Job DetailsJob Location: Ottawa University - Ottawa, Kansas - Ottawa, KS 66067Position Type: Full TimeTravel Percentage: Yes - Driving MVR RequiredJob Category: ManagementOUR UNIVERSITY
Ottawa University (established in 1865), one of the oldest private liberal arts universities in the United States, is a multi-campus system serving approximately 4000 students through its campuses in Kansas (Ottawa, Kansas- Residential Campus and Overland Park, Kansas- Adult Programs); Arizona (Surprise Residential Campus and OUAZ Adult Programs); Wisconsin (Brookfield Adult Programs); and our OU ONLINE PROGRAM based out of Overland Park, Kansas.
Ottawa University is a regionally accredited, church-related, private university that strives to integrate faith, learning, and life in the academic experiences of students.
JOB SUMMARY
Responsible for the effective day-to-day management and supervision of the University athletic department. Position requires a high level of effective leadership and interaction with internal and external constituencies. Responsible for all athletic budget implementation and oversight, compliance/eligibility issues, scheduling and management of sports facilities, marketing, athletic fundraising, recruitment and retention of athletic staff, ensuring the attainment of student-athlete recruitment goals, and acting as a representative of the University to the Ottawa community, athletic conference, and the NAIA. The Director will demonstrate an understanding of the university's mission and foster its values and strategic goals.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB (provide list of items which are essential to effective outcomes in this role):
Represent the University at athletic conference and NAIA meetings. Work collaboratively with the Registrar and Faculty Athletic Representative to establish individual student-athlete eligibility according to conference and NAIA rules for each respective sport. Complete all Board, KCAC, and NAIA reports in a timely manner. Communicate with the Campus President and administration (and coaches) concerning all issues related to the athletic department, conference, and the NAIA.
Oversee the planning and scheduling of events within the athletic facilities. Schedule staff to effectively manage and operate each sporting event. Oversee management of all athletic property and facilities.
Direct recruitment of student-athletes and effectively monitor and report student-athlete outcomes such as retention and completion. The AD will ensure that student-athletes are making academic progress in their coursework and maintaining eligibility for participation.
Participate as an active and effective member of the campus leadership team and as a member of campus-wide and university-wide committees, as needed.
Responsible for all athletic budgets. Work with coaches, trainers, staff, finance department, Campus President, Campus Administrative Operations Director, and CFO to develop appropriate budgets and monitor them throughout the fiscal year.
Responsible for all aspects of transportation management for all teams through fleet, charter bus, van rental, and/or air travel.
Be visible in the Ottawa community to generate goodwill toward the university's athletic programs.
Work collaboratively with the University Advancement (UA) office to oversee all athletic-related fundraising and events, such as athletic alumni projects and events. Work closely with UA to gain more active members and increase gift levels.
Other duties as assigned
STANDARD UNIVERSITY EXPECTATIONS:
Manage your staff consistent with university personnel policies. Encourage collaboration among the staff, provide regular evaluation and feedback, and facilitate developmental opportunities.
Model and encourage collaboration among University departments assuring effective communication and operations.
Understand the University’s policies and, procedures, and exercise good judgment accordingly. Assure that University and student information is managed in a confidential and ethical manner in accordance with the University’s Code of Conduct and Ethics.
Provide leadership through conduct, attitude, and professionalism. Represent the University to students, external groups, faculty, and staff in a way that reflects positively on the University.
Be mindful and supportive of the overall Mission of Ottawa University.
Exercise Inclusivity in your daily actions accruing alignment within expectations of the University’s Mission Statement and Statement of Inclusion, Openness, and Community.
NOTE
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.
Ottawa University is committed to equal employment opportunity and does not unlawfully discriminate in recruitment or employment on the basis of race, age, sex, color, religion, disability, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
QualificationsREQUIRED EDUCATION: (education based on essential job duties and requirements consistent with business necessity):
Master's Degree required. Masters Degree in Athletic Administration or a related field preferred.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE: (experience based on requirements in role and are consistent with business necessity)
Minimum of 5 years of proven collegiate athletic leadership experience.
ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: List required and/or preferred certification, industry specific requirements, required or preferred use of equipment, and all necessary job skills, abilities, and knowledge competencies) Provide a list of items below:
Excellent communication, interpersonal and leadership skills required.
Ability to work with diverse groups to provide education and training.
Ability to assume a leadership role with multiple work groups.
Strategic thinker, and the ability to motivate staff through leadership and building a positive and productive team.
Excellent understanding of student retention strategies in a college environment.
Customer service orientated with strong verbal and written communication skills needed to facilitate and resolve problems.
A strong commitment to adult learning in a liberal arts education is expected.
WORKING CONDITIONS (Physical attributes required to perform job duties with or without reasonable accommodation - examples: sitting, lifting #, bending, driving, environmental factors or elements, noise level, stairs in a building, or other factors that will affect working conditions). Provide a list of items below:
Maintain emotional control under stress.
Prolonged period of sitting.
