DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS

Description

About the University of Hawai'i at Manoa

A public land grant university established in 1907, the University of Hawai'i at Manoa (UH Manoa) is the flagship campus of the 10-campus UH System, the sole provider of public higher education in the State of Hawai'i. Located on the island of O'ahu, UH Manoa is one of the premier research institutions of higher learning internationally, and one of the nation’s few land-, sea-, space- and sun-grant institutions, with a current enrollment of over 20,000.

UH Manoa is a world-class university and is devoted to providing affordable, quality higher education to the people of Hawai'i. It plays a vital role in education, research, outreach and service, with service to its island communities and fields of study relating directly to Hawai'i’s geographical and cultural setting. UH Manoa conducts pioneering research to address critical issues facing the state, country and the world, and is one of 187 R1 Research Universities in the United States (Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education). As part of its commitment to being a leading Indigenous-serving university, UH Manoa strives to be a Hawaiian place of learning.

As one of the most diverse universities in the country, UH Manoa delivers a unique multicultural global experience offering hundreds of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees and a strong research program. The university is widely recognized in oceanography, astronomy, Hawaiian language and studies, electrical engineering, volcanology, tropical agriculture, tropical medicine, evolutionary biology, comparative philosophy, comparative religion, Pacific Islands studies, Asian studies and Pacific and Asian regional public health.

There are more than 170,000 UH Manoa alumni residing in 50 states and more than 100 countries worldwide.

About UH Manoa Athletics

UH Manoa Athletics has a rich and storied tradition that dates back more than a century. Sponsoring 21 sports and supporting approximately 450 student-athletes, UH Manoa is the only NCAA Division I, FBS institution in the state of Hawai‘i. All teams, with the exception of football and indoor track and field, currently compete in the Big West Conference. Football competes in the Mountain West Conference, while indoor track and field competes in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation. In June 2026, UH Manoa will become a full-time member of the Mountain West Conference and four sports will continue in the Big West Conference at that time, including beach volleyball, water polo, men’s volleyball, and men’s swimming and diving.

UH Manoa’s men’s teams are referred to as the Rainbow Warriors and consist of baseball, basketball, football, golf, swimming and diving, tennis, and volleyball. The women’s teams are referred to as the Rainbow Wahine and consist of basketball, beach volleyball, cross country, golf, sailing, softball, soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, volleyball and water polo. In addition to women’s sailing, UH Manoa also sponsors a coed sailing team. Cheer is also offered but not counted as an intercollegiate sport. UH Manoa became a member of the NCAA in 1946 and joined its first major intercollegiate conference in 1979. UH Manoa boasts eight team national championships and 11 individual national champions.

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Description

About the University of Hawai'i at Manoa

A public land grant university established in 1907, the University of Hawai'i at Manoa (UH Manoa) is the flagship campus of the 10-campus UH System, the sole provider of public higher education in the State of Hawai'i. Located on the island of O'ahu, UH Manoa is one of the premier research institutions of higher learning internationally, and one of the nation’s few land-, sea-, space- and sun-grant institutions, with a current enrollment of over 20,000.

UH Manoa is a world-class university and is devoted to providing affordable, quality higher education to the people of Hawai'i. It plays a vital role in education, research, outreach and service, with service to its island communities and fields of study relating directly to Hawai'i’s geographical and cultural setting. UH Manoa conducts pioneering research to address critical issues facing the state, country and the world, and is one of 187 R1 Research Universities in the United States (Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education). As part of its commitment to being a leading Indigenous-serving university, UH Manoa strives to be a Hawaiian place of learning.

As one of the most diverse universities in the country, UH Manoa delivers a unique multicultural global experience offering hundreds of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees and a strong research program. The university is widely recognized in oceanography, astronomy, Hawaiian language and studies, electrical engineering, volcanology, tropical agriculture, tropical medicine, evolutionary biology, comparative philosophy, comparative religion, Pacific Islands studies, Asian studies and Pacific and Asian regional public health.

There are more than 170,000 UH Manoa alumni residing in 50 states and more than 100 countries worldwide.

About UH Manoa Athletics

UH Manoa Athletics has a rich and storied tradition that dates back more than a century. Sponsoring 21 sports and supporting approximately 450 student-athletes, UH Manoa is the only NCAA Division I, FBS institution in the state of Hawai‘i. All teams, with the exception of football and indoor track and field, currently compete in the Big West Conference. Football competes in the Mountain West Conference, while indoor track and field competes in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation. In June 2026, UH Manoa will become a full-time member of the Mountain West Conference and four sports will continue in the Big West Conference at that time, including beach volleyball, water polo, men’s volleyball, and men’s swimming and diving.

