Length: 12
Requirements and Preferences
Normal Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; evenings and weekends as needed.
Position required to work during periods of adverse weather or other emergencies: All - Emergency and Pandemic on site
Department Required Skills:
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
Understanding and appreciation for the mission and significance of HBCUs with commitment to advancing that mission through athletics leadership.
Strategic, forward-thinking leadership experience in collegiate athletics administration; preference for Division II experience.
Fundraising and revenue generation experience with measurable results.
Integrity and ethical leadership.
Compliance with NCAA regulations and North Carolina state policies.
Aptitude for fundraising and advancement and ability to build relationships with alumni, donors, corporate partners, and external entities.
Experience overseeing athletics facilities and facilities management.
Experience leading brand development, marketing, and visibility for athletics.
Ability to represent the University at conference, regional, and national levels and build external partnerships.
Ability to navigate institutional politics and stakeholders effectively.
Financial acumen including budgeting, resource management, and long-term planning.
Ability to create and sustain a winning athletics program aligned with institutional values.
Leadership in a complex institutional environment with multiple stakeholders.
Understanding of the intersection between athletics and student success, prioritizing both competitiveness and academics.
Experience leading coaching staff and athletic programs.
Strong communication, relationship-building, and organizational skills.
Required License: Valid US Driver’s License (Yes)
Commercial Driver’s License: No
Physical Required: No
Other medical/drug tests: None specified
Posting Details
Open Date: 02/04/2026
Open Until Filled: Yes
Salary: Commensurate with education and experience
Supplemental and Related Information
Posting may include supplemental questions and applicant documents sections as part of the submission process.
#J-18808-Ljbffr