Athletic Director

California State University

$121K — $366K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
  • 5+ years of successful management and leadership experience in athletics
  • Knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations
  • Experience in promoting and marketing athletic programs
  • Track record in fundraising and revenue generation
  • Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills

Responsibilities

  • Provide executive leadership to coaches and staff in CSUF Titan Athletics
  • Oversee administration of all NCAA Division I sports programs
  • Ensure competitive and academic excellence of student-athletes
  • Lead public relations, development, and external relations for Athletics
  • Align Athletics with CSUF's mission and commitment to equity and inclusion

Benefits

  • Health plans with prescription drug coverage
  • Dental and vision coverage
  • Income protection benefits including life insurance and disability
  • Retirement plan through CalPERS
  • Tuition waiver for employees and dependents
  • FlexCash options in lieu of health and dental
  • Employee Assistance Programs
  • 15 paid holidays
Full Job Description
Athletic Director

Job no: 558191
Work type: Management (MPP)
Location: Fullerton
Categories: MPP, Administrative, Athletics, At-Will, Full Time

Job Title

Athletic Director

Classification

Administrator IV

Auto Req. ID

558191

Salary Range

Classification Range $10,106 - $32,441 per month

(Hiring range depending on qualifications, not anticipated to exceed $25,000 - $30,500 per month)

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Department

The Athletics department strives to provide an intercollegiate athletics program that is an integral part of the total educational experience at Cal State Fullerton (CSUF), and fits within the overall mission of the University. We seek an exceptional individual to join our team as the Athletic Director (Administrator IV). The ideal candidate in this role should have a positive attitude, an active, energetic mind, and a leadership style that is characterized by highly ethical practices and a commitment to inclusivity, openness, flexibility, integrity, and kindness.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Athletic Director (AD) provides executive leadership to CSUF Titan Athletics coaches and staff who are committed to student-athlete success. Reporting directly to the President, the AD has overall responsibility for the administration and oversight of all CSUF National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I sports programs. The AD ensures competitive excellence, academic achievement, fiscal stewardship, regulatory compliance, and the holistic well-being of student-athletes, while also leading public relations, development, fundraising, and external relations for Athletics. As a senior institutional leader, the AD aligns Athletics with CSUF's mission, values, and commitment to equity, inclusion, and ethical leadership. Other duties as assigned.

Inclusive Leadership Statement

Inclusive Leadership Statement is required below, please be sure to address the following as a minimum. Please add additional information as you see necessary and applicable:
• What does inclusive leadership mean to you.
• A description of your experiences working with individuals with a different perspective.
• A description of how issues of inclusivity have impacted you personally or professionally.

Essential Qualifications

A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education is required, along with five years of successful management, supervision, and leadership experience in athletics. The ideal candidate will demonstrate knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations and possess experience within a higher education institution of similar size and athletic program. They will have proven leadership in promoting and marketing athletic programs within a university setting, as well as demonstrated success in fundraising and implementing revenue-generating activities. The candidate must be able to clearly articulate a vision and philosophy regarding the role of intercollegiate athletics in university life and show a strong commitment to academic and athletic excellence. Additional qualifications include experience in fiscal planning and budget management, excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills, and the ability to effectively engage with alumni, faculty, staff, administrators, donors, students, and the broader community. The successful candidate will also bring demonstrated experience in strategic planning and implementation, donor development and fundraising, and expertise in public relations.

Preferred Qualifications

The ideal candidate demonstrates knowledge of NCAA and conference rules and regulations, along with experience working within a Division I athletics program at a comparable higher education institution. The candidate will have a proven track record of success in athletics fundraising, donor development, sponsorships, and revenue generation, as well as experience in fiscal planning, budget management, and financial oversight of a complex organization. In addition, the candidate demonstrates the ability to lead strategic planning and organizational change initiatives, supported by strong experience in public relations, branding, and external communications. The role requires the ability to articulate a clear and compelling vision for intercollegiate athletics within a university setting, as well as a demonstrated commitment to academic and athletic excellence and the holistic development of student-athletes.

License/Certifications

A valid California driver's license.

Special Working Conditions

Notice of Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Gender or Sex and Contact Information for Title IX Coordinator

The employee must maintain a working knowledge of compliance with relevant NCAA and conference rules, and report any concerns or violations noted.

Benefits at a Glance

  • An array of health plans that include prescription drug coverage
  • Dental and Vision coverage
  • Income protection benefits including life insurance and disability
  • Retirement plan through CalPERS
  • Tuition waiver for employees and dependents if eligible
  • FlexCash (in lieu of health and dental)
  • Employee Assistance Programs
  • 15 paid holidays

See our CSUF Benefits website for additional information.

Additional Information

California State University, Fullerton is committed to fostering an environment where students, staff, administrators, and faculty thrive. We welcome individuals ready to make an impact on student and staff success to apply and become part of the Titan Community. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose.

Advertised: May 14 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: Jul 30 2026 Pacific Daylight Time

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