UH Manoa’s men’s teams are referred to as the Rainbow Warriors and consist of baseball, basketball, football, golf, swimming and diving, tennis, and volleyball. The women’s teams are referred to as the Rainbow Wahine and consist of basketball, beach volleyball, cross country, golf, sailing, softball, soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, volleyball and water polo. In addition to women’s sailing, UH Manoa also sponsors a coed sailing team. Cheer is also offered but not counted as an intercollegiate sport. UH Manoa became a member of the NCAA in 1946 and joined its first major intercollegiate conference in 1979. UH Manoa boasts eight team national championships and 11 individual national champions.

The role of the UH Manoa Athletics Department is to serve student-athletes through an academic degree program and intercollegiate sports to develop their capabilities to the fullest as students, athletes and people. Furthermore, the department’s role is to promote sportsmanship, advocate for equal opportunity and support the diverse participants in the athletics programs, and to honorably represent the university and the State of Hawai'i.

The department strives to contribute toward the economic development of Hawai‘i through intercollegiate sports programs that bring excitement to UH Manoa fans, as well as competitors’ fans, and to the supporters and stakeholders of the State of Hawai‘i. The sports programs stimulate TV, radio, media advertising, tourism, and other industries to promote events throughout the islands, on the U.S. continent, and abroad displaying the state’s natural beauty and Aloha Spirit.

Position Overview

Reporting to the President of the UH System, the Director of Athletics is responsible for the leadership and direction of all aspects of the athletics department in a manner commensurate with the vision, mission and values of the University. Responsibilities include strategic planning, policy and implementation; strengthening and promoting the University’s NCAA Division I women’s and men’s athletics program while solidifying its success and recognition; managing sports information including public and media relations, licensing, marketing and fundraising initiatives; ensuring the fiscal soundness of the program through effective budgeting, revenue generation and cost control; making challenging and high-profile personnel decisions; and providing an environment in which the physical, mental, social and academic well-being of all student-athletes is a priority for coaches, staff and the entire department.

The Director of Athletics must model integrity at the highest level, support a diverse program in our multicultural environment in Hawaii, and carefully manage budget challenges by generating new revenues and containing costs. The university seeks a leader who will build and maintain effective and productive relationships with other academic institutions, athletic conferences, national intercollegiate athletics organizations, and the diverse athletic stakeholders within the University and State of Hawai‘i including students, alumni, fans, faculty, staff, legislators, business and community leaders, foundations, and local and national media in order to positively promote the athletics program and generate revenue in support of the department’s mission. The Director of Athletics shall perpetuate excellence in its athletics programs, recruit and retain a group of exceptional coaches and support staff, and promote the student-athletes’ academic and athletic achievements throughout the university community and beyond.

The Director of Athletics is responsible for leadership and management of the program’s $50-$55 million a year operating budget supporting 21 major sports, over 450 student-athletes, approximately 125 full-time coaches and staff, and over 250 student assistants and volunteers.

The Director of Athletics must understand the dynamic changes at the national level and position the department for success in all areas. The Director of Athletics will lead the program in navigating opportunities and challenges faced on a national level, including NIL and the transfer portal, the well-being and academic success of student athletes, financial viability and sustainability including new revenue streams, facility improvements, and ensuring compliance with rules and regulations. In addition, the Director of Athletics must guide the football program through a transitional period, as the team currently plays in an on-campus stadium with a capacity of 15,000 while awaiting the redevelopment of the new Aloha Stadium, Hawai'i’s largest outdoor arena, in time for the 2028 college football season. With strong leadership, business and community partnerships, and a creative approach, the Director of Athletics must continue to enhance the game-day experience, build deeper fan engagement, and help shape the future of UH football within the Aloha Stadium entertainment district and state-of-the-art stadium.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Director of Athletics will be expected to:

