Athletic Direcor (Creative Design)

Lane College

Position Title: Athletic Director
Department: Athletics
Reports to: President of the College
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Jackson, Tennessee

Position Summary:

Lane College seeks a visionary, strategic, and student-centered Athletic Director (AD) to lead and advance its athletics program consistent with the College's mission of developing students holistically – academically, athletically, and spiritually. The Athletic Director is responsible for oversight, strategic planning, compliance, and operational management of all intercollegiate athletic programs and activities. The AD ensures full compliance with all NCAA Division II, SIAC, and institutional rules and regulations and promotes a culture of academic success, competitive excellence, and character development.

The AD will be a key member of the College's leadership team and will work to integrate athletics into the broader educational and community experience, advancing Lane College's strategic priorities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership and Management:
  • Provide vision, leadership, and strategic direction for all athletic programs and support services.
  • Recruit, mentor, and evaluate coaches and athletics staff, ensuring high standards of excellence, integrity, and performance.
  • Develop and implement policies and procedures consistent with NCAA, SIAC, and Lane College regulations.
• Compliance and Integrity:
  • Ensure ongoing compliance with all NCAA Division II, SIAC, and institutional policies and procedures.
  • Monitor student-athlete eligibility, academic progress, and well-being, collaborating with academic and student success teams.
  • Serve as the College's primary liaison with the NCAA, SIAC, and other governing bodies.
• Student-Athlete Success:
  • Promote a holistic student-athlete experience focusing on academic achievement, personal growth, health, and wellness.
  • Develop leadership programming and life skills training for student-athletes.
• Fundraising and External Relations:
  • Lead athletic fundraising efforts in collaboration with Institutional Advancement, including major gifts, corporate sponsorships, and donor engagement.
  • Enhance the visibility and brand of Lane College Athletics locally, regionally, and nationally.
  • Represent Lane College at athletic conferences, alumni events, and public appearances.
• Financial Stewardship:
  • Prepare and manage the athletics budget with transparency and efficiency.
  • Oversee athletic facility operations, capital improvements, and event management.
• Campus and Community Engagement:
  • Promote positive engagement between athletics, academics, student life, and the broader Jackson community.
  • Support diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within all athletic programs.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in athletic administration, preferably at the collegiate level, with at least 3 years at the senior leadership level.
• Comprehensive knowledge of NCAA rules, compliance, and reporting requirements.
• Demonstrated ability in fundraising, community relations, and external engagement.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Commitment to the mission of Lane College and to the holistic development of student-athletes.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in sports administration, education, business administration, or a related field.
• Previous experience at an NCAA Division II institution, especially within the SIAC or a similar HBCU athletic conference.
• Demonstrated success in developing strategic plans and facility improvements.
• Experience with Title IX compliance and gender equity initiatives.

Salary and Benefits:

• Salary Range: $110,000 – $140,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
  (Benchmarking consistent with competitive D-I HBCUs with similar institutional size and mission.)
• Competitive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plan options, and professional development opportunities.

Application Process:

Interested applicants should submit:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Statement of Athletic Philosophy
• Names and Contact Information for Three References

Priority Review Deadline: July 23, 2025
Position open until filled.

Lane College is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community that respects and values all individuals.