Director of Athletics

Build a Legacy and Launch CWI’s First Athletics Program as the Inaugural Director of Athletics!

Are you a visionary leader ready to build something extraordinary from the ground up? The College of Western Idaho (CWI) is seeking its first-ever Director of Athletics to design, launch, and lead a comprehensive NJCAA Division I athletics program—alongside a robust recreation and intramural sports ecosystem serving over 34,000 students annually.

Why Join CWI?

CWI is one of the fastest‑growing colleges in the rapidly expanding Treasure Valley. As the Director of Athletics, you'll shape the foundation of a brand‑new athletics program, foster community partnerships, develop facilities, raise funds through an innovative endowment model, and champion a culture of excellence, inclusion, and student success across campus. This is a rare opportunity to leave a lasting legacy at a college on the rise.

Benefits:

CWI offers one of the most affordable and comprehensive benefits packages in higher education, including:

• Premium healthcare plans

• 11%+ employer retirement contributions

• Tuition discounts

• Generous personal leave

• Professional development opportunities

Strategic Leadership in Athletics Program Development:

• Create a multi‑year master plan to launch intercollegiate sports as endowment milestones are met

• Conduct feasibility studies for potential women’s and men’s sports (e.g., soccer, basketball, baseball/softball, rodeo, volleyball, cross country)

• Secure and manage access to on- and off-campus athletic facilities

• Lead NJCAA, conference, federal/state, and Title IX compliance planning

• Develop and steward an endowment‑funded financial model, operating budgets, and performance metrics

• Build organizational structure and hiring phases for future athletics staff

• Partner with Communications to establish brand identity, digital presence, and promotional strategies

• Support campus recreation and intramurals to ensure broad student engagement and wellness

Financial Stewardship & Fundraising:

• Lead donor cultivation, sponsorships, naming opportunities, and endowment growth

• Manage operating budgets and long‑term sustainability plans

• Align fundraising strategy with institutional goals and capital needs

Campus & Community Partnerships:

• Build strong relationships with K–12 districts, clubs, civic groups, municipalities, and industry partners

• Collaborate with Advancement on fundraising readiness and campaign strategy

• Work closely with Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Enrollment Management, Finance, and Facilities to ensure seamless institutional integration

Executive Leadership & Presidential Support:

• Lead high‑impact special projects on behalf of the President

• Prepare executive-level reports, presentations, dashboards, and briefings

• Represent the Office of the President at NJCAA events, internal meetings, and community engagements

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Sports Management, Business/Public Administration, or related field (Master’s degree strongly preferred)

• 5+ years of progressive experience in program development, project management, college/professional athletics administration, or higher education leadership

• Demonstrated success taking complex initiatives from concept through execution

• Strong planning, organizational, and communication skills

• Experience leading cross-functional teams and building community partnerships

• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

• Knowledge of NJCAA compliance, Title IX, risk management, and budget stewardship

• Fundraising or revenue generation experience (donors, sponsorships, endowments)

Additional Instructions for Applicants:

Submit the following:

Cover letter addressing your vision for building CWI's athletics programs

Resume/CV

Three professional references (with contact information)

Response to prompt (500 words max):
Describe your experience launching or expanding a professional or intercollegiate athletics program. How would you approach building a sustainable, competitive program using an endowment-funding model (ie. each sports starts play once a team specific fundraising goal is reached) while serving a large community college population?

Most positions at CWI are in-person and based on campus. While some roles may allow up to two remote workdays per week, eligibility for remote work is determined on a case-by-case basis at the hiring manager's discretion. All candidates must reside within, or be willing to relocate to, a reasonable commuting distance from CWI. Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other applicable legally protected status.