Director of Athletics

Old Dominion University — Director of Athletics
Position Description

ABOUT ODU

Old Dominion University (ODU) is Virginia’s forward-focused public doctoral research university with more than 23,000 students and a strong commitment to innovation, access, and student success. Located in Norfolk, Virginia, in the heart of the Hampton Roads region, ODU serves one of the most dynamic and strategically important metropolitan areas in the country.

ODU is recognized for its strong academic programs, entrepreneurial spirit, and deep engagement with the military, business, healthcare, maritime, and technology industries that define the region. The University is committed to creating opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds while advancing research, economic development, and community partnerships throughout the Commonwealth and beyond.

The University’s location within the Hampton Roads/Tidewater area provides a unique opportunity to build strong community connections across the region’s seven cities while engaging a broad and passionate base of supporters and stakeholders.

ABOUT ODU ATHLETICS

ODU Athletics competes at the NCAA Division I FBS level as a member of the Sun Belt Conference. The department sponsors 18 varsity sports and is committed to building nationally competitive programs while providing an outstanding student-athlete experience centered on academic achievement, leadership development, wellness, and competitive success.

ODU Athletics has experienced significant momentum in recent years, including continued investment in facilities, strong donor support, and growing engagement throughout Monarch Nation. The department is positioned to continue elevating its football and basketball programs while strengthening its overall competitiveness within the Group of Five landscape.

The next Director of Athletics will have the opportunity to build upon a strong foundation while helping position ODU Athletics among the premier Group of Five athletic departments nationally.

ABOUT THE POSITION

Reporting directly to President Brian O. Hemphill and serving as a key member of the University’s leadership team, the Director of Athletics will provide strategic vision, operational oversight, and leadership for all aspects of ODU Athletics.

This individual will serve as the public face of ODU Athletics and will be responsible for strengthening relationships throughout the Hampton Roads community, driving revenue generation, supporting student-athlete success, and positioning ODU Athletics for sustained competitive excellence and long-term financial sustainability.

The Director of Athletics will oversee all aspects of the University’s NCAA Division I athletics program while ensuring compliance with NCAA, conference, and institutional rules and regulations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

STRATEGIC RESOURCE LEADERSHIP:

• Demonstrate significant experience in strategic planning, financial stewardship, and organizational leadership within a complex Division I athletics environment.

• Develop and execute long-term financial, NIL/revenue-share, and overall revenue generation strategies that position ODU Athletics for sustained success.

• Lead departmental budgeting, resource allocation, and operational planning while balancing competitiveness and fiscal responsibility.

• Continue building upon ODU Athletics’ strong philanthropic foundation while expanding donor engagement and broadening the donor base.

• Collaborate closely with University Advancement to cultivate major gifts and support fundraising priorities related to scholarships, NIL opportunities, facilities, and strategic initiatives.

• Identify innovative revenue opportunities through sponsorships, naming rights, corporate partnerships, premium experiences, and event-based initiatives.

• Understand and navigate the evolving legislative and regulatory environment impacting Division I athletics, including Virginia legislation and NIL-related developments.

MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP:

• Demonstrate successful experience in organizational leadership, personnel management, and culture-building.

• Foster a collaborative, people-first culture that values transparency, accountability, communication, and professional development.

• Maintain and strengthen the family-oriented culture that has contributed to strong staff and coach retention within ODU Athletics.

• Establish clear organizational structure, expectations, and accountability measures throughout the department.

• Support the academic achievement, wellness, leadership development, and holistic success of student-athletes.

• Serve as a visible, approachable, and engaged leader with student-athletes, coaches, alumni, donors, faculty, staff, and community stakeholders.

• Build strong relationships throughout the Hampton Roads/Tidewater region and inspire community support for Monarch Athletics.

• Promote and strengthen the ODU Athletics brand while increasing fan engagement, campus spirit, and regional visibility.

• Understand the unique needs of ODU’s nontraditional and commuter student population and develop strategies that enhance engagement, enrollment, and institutional pride through athletics.

• Support and strengthen football and basketball programs while maintaining competitiveness and excellence across all sports.

• Oversee the administration of the intercollegiate athletics program while ensuring compliance with NCAA, Sun Belt Conference, and institutional rules, regulations, and policies.

• Participate actively in conference governance and national conversations impacting intercollegiate athletics and higher education.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree required; advanced degree preferred

• Demonstrated commitment to academic and athletic excellence

• Strong financial acumen and experience managing complex budgets and organizational priorities

• Demonstrated success in fundraising, donor engagement, and external relationship development

• Knowledge of NCAA rules, compliance expectations, and Division I athletics operations

• Proven leadership experience within collegiate athletics or a related higher education environment

• Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and organizational leadership skills

• Demonstrated ability to lead through change with integrity, transparency, and strategic vision

• Experience building and sustaining competitive football and basketball programs at the Division I level is strongly preferred

• Experience as an Athletic Director or senior administrator within an NCAA athletics department is preferred

APPLICATION PROCESS

Old Dominion University invites nominations, applications, and expressions of interest to be submitted to CSA Search & Consulting.

For nominations, inquiries, and questions, please contact CSA Search & Consulting at odu.ad@csasearch.consulting.

Applications should be submitted through the CSA Search & Consulting website.

Confidential review of materials will begin immediately and continue until the appointment is made. For full consideration, application materials should be submitted to CSA Search & Consulting by July 6.