Director of Athletics

About Austin Peay State University

Founded in 1927, Austin Peay State University (APSU) is a vibrant public institution serving more than 11,000 students from across Tennessee, the nation, and the world. As one of the state’s fastest-growing public universities APSU is recognized for its student-centered approach, innovative programs, and a spirit of service that transforms lives and communities. APSU’s mission — to foster academic excellence, leadership, and lifelong learning — extends beyond the classroom. Through robust partnerships, community engagement, and a relentless commitment to success, Austin Peay empowers students to lead with purpose.

The Governors compete at the NCAA Division I level as proud members of the ASUN Conference, offering 17 varsity sports. APSU Athletics reflects the university’s core values of leadership, integrity, and teamwork — empowering student-athletes to excel in competition and in the classroom. In recent years, APSU has achieved record-setting success, with multiple conference championships, strong academic performance across teams, and transformative facility upgrades. The program’s fan base and community engagement continue to grow, fueled by the unmatched energy of “Stacheville.”

Position Summary

The Director of Athletics (AD) will serve as a visible and engaged leader, guiding a Division I department defined by collaboration, community, and student-centered values. As a member of the President’s Cabinet and reporting directly to the President, the AD will provide strategic planning, fiscal affairs, staffing, fundraising, athletics facilities, regulatory compliance, and general operations while also working closely with multiple internal and external constituencies to advance the University’s mission, strategic objectives, and goals.

The successful candidate will be a relationship-driven, innovative leader capable of inspiring coaches, staff, donors, and community stakeholders. The AD will uphold APSU’s mission and values, embrace the “find the yes” mindset that defines the University’s entrepreneurial culture, and strengthen APSU’s profile as one of the most forward-thinking and student-focused mid-major athletics programs in the country.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for all aspects of Austin Peay’s Division I intercollegiate athletics program, including personnel, academic and athletic success, compliance, budgeting, facilities, fundraising, and student-athlete well-being.

• Serve as a visible, engaged, and accessible member of the President’s Cabinet, collaborating across the University to align athletics with institutional goals and the broader mission of Austin Peay State University.

• Oversee the recruitment, evaluation, and development of head coaches and senior staff, fostering a culture of integrity, accountability, collaboration, and innovation across all programs.

• Advance APSU’s commitment to student-athlete success by prioritizing academic achievement, leadership development, mental health, and life-skill preparation for post-graduation opportunities.

• Strengthen relationships across the campus, community, and region—including alumni, corporate partners, and the military community — to enhance the visibility and impact of Governors Athletics.

• Serve as the public face of Austin Peay Athletics, promoting engagement with fans, donors, and civic leaders while representing the University with professionalism and integrity at local, regional, and national levels.

• Lead strategic planning and resource alignment within a lean operational model, demonstrating the creativity and adaptability to “find the yes” in pursuit of institutional and departmental priorities.

• Ensure full compliance with NCAA, conference, and University policies while upholding Title IX, gender equity, and the highest standards of student safety and conduct.

• Provide vision and guidance for facility planning, capital projects, and revenue generation initiatives to sustain long-term growth and competitive success.

• Cultivate an inclusive and empowering culture that values diversity, equity, belonging, and collaboration among staff, coaches, and student-athletes.

• Lead all aspects of Austin Peay’s Division I intercollegiate athletics program, ensuring the holistic development and well-being of 17 varsity teams and their student-athletes.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s Degree is required with a Master’s Degree strongly preferred.

• Equivalent to five years of progressively responsible experience in a senior athletic administration position required.

• Prior NCAA Division I collegiate or professional athletics experience.

Preferred Candidate Attributes

• Possesses over ten years of progressively responsible experience in athletics administration, including senior leadership roles with comprehensive management oversight.

• Demonstrated achievement in managing comprehensive athletic programs and a thorough understanding of the FCS environment, including its unique financial and competitive aspects.

• Exhibits exceptional organizational, management, planning, and marketing abilities.

• Maintains high integrity and ethical standards.

• Proven track record in identifying, recruiting, and supporting distinguished head coaches and staff who are committed to the institutional mission and student-athlete development.

• Successful history in external relations and fundraising, such as securing major gifts, developing corporate sponsorships, and fostering strong community engagement.

• Holds a deep appreciation for the role of athletics as a gateway to the University, with the capability to serve as an effective ambassador for Austin Peay.

• Strategic thinker experienced in long-term planning, resource allocation, and optimizing competitive success within a dynamic collegiate setting.

• Prioritizes transparent communication and open dialogue across all levels of the department, cultivating trust and engagement with stakeholders.

• Proficient in collaborating with cross-functional partnerships, promoting synergy between athletics and academic units, as well as with external organizations.

• Demonstrated ability to manage lean budgets and develop innovative approaches to enhance revenue generation and operational efficiency.

• Strong business acumen and expertise in resource planning; recognized for innovative strategies that increase visibility, resources, and recognition for an inclusive athletic program valuing all sports, including Olympic disciplines and their student-athletes.

• Entrepreneurial, adaptable, and forward-thinking, consistently seeking creative solutions and opportunities in the face of challenges.

• An authentic leader who embodies humility, confidence, and a servant-leadership philosophy in mentoring staff and student-athletes.

• Effectively leverages data-driven decision making and analytics to support program evaluation, enhance performance outcomes, and inform strategic initiatives.

Applications

The position will remain open until filled; applicants are encouraged to submit a cover letter and resume electronically below. The search committee will begin reviewing applications on December 1, 2025. No hard copy applications will be accepted. Nominations for the position and questions concerning the job requirements or hiring process should be directed to: CSA Search & Consulting, APSU.AD@csasearch.consulting .

SALARY: Commensurate with experience.