Rutgers University

Director Of Athletics
New Brunswick, NJ

University President

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This Opportunity:

The Director of Athletics (“AD”) is responsible for the executive and commercial leadership and administration of the men’s and women’s intercollegiate athletic programs.  The AD provides oversight of all administrative, compliance, operational and business functions in accordance with the NCAA rules and regulations.  The next AD at Rutgers University will need to bring clarity and vision to prioritizing the business and commercial aspects of Rutgers Athletics.  Going forward, Rutgers expects the Department of Athletics to be operated with a focus on revenue growth so as to be able to (1) better support our student athletes, coaches and programs (2) better compete for Big Ten and national Championships and (3) become self-supporting by 2030.

The intercollegiate athletic program consists of 24 varsity sports.  This individual supervises a staff of athletic coaches and professional and support personnel.  The AD develops and manages operating budgets for the intercollegiate athletics program and participates in fundraising activities, while safeguarding the well-being of student-athletes on and off the field.  Reporting directly to the university President, the AD represents the Athletics Department with integrity while ensuring compliance with university, NCAA, and Big Ten rules, regulations and policies.  Our new AD will be someone who is innovative, entrepreneurial and a program builder as well as one who understands the changing dynamics in the athletic space.

About Rutgers University:

Rutgers University, founded in 1766, is one of the oldest and most prestigious public research universities in the United States, and recently ranking as the 15th top U.S. public university according to The U.S. News and World Report rankings. Located primarily in New Brunswick, New Jersey, with additional campuses in Newark and Camden, Rutgers is the flagship institution of the state and a member of the Big Ten Academic Alliance, as well as the prestigious Association of American Universities. It offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across diverse fields such as the sciences, humanities, engineering, law, business, and health. Known for its strong commitment to public service, academic excellence, and groundbreaking research, Rutgers serves a diverse student population and maintains a global reputation for innovation and leadership. 

Beyond academics, Rutgers plays a vital role in community engagement, public service, and economic development in New Jersey. The university is home to top-ranked programs in areas such as pharmacy, business, engineering, and public health. Its diverse student body, vibrant campus life, and extensive alumni network contribute to a dynamic learning environment that prepares students for global challenges. Rutgers also invests heavily in innovation and entrepreneurship, making it a hub for cutting-edge research and collaboration with industry and government partners.

Rutgers has a long and evolving athletic tradition dating back to hosting the first intercollegiate football game in 1869. The university's move to the Big Ten in 2014 elevated its national athletic profile, bringing increased competition and visibility. Rutgers athletes consistently demonstrate excellence both on the field and in the classroom, supported by state-of-the-art facilities such as SHI Stadium, RWJBarnabas Health Athletic Performance Center, Jersey Mike’s Arena, and the Gary and Barbara Rodkin Academic Success Center. The program emphasizes integrity, perseverance, and school pride, uniting students, alumni, and fans across the nation. With over 600,000 alumni living worldwide, Rutgers is poised to take a step forward in its commitment to Athletics.

Living & Working in New Brunswick:

Living in New Brunswick, New Jersey, offers a vibrant and diverse urban experience enriched by its status as the home of Rutgers University. The city blends a college-town atmosphere with cultural and professional opportunities, thanks to its lively downtown, thriving arts scene, and access to top-tier healthcare through institutions like Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, which is a teaching hospital of Rutger’s Medical School. Residents enjoy a variety of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options, as well as convenient public transportation, including NJ Transit trains that provide direct access to New York City and Philadelphia. With a mix of students, professionals, and longtime locals, New Brunswick maintains a dynamic community feel while offering the amenities of a small city.

Key Responsibilities:

