Vice President & Director of Intercollegiate Athletics

Working/Functional Title

Vice President & Director of Intercollegiate Athletics

Position Summary

The Michigan State University Vice President & Director of Intercollegiate Athletics (“AD”) provides leadership and strategic direction to the University's athletic programs, ensuring the overall success, integrity, and compliance of the department. The AD supervises a staff of coaches, professional and support personnel. It also develops and manages operating budgets for intercollegiate athletics, and participates in fundraising activities, while safeguarding the well-being of student-athletes on and off the field.  

Reporting directly to the University President, the AD represents the Department of Athletics with integrity while ensuring compliance with University, NCAA, and Big Ten Conference rules, regulations, and policies. The AD will need to manage the new level of complexity in college sports by strategically driving a new business model in line with Michigan State’s values and commitment to athletics, setting priorities for the department, recruiting and retaining top talent, remaining nimble, and organizing the department to be competitive as the landscape changes over time. 

Key Responsibilities:

Communications & External Relations:

• Strive to enhance relationships and communication with all parties that have an association with or interest in the Michigan State Athletic Department
• Maintain an effective communication link with the Michigan State Athletic Department alumni
• Lead and manage public relations, speak to civic groups, work with media, and interact with spectators at-large on behalf of Michigan State, serving as the primary “face” of Michigan State Athletics
• Develop and execute strategic branding initiatives and fan engagement campaigns to enhance the visibility of athletic programs and cultivate a loyal and energized fan base
• Serve on committees in the Big Ten Conference and NCAA
• Inform and advises university administration staff on matters related to athletics and represents the President as needed
• Represent Michigan State at the Big Ten Conference, NCAA, and other national meetings.
• Generate revenue through fundraising, sponsorships, merchandising, and ticket sales

Business/Commercial:

• Conduct a deep dive internal “audit” of the Department of Athletics, together with a critical needs analysis and assessment of the direction of Michigan State, the Big Ten, the House Settlement, NIL, and other developments
• Conduct a deep dive external SWOT analysis with key collegiate stakeholders at the campus level, conference level, NCAA level, media and beyond to understand, diagnose and strategize a sustainable financial plan for Michigan State Athletics
• Create, communicate, and gain approval of such 5-year business strategy plan for the Department of Athletics with a 5-year goal of lifting its revenues across all potential streams.
• Implement such 5-year business plan across the Department of Athletics, factoring in novel revenue generation and fundraising strategies, together with recommendations on how best to maximize multimedia rights, new revenue streams, data analytics, new brand initiatives, etc.
• Pioneer, build and lead the Athletics Department of the future

Excellence in Athletic Performance & Competition

• Set team goals/expectations for BIG10 conference and NCAA (e.g., Top 3 conference, Top 10 NCAA)
• Set goals for Learfield Cup, etc.
• Ensure NCAA and BIG10 conference compliance

Excellence in the Classroom, Emphasizing Student-Athletes 

• Set team APR goals and expectations
• Set team graduation rate goals
• Ensure NCAA and BIG10 conference compliance

Strategic & Transparent Budget Management and Financial Planning

• Establish annual balanced budget; and present a business plan for future facility and programmatic funding needs
• Regularly engage with University Advancement and Spartan Fund colleagues to set fundraising goals and a fundraising strategy
• Effectively manage MSU Sports Properties, Playfly, etc. and other potential sponsors
• Work collaboratively with university leadership (including finance and budget offices) to manage Athletics Department expenses and revenue streams  
• Regularly engage with alumni and donors to communicate funding priorities and incentivize fundraising opportunities
• Engage on issues of NIL, transfer portal, and revenue sharing; and communicate strategy and outcomes around funding models and opportunities for student athletes to the relevant internal and external stakeholders

Comprehensive Resources for Physical & Mental Well-Being of Student-Athletes

• Develop clearly articulated strategic plan for facilities and programming to ensure student athlete success
• Regularly engage with university colleagues and Athletics Advisory Board members/ potential donors to communicate priorities and potential funding needs   

State-of-the-Art Facilities to Benefit Student-Athletes & Create a Great Gameday Fan Experience

• Prioritize annually and communicate planning for facility upgrades and new capital projects
• Consult with student-athlete, coaches, alumni and other University stakeholders around needed resources

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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

Required Degree

Bachelors

Desired Degree

Masters

Minimum Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree with an emphasis on business, liberal arts, sports administration, and/or other applicable course of study.
• A proven managerial leader with a minimum of 10 years of hands-on management experience managing complex organizations and complex marketplace dynamics.
• Education and experience that may include a background in sports or sport-related administration and leadership.
• A deep understanding of intercollegiate athletics and current issues facing Division I Intercollegiate athletics, including Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) and collectives, the potential impact of student-athletes being reclassified as employees, and issues arising from the NCAA Transformation Committee and how they will impact the strength and viability of the institution.
• Exceptional leadership and collaboration skills.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience and commitment to the core values of Michigan State.
• High emotional intelligence, self-awareness and humility.

Desired Qualifications

• A post-graduate degree with an emphasis on business, sports administration, and/or other applicable course of study is a plus.
• A transformative vision and innovative approach to address opportunities and challenges in college athletics, including NIL and collectives. 
• Previous experience in finance, facilities management, compliance, marketing, student services, human resources, fundraising, investment, and/or sports supervision.
• A proven record of establishing and meeting ambitious goals.
• A strategic thinker who adapts to dynamic environments.

Required Application Materials

• CV 
• Cover Letter
• 2-3 References

Special Instructions

APPLICATIONS:  The position will remain open until filled; Nominations for the position and questions concerning the job requirements or hiring process should be directed to TurnkeyZRG at www.turnkeyzrg.com.

Applications should be submitted to TurnkeyZRG at the following link:  https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.zrgpartners.com/jobboard/69__;!!HXCxUKc!0OM2no7QTmLQKUX_oE90cxEfHE1Ky1qlUEgMXuU3PEEw51hl0wMpuGI7hmU_k11BQ1c8K31_e4iclYD3JuWhjNXS8g$

Review of Applications Begins On

06/06/2025

Website

WWW.MSUSPARTANS.COM

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.