Director of Athletics

University of New Hampshire — Director of Athletics
Position Description

ABOUT UNH

The University of New Hampshire (UNH) is the state’s flagship public research university and a nationally recognized institution known for academic excellence, student success, and community engagement. Located in Durham, New Hampshire, UNH offers students the opportunity to learn and live in one of the most desirable regions in the country, with close proximity to the Seacoast, mountains, and major metropolitan areas throughout New England.

UNH serves more than 15,000 students across its campuses and is recognized for its commitment to innovation, research, sustainability, and experiential learning. The University fosters a collaborative and student-centered environment that values academic achievement, leadership development, and community impact. UNH’s strong sense of tradition, pride, and regional identity creates a distinctive and highly engaging student experience.

ABOUT UNH ATHLETICS

UNH Athletics competes at the NCAA Division I level and is a member of the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA), with men’s and women’s hockey competing in Hockey East. The department sponsors 21 varsity sports and is committed to providing a first-class student-athlete experience centered on academic achievement, competitive excellence, leadership development, and personal growth.

UNH Athletics plays a significant role in advancing the visibility, spirit, and identity of the University. The department seeks to build upon its strong traditions, particularly in hockey and other historically successful programs, while strategically positioning itself for long-term success in an evolving collegiate athletics landscape.

The next Director of Athletics will have the opportunity to lead UNH Athletics through a transformative period in college sports while strengthening the department’s culture, competitiveness, financial sustainability, and campus integration.

ABOUT THE POSITION

Reporting directly to President Elizabeth Chilton and serving as a member of the University’s senior leadership team, the Director of Athletics will provide strategic leadership, operational oversight, and vision for UNH Athletics.

This individual will oversee all aspects of the University’s NCAA Division I athletics program while ensuring compliance with NCAA, conference, and institutional policies and regulations. The next AD will serve as the public face of UNH Athletics and will be responsible for building strong relationships across campus, engaging alumni and donors, supporting student-athlete success, and advancing the department’s competitive and financial position.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

STRATEGIC RESOURCE LEADERSHIP:

• Demonstrate significant experience in strategic planning, financial stewardship, and organizational leadership within a complex athletics or higher education environment.

• Develop and execute a long-term strategic vision for UNH Athletics that aligns with institutional priorities and the evolving landscape of Division I athletics.

• Lead departmental budgeting, resource allocation, and operational planning while balancing competitiveness and financial sustainability.

• Work collaboratively with University Advancement to strengthen fundraising efforts, donor engagement, and philanthropic support for athletics initiatives, scholarships, NIL opportunities, and facility enhancements.

• Explore innovative revenue generation strategies, sponsorship opportunities, and external partnerships that enhance the long-term sustainability of UNH Athletics.

• Understand and navigate emerging issues related to NIL, revenue-sharing models, enrollment trends, and conference dynamics impacting Division I athletics.

MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP:

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

• Foster a collaborative, transparent, and accountable departmental culture that prioritizes communication, morale, and alignment across programs and staff.

• Encourage and support the professional development of coaches and administrative staff while establishing clear expectations and standards of accountability.

• Support the academic achievement, wellness, and holistic development of student-athletes while maintaining a strong commitment to the educational mission of the University.

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

• Build strong relationships across the University, including enrollment management, student affairs, academic leadership, and advancement.

• Serve as an effective advocate and ambassador for UNH Athletics regionally and nationally through community engagement, donor cultivation, conference involvement, and media relations.

• Promote and strengthen the UNH Athletics brand while enhancing campus pride, fan engagement, and the overall student experience.

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

• Participate actively in conference and NCAA meetings, governance activities, and national conversations impacting intercollegiate athletics.

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

APPLICATION PROCESS

The University of New Hampshire 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 unh.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 by June 12.