Director of Athletics

ABOUT CAMPBELL

Campbell University is a private, Christian university located in Buies Creek, North Carolina, in the heart of the rapidly growing Research Triangle region. Founded in 1887, Campbell provides a transformational learning experience that prepares students for purposeful lives, meaningful service, and servant leadership. The University enrolls approximately 5,000 students, including more than 2,800 undergraduate and 2,200 graduate and professional students. Campbell enrolls more undergraduate North Carolinians than any other private university in the state.

Campbell offers more than 150 undergraduate majors and minors along with respected graduate and professional programs in areas including osteopathic medicine, law, pharmacy and health sciences, business, education, engineering, and divinity. In addition to its main campus in Buies Creek, the University extends its reach through locations in Raleigh, Camp Lejeune, Fort Bragg/Pope, and online.

Located approximately 30 miles from Raleigh/Durham, Campbell combines the close-knit environment of its rural Harnett County home with access to one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions. Its location within the Research Triangle provides students and the University community access to a dynamic network of businesses, educational institutions, government organizations, research opportunities, and cultural resources.

Campbell recently launched its 2026–2031 strategic plan, focused on renewal, growth, and recognition, with priorities that include enrollment growth, financial strength, community impact, and strengthening Campbell’s identity as a leader in Christian higher education.

ABOUT CAMPBELL ATHLETICS

Campbell University Athletics sponsors 21 NCAA Division I varsity sports and competes as the Fighting Camels. Campbell joined the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) in 2023, elevating the University’s athletics profile and providing its programs with a highly competitive regional and national platform. Wrestling competes in the Southern Conference, having won eight regular season and tournament titles.

In its first three years as a CAA member, Campbell has established itself as a competitive force across multiple sports. Recent accomplishments include a 2025 CAA regular-season and tournament championship and NCAA postseason appearance in volleyball; a 2026 baseball South Division title and 41-win season; consecutive 20-win seasons in women’s basketball; NCAA postseason and regional appearances in multiple sports; and numerous All-CAA, All-America, academic, and individual conference honors.

Academic achievement is also central to the Campbell Athletics experience. During the 2025–26 academic year, Campbell’s men’s golf and women’s swimming programs earned CAA Team Academic Excellence Awards, while multiple Fighting Camel programs received NCAA Public Recognition Awards for Academic Progress Rate performance. Campbell Athletics is committed to providing student-athletes with an experience that supports competitive excellence, academic achievement, personal development, and preparation for life beyond collegiate athletics.

ABOUT THE POSITION

Reporting directly to President William M. Downs 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 Campbell Athletics.

This individual will serve as the public face of Campbell Athletics and will be responsible for strengthening relationships throughout the Research Triangle community, driving revenue generation, supporting student-athlete success, and positioning Campbell 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.

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

·      Continue building upon Campbell 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.

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

·      Understand and navigate the evolving legislative and regulatory environment impacting Division I athletics, including North Carolina 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 Campbell 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 Research Triangle and inspire community support for Fighting Camel Athletics.

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

·      Understand the unique needs of Campbell’s student population and develop strategies that enhance engagement, enrollment, and institutional pride through athletics.

·      Support and strengthen excellence across all sports.

·      Oversee the administration of the intercollegiate athletics program while ensuring compliance with NCAA, Coastal Athletic Association (CAA), and institutional rules, regulations, and policies.

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

·      Support and help advance Campbell University’s institutional mission, strategic plan, and Christian identity.

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.

·      Experience working within a team and demonstrated ability to be a great collaborator within an organization.

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

·      Experience building and sustaining competitive 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:

Campbell 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 Campbell.ad@csasearch.consulting.

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

Confidential review of materials will begin immediately and continue until the appointment is made.