Athletic Director
Winston-Salem State University, Columbia Heights, MN, United States
About Winston-Salem State University
Winston-Salem State University (WSSU), founded in 1892, is a historically Black university serving approximately 5,000 students on a 117-acre campus. The University is recognized for its strengths in STEM, health sciences, teacher preparation, business, and the arts, with a focus on social mobility, value, and impact. WSSU’s community emphasizes student success, leadership development, partnerships with local and national organizations, and opportunities for research, internships, and service. About WSSU Athletics
Known as the Rams, WSSU sponsors 11 NCAA Division II sports programs and competes in the CIAA. The department focuses on competitive success and student-athlete development, with a history of championships and strong academic honors among student-athletes. Position Overview
Athletic Director
– Reporting to the Chancellor, the Athletic Director leads, plans, and manages WSSU Athletics to elevate its performance, identity, and student-athlete development. The Director will oversee resources, facilities, donor relations, brand and compliance with NCAA, CIAA, Title IX, and state/institutional policies, and will partner with university leadership to align athletics with the University’s mission. Duties and Responsibilities
Provide visionary leadership and strategic planning for WSSU Athletics, aligning with the University’s mission and strategic plan. Collaborate with the Chancellor and university leadership on cross-campus initiatives that integrate athletics with institutional priorities. Champion the holistic development of student-athletes, prioritizing academics, wellness, personal growth, and leadership. Foster a culture of excellence, integrity, accountability, and collaboration among staff, coaches, and student-athletes. Develop, recruit, mentor, and retain a talented team of coaches and administrators, promoting professional development and collaboration. Oversee all athletics operations, including budgeting, facilities, events, scheduling, marketing, media relations, ticketing, sponsorships, fundraising, and general operations. Ensure full compliance with NCAA Division II, CIAA, Title IX, and state/institutional regulations. Partner with Enrollment Management, Student Success, and Financial Aid to align athletics with recruitment and student support strategies. Develop and execute fundraising and revenue-generation strategies, including alumni engagement and partnerships. Represent WSSU Athletics regionally and nationally, building visibility and partnerships. Leverage facilities for institutional impact and community engagement. Implement data-driven approaches to track performance and outcomes, with KPIs for programs, staff, and student-athletes. Oversee risk management, emergency preparedness, and compliance strategies. Lead modernization and innovation in athletic programming, facilities, and operations. Support student-athlete engagement, retention, and leadership development, including mentorship opportunities. Position Information
Position Number
000520 Working Position Title
Athletic Director Appointment Type
Permanent Full-Time Normal Work Schedule
Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Evening and weekend hours as needed. Qualifications and Requirements
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred. Demonstrated understanding of HBCUs and commitment to that mission through athletics leadership. Strategic leadership experience in collegiate athletics administration, with Division II preference. Proven fundraising and revenue-generation experience with measurable results. Strong ethics and integrity in leadership. Ability to ensure NCAA and state policies compliance. Fundraising aptitude or ability to connect with alumni, donors, corporate partners, and external entities (NCAA/CIAA relationships). Experience overseeing athletics facilities and facilities management. Experience leading brand development, marketing, and visibility for athletics programs. Ability to represent the University at conference, regional, and national levels and build external relationships. Skill in navigating institutional politics and stakeholder environments. Strong business and financial acumen, including budgeting and planning. Ability to create a winning athletics program aligned with institutional values. Proven leadership in a complex institutional environment with multiple priorities. Strong understanding of athletics and student success intersection. Ability to lead and retain a high-performing coaching staff and competitive programs. Excellent communication, relationship-building, and organizational skills. Valid US Driver's License; CDL not required. Application Process
WSSU 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 a list of references. For full consideration, 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 Khristian Carr, Executive Recruiting Coordinator 770-804-1996 ext. 119 | 770-804-1996 ext. 134 Supplemental Questions will indicate required fields where applicable. Contact
Winston-Salem State University 601 S. Martin Luther King Jr Drive Winston-Salem, NC 27110
