Director of Athletics

Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Engagement, the Director of Athletics (AD) provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for Mercy University’s NCAA Division II athletic program, club sports, and year-around athletic facilities management. This position plays a critical role in advancing the University's mission by ensuring competitive excellence, academic success, fiscal responsibility, and full compliance with NCAA, East Coast Conference (ECC), and institutional policies while advancing the goals and values of the University.

The ideal candidate will have a proven record of leading successful programs at the collegiate and/or professional levels. The AD must have strong leadership skills and an ability to effectively supervise and mentor coaches, administrators, and staff by establishing clear expectations, fostering accountability, and supporting professional growth. The position oversees compliance with NCAA, conference, and institutional policies; manages departmental resources; and ensures a culture of integrity, inclusion, and transparency.

As Mercy celebrates its 75th anniversary, the University has implemented a bold set of goals and is committed to providing our students with world-class experiences, in and out of our classrooms. The AD will maximize our athletic program’s contributions to those goals and ensure that our student-athletes have amazing college experiences. The next AD will build on the positive transformation our program has experienced over the last decade, with a goal of becoming the premier athletic program in the region.

The AD plays a key role on the University’s Enrollment Management and Student Engagement leadership teams and is a member of the President’s Cabinet.

Current NCAA Sports:

Women: Basketball, Field Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Volleyball, Flag Football (new in 2026)

Men:       Baseball, Basketball, Lacrosse, Soccer, Volleyball (new in 2027)

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Provide overall leadership and management for the intercollegiate athletics department, including supervision of coaches, administrators, and support staff

• Develop and implement a strategic vision for Athletics aligned with institutional priorities

• Foster a culture that emphasizes academic achievement, integrity, diversity, equity, and student-athlete well-being

• Serve as the chief spokesperson for the athletics department

• Representing the University at conference and NCAA meetings

Compliance and Resource Management

• Ensure full compliance with NCAA Division II, conference, and institutional rules and regulations

• Serve as the primary liaison with the NCAA, conference office, and institutional compliance partners

• Oversee rules education, reporting, and enforcement processes

• Develop, manage, and oversee the athletics department budget

• Identify and pursue revenue-generating opportunities, including fundraising, sponsorships, showcases and camps, and external partnerships

Student Success

• Promote academic success, retention, and graduation of student-athletes

• Ensure appropriate support services are available, including academic advising, sports medicine, mental health, and counseling services

• Maintain the program’s current high standards for academic performance

Facilities and Operations

• Oversee athletics facilities, game operations, scheduling, and risk management

• Ensure facilities meet NCAA, conference, and safety standards

• Collaborate with campus partners on capital projects and facility enhancements

• Build a culture of year-around facilities use and development of alternative revenue streams through partnerships, summer activities, and rentals

Other

• Significant travel is required

• Significant evenings and weekends are required

• On call, emergency availability is required

• In-person position with a primary office in Dobbs Ferry, New York

• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required

• Minimum of seven (7) years’ experience in high-level athletics administration required

• Experience as an Athletic Director or Senior Associate/Assistant Athletic Director preferred

• Fundraising and external relations experience preferred

• Strong analytical, organizational, and critical thinking skills

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership abilities

• Commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic community