Athletic Director

Athletic Director

Salary

See Position Description

Location

Bourbonnais

Job Type

Full-Time Staff

Division

Student Development

Department

Athletics

Opening Date

07/16/2026

• Description
• Benefits

Position Summary

As a Christian university, Olivet Nazarene University exists to provide an education with a Christian purpose. We value diversity as a means to enrich and deepen the educational experience, both inside and outside the classroom and online. We are committed to recruit and retain mission-aligned faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds. We strive to be a more inclusive community as we seek to understand and celebrate our unique experiences and perspectives.

Olivet Nazarene University seeks an experienced, visionary leader to serve as its next Athletic Director. ONU Athletics has established itself as one of the premier athletic programs in the NAIA, capturing 15 consecutive CCAC Commissioners Cup championships while consistently competing for conference and national championships across a broad range of sports. With 22 varsity programs, exceptional facilities, and a tradition of developing student-athletes who excel spiritually, academically, and competitively, ONU Athletics is positioned for continued growth.

The Athletic Director will provide strategic leadership for all aspects of the department while advancing the Universitys Christ-centered mission of developing students for lives of service to God and humanity. Reporting to the Vice President for Student Development and serving on the Student Development Leadership Team, the Athletic Director will lead coaches and staff, steward resources, cultivate meaningful relationships with alumni and donors, champion student-athlete success, and build upon a nationally respected tradition of excellence.

This is an opportunity to lead a growing department while shaping the next generation of Tiger Athletics through innovation, collaboration, and servant leadership.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Foster a Christ-centered and mission-driven culture of excellence, integrity, servant leadership, and competitive success throughout the athletic department.
• Provide strategic leadership for the athletic department and plan for future expansion, including new athletic programs and facilities as appropriate.
• Recruit, mentor, evaluate, and develop athletic staff to promote excellence in leadership, competitive success, and student-athlete development.
• Support academic achievement and persistence of student-athletes by addressing the needs of student athletes including advising, tutoring, early warning/intervention systems, and other appropriate services available online or on campus.
• Partner with Admissions and university leadership to establish enrollment goals and support recruitment strategies that strengthen both athletic participation and overall university enrollment.
• Collaborate with Student Development to ensure integration with student-centered and student services programming.
• Manage and provide long-term oversight of athletic facilities of Birchard Gymnasium, Parrott Convocation Center, McHie Arena, Snowbarger Athletic Complex, Ward Field and Varsity Weight Rooms.
• Serve as the primary ambassador for ONU Athletics by cultivating relationships with alumni, donors, conference partners, community members, and prospective students.
• Partner with Advancement in the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors and funding opportunities.
• Work with the universitys communication and marketing team to promote athletic programs and represent the athletic department in media relations and public appearances.
• Ensure compliance with all NAIA rules and regulations as well as conference and institutional policies.
• Oversee the preparation and submission of necessary compliance reports in partnership with faculty athletics representative and university registrar.
• Responsible for completion and submission of the annual Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act report.
• Actively participate in conference and national meetings, committees, and professional organizations to advance ONU Athletics and remain current with industry best practices.
• Other duties as assigned by the Vice President for Student Development.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

The individual in this role will oversee head coaches, administrative assistant, assistant athletic director for compliance, assistant athletic director for operations, sports information director, and head athletic trainer.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• A lifestyle in agreement with the ONU Statement of Mission, Faith, and Lifestyle Covenant.
• A professing faith in Jesus Christ and lifestyle in agreement with the ONU Statement of Mission, Faith, and Lifestyle Covenant.
• Master's degree in Sports Management, Business Administration, or related field
• Five to seven years of successful management, supervision, and leadership within athletics, preferably at the NAIA level.
• Commitment to Athletic and Academic success for the program.
• Excellent skills in planning, organization, leadership, and communication.
• Previous head coaching experience is preferred.

Additional Information

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position will be primarily an administrative assignment. The position is a 12-month full-time position. The position requires some evening and weekend attendance. There will be occasional travel requirements.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

The annual salary for this position is $94,000.

Only candidates who submit all required documents will be considered: resume, cover letter, statement of faith, application questions. Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

Olivet Nazarene University offers:

• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental insurance.
• Employer retirement contribution begins on first day of full-time employment and is 100 percent vested at that time.
• Additional auxiliary coverage such as life insurance, disability insurance and AD&D insurance.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick, personal, and bereavement leave and 18 days for the observance of holidays.
• Tuition remission granted to employee, spouse, and dependent children for education within Olivet's distinguished academic programs.
• Access to an active campus life with a top-notch fitness center, enriching musical performances, competitive athletic competitions, and introduction to the sciences at our Stickler Planetarium.

To learn more, see our benefits summary here.

Employer Olivet Nazarene University (IL)

Address 1 University Ave

Bourbonnais, Illinois, 60914

Phone 815-939-5240

Website https://www.olivet.edu/about/employment/