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Winston-Salem State University (WSSU), founded in 1892, is a historically Black university serving approximately 5,000 students on a 117-acre campus. The University is recognized for its strengths in STEM, health sciences, teacher preparation, business, and the arts, with a focus on social mobility, value, and impact. WSSU’s community emphasizes student success, leadership development, partnerships with local and national organizations, and opportunities for research, internships, and service. About WSSU Athletics
Known as the Rams, WSSU sponsors 11 NCAA Division II sports programs and competes in the CIAA. The department focuses on competitive success and student-athlete development, with a history of championships and strong academic honors among student-athletes. Position Overview
Athletic Director
– Reporting to the Chancellor, the Athletic Director leads, plans, and manages WSSU Athletics to elevate its performance, identity, and student-athlete development. The Director will oversee resources, facilities, donor relations, brand and compliance with NCAA, CIAA, Title IX, and state/institutional policies, and will partner with university leadership to align athletics with the University’s mission. Duties and Responsibilities
Provide visionary leadership and strategic planning for WSSU Athletics, aligning with the University’s mission and strategic plan. Collaborate with the Chancellor and university leadership on cross-campus initiatives that integrate athletics with institutional priorities. Champion the holistic development of student-athletes, prioritizing academics, wellness, personal growth, and leadership. Foster a culture of excellence, integrity, accountability, and collaboration among staff, coaches, and student-athletes. Develop, recruit, mentor, and retain a talented team of coaches and administrators, promoting professional development and collaboration. Oversee all athletics operations, including budgeting, facilities, events, scheduling, marketing, media relations, ticketing, sponsorships, fundraising, and general operations. Ensure full compliance with NCAA Division II, CIAA, Title IX, and state/institutional regulations. Partner with Enrollment Management, Student Success, and Financial Aid to align athletics with recruitment and student support strategies. Develop and execute fundraising and revenue-generation strategies, including alumni engagement and partnerships. Represent WSSU Athletics regionally and nationally, building visibility and partnerships. Leverage facilities for institutional impact and community engagement. Implement data-driven approaches to track performance and outcomes, with KPIs for programs, staff, and student-athletes. Oversee risk management, emergency preparedness, and compliance strategies. Lead modernization and innovation in athletic programming, facilities, and operations. Support student-athlete engagement, retention, and leadership development, including mentorship opportunities. Position Information
Position Number
000520 Working Position Title
Athletic Director Appointment Type
Permanent Full-Time Normal Work Schedule
Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Evening and weekend hours as needed. Qualifications and Requirements
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred. Demonstrated understanding of HBCUs and commitment to that mission through athletics leadership. Strategic leadership experience in collegiate athletics administration, with Division II preference. Proven fundraising and revenue-generation experience with measurable results. Strong ethics and integrity in leadership. Ability to ensure NCAA and state policies compliance. Fundraising aptitude or ability to connect with alumni, donors, corporate partners, and external entities (NCAA/CIAA relationships). Experience overseeing athletics facilities and facilities management. Experience leading brand development, marketing, and visibility for athletics programs. Ability to represent the University at conference, regional, and national levels and build external relationships. Skill in navigating institutional politics and stakeholder environments. Strong business and financial acumen, including budgeting and planning. Ability to create a winning athletics program aligned with institutional values. Proven leadership in a complex institutional environment with multiple priorities. Strong understanding of athletics and student success intersection. Ability to lead and retain a high-performing coaching staff and competitive programs. Excellent communication, relationship-building, and organizational skills. Valid US Driver's License; CDL not required. Application Process
WSSU 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 a list of references. For full consideration, 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 Khristian Carr, Executive Recruiting Coordinator 770-804-1996 ext. 119 | 770-804-1996 ext. 134 Supplemental Questions will indicate required fields where applicable. Contact
Winston-Salem State University 601 S. Martin Luther King Jr Drive Winston-Salem, NC 27110
#J-18808-Ljbffr