Executive & Commercial Leadership 

• Evaluate the commercial and financial prospects of the Department of Athletics.  Carefully review the P&L, staffing plan, existing contracts, venues and other assets and liabilities.
• Collaborate closely with the University CFO and key leaders to build an ambitious 5-year business plan and strategy for the Department of Athletics.  Work with University leadership and stakeholders to build support and eventually approval.
• Identify a pathway for the Department of Athletics to very significantly increase revenue and athletics donations with a goal of reaching the top third of Big Ten schools in total revenue.
• Create and implement innovative approaches to significantly increase revenue.  With the changing landscape of college athletics, there must be innovative/entrepreneurial thinking and leadership to help drive new revenue streams and increase fundraising to support all initiatives including facilities, name, image, and likeness, increased staff, and resources required to compete and thrive on the national level. 
• Establish a culture with expectations and conditions to win conference and national championships. 
• Create an environment at Rutgers Athletics of unity and collaboration as well as accountability to achieve excellence. 
• Assure unit leaders are accountable for high performance and high engagement by articulating expectations, monitoring performance, and providing feedback consistently across areas of responsibility. 
• Aggressively recruit and retain the best talent in the country to work and lead in the athletic department. 
• Assume national leadership positions and endorses other administrative staff in their pursuit of professional leadership positions. 
• Foster a culture of academic and athletic excellence in the student-athletes development and performance, while promoting sportsmanship and ethical conduct. 

Administration 

• Direct the intercollegiate athletics program in a manner that promotes the mission, values, and aspirations of Rutgers. 
• Maintain administrative, operational, and business functions of the department in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures. 
• Plan and develop policies, procedures, programs, and methods to implement the departmental athletic philosophy and supports the goals of Rutgers outlined by the President. 
• Ensure institutional control of the athletics program through adherence to Federal and State laws and compliance with NCAA, Big Ten Conference and University rules, regulations, policies, and procedures as well as Title IX guidelines and requirements.  
• Interact with, understand, and relate to student-athletes, athletic administrators, chancellors/presidents, commissioners, coaches, media, and all stakeholders.  

Communications & External Relations 

• Strive to enhance relationships and communication with all parties that have an association with or interest in the Rutgers Athletic Department. 
• Maintain an effective communication link with the Rutgers Athletic Department alumni. 
• Oversee public relations, speak to civic groups, work with media, and interact with spectators at-large on behalf of Rutgers. 
• Serve on committees in the Big Ten Conference and NCAA. 
• Inform and advise university administration staff on matters related to athletics and represent the President as needed. 
• Represent Rutgers at the Big Ten Conference, NCAA, and other national meetings. 
• Represent Rutgers Athletics at relevant Board and Board Committee meetings.

Compliance 

• Oversee and assure compliance in all aspects of the athletics organization. 
• Delegate compliance administration and monitoring, as required or needed. 
• Author and interpret policies and procedures, as needed. 

Human Resources & Fiscal Management 

• Create and maintain an inclusive environment in which diversity and individual opportunity can thrive. 
• Manage the department in ways that reduce gender inequality, ensure compliance with state and federal laws. 
• Establish and maintain policies and programs that demonstrate a commitment to an inclusive environment and that serve to recruit, retain, and support diversity among student athletes, coaches, and staff. 
• Ensure the fiscal integrity of the athletics program. 
• Monitor the expenditure of all funds consistent with law, university policies, and NCAA regulations. 
• Generate revenue through fundraising, sponsorships, merchandising, and ticket sales. 

Required Qualifications:

• A master’s degree in Athletics Administration, Business Administration, or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• 10+ years of experience in athletics administration, professional sports or similar field, or a combination thereof.
• Proven expertise in fundraising, ticket pricing and entertainment strategies, as well as marketing athletics in order to maximize revenue.
• Demonstrated integrity and deep and long-term commitment to Rutgers University.
• As a foundation, the AD must have a deep commitment to creating an exceptional and holistic student-athlete experience. 
• A transformative vision and innovative approach to address opportunities and challenges in college athletics, ensuring Rutgers is a vital member of the Big Ten, CFP, and changing developments in those organizations.
• Fluency in the changing landscape of NCAA Division I athletics including new models, Name, Image, Likeness (NIL), collectives, House settlement ramifications and use of data analytics for on-field and financial performance.  
• A proven record of establishing and meeting ambitious goals.
• A strategic thinker who adapts to dynamic environments. 
• An individual that places institutional interest as the highest priority.
• Exceptional leadership and collaboration skills.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience and commitment to promoting an inclusive culture.
• Previous experience as an athletics administrator.

 

Any interested candidates should contact ZRG directly.

Contacting Rutgers University will only delay consideration of your qualifications.

 

Application Process:

• Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and references at www.turnkeyzrg.com 

ZRG’S Commitment: 

At ZRG, we do not just accept differences—we celebrate and support it. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, genetic information, marital or partnership status, military or veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. ZRG is an equal opportunity employer and workplace, and we encourage applicants of all backgrounds & communities to apply.?