Vice President and Director of Athletics

Posting Number: 20244162S

Position Title: Vice President and Director of Athletics

Position Type: Staff

Location: Villanova, PA

Recruitment Type: Internal/External Applicants

Work Schedule: full-time/12-months

Department: 727-Athl - Administration

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.

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), and dramatically expanding student opportunities.

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, 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.

Known as the Wildcats, Villanova competes as a member of the Big East conference, sponsoring 24 varsity sports at the NCAA Division I level. Villanova Athletics has established itself as a powerhouse in several sports over the years, particularly in basketball, track and field/cross country.

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 critical to building a contemporary best-in-class, Division I athletics program.


• 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.


• Ensure that the department operates in a manner that represents Villanova’s Augustinian foundation of Veritas, Unitas, and Caritas and shared values.


• 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.


• 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.


• Recruit, mentor, support, and supervise a diverse pool of strong, ethical, and talented staff and coaches.


• Promote a community of compliance and high ethical standards.


• Serve as the primary spokesperson of the Department.


• Fulfill additional duties as directed by the President.

Minimum Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree is required.


• Demonstrated record of prior visionary strategic and operational leadership success in a highly competitive environment.


• Reputation as a strategic leader of integrity and vision.


• Must demonstrate an appreciation of University mission, culture and tradition.


• 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.


• Experience with effectively managing dynamic and complex budgets.


• Proven ability to work with diverse populations of students, faculty, staff, and external constituents.


• History of remaining compliant along with a strong knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations.


• Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree preferred.

Special Message to Applicants:

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 by October 18th, 2024.

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

Posting Date: 09/24/2024

Closing Date: 11:59pm ET

Salary Posting Information: Commensurate with experience.

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Location: Sarrola-Carcopino, FR

Posted Date: 11/27/2024