• Provide clear vision and strategic leadership with regard to all athletics department matters. Guide the program to secure a competitive advantage and proven success in the effective recruitment, retention and promotion of student-athletes and athletics personnel; strategic planning, fiscal sustainability, fundraising, and personnel management; facilities development, management and improvement; public and media relations; and general operations in a manner commensurate with the vision, mission and values of the University.
• Ensure financial viability and accountability of the athletics department in order to adhere to a balanced budget through enhanced revenue generation and cost control. Develop a game schedule to enhance the department’s attractiveness and financial sustainability.
• Lead the development of athletics fundraising goals and work in close coordination with UH foundation and booster clubs to develop and secure fundraising to meet strategic priorities. Meet with donors and prospective donors and actively engage in on-going fundraising activities.
• Directly oversee the hiring, supervision, and evaluation of head coaches and senior staff, negotiating agreements in the best interest of the University. Manage, direct and evaluate coaches, staff and administrators to ensure program goals are achieved.
• Foster an environment for academic success of student-athletes, including academic integrity, high graduation rates, and career development, in keeping with values of UH Manoa as a Native Hawaiian place of learning.
• Develop an environment where the physical and mental well-being of student-athletes are prioritized with appropriate levels of medical and mental health care support. Also, uphold standards for personal responsibility and healthy, safe and substance-free experience and environment.
• Oversee department compliance with applicable NCAA rules and regulations, conference rules and regulations, university policies and procedures, and state and federal laws and regulations.
• Foster an environment that promotes a positive team environment within and across sports with exemplary behavior and sportsmanship exhibited by all departmental members including coaches, staff, student-athletes and administrators. Instill a championship culture that supports coaches, student-athletes, and staff as they compete for championships.
• Effectively negotiate contracts and agreements for game tournaments, broadcast rights, service agreements, etc. that build strong relationships and align with University goals.
• Manage the planning and implementation of a long-range development plan for athletics facilities in conjunction with the Vice President for Administration; provide broad oversight of the maintenance of new facilities and the renovation and maintenance of existing facilities.
• Navigate Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), helping student-athletes maximize opportunities while maintaining compliance with NCAA and state guidelines. Develop strong local partnerships and create a supportive infrastructure for ensuring UH student- athletes can succeed both on and off the field.
• Provide strategic, effective communication as the spokesperson for the athletics department with the media, corporate sponsors, alumni, donors, athletic booster groups, fans, parents, and prospective student-athletes, and promote the program to its fullest potential and gain positive exposure.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships and communication with internal and external constituents including faculty, administrators, staff, student-athletes, student government leadership, alumni, friends, booster clubs, and local businesses and community regarding athletics at UH Manoa. Represent the University’s athletics interests with other institutions and conferences, regulatory agencies, and other local groups and associations.
• Develop partnerships with private and public entities for programs that support students and the needs of the local community; foster joint projects to enhance revenue, brand awareness and athletics promotion; and generate community interest and support for student athlete scholarship and support such as meals, academic advising, health and wellness.
• Advocate for UH Manoa and the athletics program in the development of the new
• stadium in Halawa, as the primary future tenant.
• Prepare reports and conduct presentations to the Board of Regents on a regular basis and submit and/or present testimony to the Hawai‘i State Legislature in support of the athletics program and UH mission and vision as necessary.
• Advise, recommend and report to the President on sensitive and visible matters pertaining to the department.

Minimum Qualifications - Bachelor’s degree. - Ten (10) years of progressively responsible high-level leadership and management experience. - Record of positive advocacy and effective working relationships with government and/or private constituencies including business and community leaders. - Excellent written, interpersonal, and oral communication skills.

Desirable Qualifications - An advanced degree. - Athletic administrative experience at the NCAA, Division I level. - Demonstrated success in fundraising and/or revenue generation. - Demonstrated success in coach and staff hiring, management and retention. - Record of and commitment to student-athlete academic success and well-being. - Record of and thorough understanding of effective compliance program administration with the NCAA, conference, and related rules, regulations and procedures. - Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the evolving landscape of college - athletics’ opportunities and challenges. - Proven ability to work successfully with diverse populations of students, faculty, staff, and external constituents. - Demonstrated experience and commitment to advancing a Native Hawaiian place of learning.

Application Process

The University of Hawai'i at Manoa invites nominations and applications or expressions of interest to be submitted to the search firm assisting the university. Applications should include a cover letter, current resume or curriculum vitae, and a list of five (5) professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notice to the candidate. A background check will be conducted prior to employment. For full consideration, application materials should be submitted to Parker Executive Search’s website by May 5, 2025. Confidential review of materials will begin immediately and continue until the appointment is made.

For additional information, please contact:

Daniel Parker, Vice President and Managing Director Grant Higgison, Principal

Gray McGee, Executive Recruiting Coordinator

ghiggison@parkersearch.com | gmcgee@parkersearch.com

Parker Executive Search

770-804-1996 ext. 118 | 770-804-1996 ext. 132

The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, sex, gender identity and expression, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, genetic information, marital status, breastfeeding, income assignment for child support, arrest and court record (except as permissible under State law), sexual orientation, domestic or sexual violence victim status, national guard absence, or status as a covered veteran. For more information or inquiries regarding these policies, please refer to the following

link: http://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo...

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