Frequent standing, stooping, bending, pulling, pushing, and lifting; frequent prolonged and irregular hours, and exposure to varying temperature.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: Yes - Travel Required
If YES, list type and approximate percentage: Regular part this position
Responsible for driving students and University vehicles as part of job duties (YES/NO): No
Ottawa University (established in 1865), one of the oldest private liberal arts universities in the United States, is a multi-campus system serving approximately 4000 students through its campuses in Kansas (Ottawa, Kansas- Residential Campus and Overland Park, Kansas- Adult Programs); Arizona (Surprise Residential Campus and OUAZ Adult Programs); Wisconsin (Brookfield Adult Programs); and our OU ONLINE PROGRAM based out of Overland Park, Kansas.
Ottawa University is a regionally accredited, church-related, private university that strives to integrate faith, learning, and life in the academic experiences of students.
JOB SUMMARY
Responsible for the effective day-to-day management and supervision of the University athletic department. Position requires a high level of effective leadership and interaction with internal and external constituencies. Responsible for all athletic budget implementation and oversight, compliance/eligibility issues, scheduling and management of sports facilities, marketing, athletic fundraising, recruitment and retention of athletic staff, ensuring the attainment of student-athlete recruitment goals, and acting as a representative of the University to the Ottawa community, athletic conference, and the NAIA. The Director will demonstrate an understanding of the university's mission and foster its values and strategic goals.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB (provide list of items which are essential to effective outcomes in this role):
Represent the University at athletic conference and NAIA meetings. Work collaboratively with the Registrar and Faculty Athletic Representative to establish individual student-athlete eligibility according to conference and NAIA rules for each respective sport. Complete all Board, KCAC, and NAIA reports in a timely manner. Communicate with the Campus President and administration (and coaches) concerning all issues related to the athletic department, conference, and the NAIA.
Oversee the planning and scheduling of events within the athletic facilities. Schedule staff to effectively manage and operate each sporting event. Oversee management of all athletic property and facilities.
Direct recruitment of student-athletes and effectively monitor and report student-athlete outcomes such as retention and completion. The AD will ensure that student-athletes are making academic progress in their coursework and maintaining eligibility for participation.
Participate as an active and effective member of the campus leadership team and as a member of campus-wide and university-wide committees, as needed.
Responsible for all athletic budgets. Work with coaches, trainers, staff, finance department, Campus President, Campus Administrative Operations Director, and CFO to develop appropriate budgets and monitor them throughout the fiscal year.
Responsible for all aspects of transportation management for all teams through fleet, charter bus, van rental, and/or air travel.
Be visible in the Ottawa community to generate goodwill toward the university's athletic programs.
Work collaboratively with the University Advancement (UA) office to oversee all athletic-related fundraising and events, such as athletic alumni projects and events. Work closely with UA to gain more active members and increase gift levels.
Other duties as assigned
STANDARD UNIVERSITY EXPECTATIONS:
Manage your staff consistent with university personnel policies. Encourage collaboration among the staff, provide regular evaluation and feedback, and facilitate developmental opportunities.
Model and encourage collaboration among University departments assuring effective communication and operations.
Understand the University’s policies and, procedures, and exercise good judgment accordingly. Assure that University and student information is managed in a confidential and ethical manner in accordance with the University’s Code of Conduct and Ethics.
Provide leadership through conduct, attitude, and professionalism. Represent the University to students, external groups, faculty, and staff in a way that reflects positively on the University.
Be mindful and supportive of the overall Mission of Ottawa University.
Exercise Inclusivity in your daily actions accruing alignment within expectations of the University’s Mission Statement and Statement of Inclusion, Openness, and Community.
NOTE
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.
Ottawa University is committed to equal employment opportunity and does not unlawfully discriminate in recruitment or employment on the basis of race, age, sex, color, religion, disability, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
QualificationsREQUIRED EDUCATION: (education based on essential job duties and requirements consistent with business necessity):
Master's Degree required. Masters Degree in Athletic Administration or a related field preferred.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE: (experience based on requirements in role and are consistent with business necessity)
Minimum of 5 years of proven collegiate athletic leadership experience.
ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: List required and/or preferred certification, industry specific requirements, required or preferred use of equipment, and all necessary job skills, abilities, and knowledge competencies) Provide a list of items below:
Excellent communication, interpersonal and leadership skills required.
Ability to work with diverse groups to provide education and training.
Ability to assume a leadership role with multiple work groups.
Strategic thinker, and the ability to motivate staff through leadership and building a positive and productive team.
Excellent understanding of student retention strategies in a college environment.
Customer service orientated with strong verbal and written communication skills needed to facilitate and resolve problems.
A strong commitment to adult learning in a liberal arts education is expected.
WORKING CONDITIONS (Physical attributes required to perform job duties with or without reasonable accommodation - examples: sitting, lifting #, bending, driving, environmental factors or elements, noise level, stairs in a building, or other factors that will affect working conditions). Provide a list of items below:
Maintain emotional control under stress.
Prolonged period of sitting.
Frequent standing, stooping, bending, pulling, pushing, and lifting; frequent prolonged and irregular hours, and exposure to varying temperature.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: Yes - Travel Required
If YES, list type and approximate percentage: Regular part this position
Responsible for driving students and University vehicles as part of job duties (YES/NO): No
Job ID: 510650563
Originally Posted on: 2/19/2026
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