Athletics Director

Role Overview

Texas Southern University (TSU) is seeking a senior athletics leader to guide the overall direction of its intercollegiate athletics program in Houston, Texas. The Athletics Director serves as the top administrator for Athletics and reports to the Senior Vice President/Chief Administration Officer and the President. This role is responsible for aligning athletics with the University’s mission, maintaining compliance, managing finances responsibly, and supporting student-athlete success.

About Texas Southern University

TSU is a large historically Black university with more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs spread across ten colleges and schools. Its 150-acre campus supports a highly diverse student body of over 8,400 students. The University is known for advancing academic opportunity, inclusion, and leadership development, and its alumni include leaders in politics, media, sports, and entertainment.

What You Will Lead

As Athletics Director, you will set the vision and operating standards for a comprehensive college athletics department. The position calls for executive-level judgment, broad oversight, and close coordination with university leaders, faculty, staff, alumni, and outside partners.

Core Responsibilities

• Direct the strategy, operations, and day-to-day administration of all athletics programs and staff.
• Set departmental goals, policies, and procedures that support university priorities.
• Advise executive leadership on athletics matters and institutional decisions affecting the department.
• Keep the athletics program fully aligned with NCAA, Southwestern Athletic Conference, and all relevant federal, state, and local rules.
• Encourage a workplace culture grounded in ethics, integrity, and accountability.
• Support student-athletes’ academic performance, eligibility, health, safety, and overall well-being.
• Back initiatives that strengthen leadership, personal growth, and career preparation for student-athletes.
• Build, manage, and monitor the athletics budget with careful attention to resource use and financial control.
• Oversee funding for travel, operations, scholarships, and other program requirements.
• Lead revenue-related efforts such as ticket sales, sponsorships, fundraising, and partnerships.
• Guide the department through Name, Image, and Likeness opportunities and support student-athletes within institutional rules.
• Shape competitive scheduling and negotiate game contracts.
• Represent the University in conference, NCAA, and external partnership matters.
• Maintain strong relationships with alumni, donors, community members, and other stakeholders.
• Recruit, supervise, and evaluate coaches and athletics personnel.
• Promote collaboration, professional growth, and high performance across the department.
• Oversee facilities, event operations, and game-day execution while coordinating with internal teams for safe, efficient delivery.
• Carry out additional duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Experience, and Skills Needed

The University is looking for a candidate with advanced leadership experience in athletics administration, ideally within higher education. The role requires strong understanding of NCAA compliance, intercollegiate athletics operations, budget management, institutional governance, and student-athlete support services. Familiarity with Banner or similar enterprise systems and Microsoft Office is also expected.

Applicants should be capable of leading a complex organization, analyzing information, preparing detailed reports, solving problems, and managing competing priorities and deadlines. Strong communication, relationship-building, and staff leadership skills are essential.

Selection Criteria

• A master’s degree in Sports Management, Education, Business Administration, or a closely related field.
• At least ten years of steadily advancing leadership experience in athletics administration, preferably in higher education.
• Ability to help protect the security or integrity of critical infrastructure, including systems such as communications networks, computer systems, cybersecurity systems, electrical grid, or water/hazardous waste treatment systems.
• Knowledge of NCAA rules, intercollegiate athletics, budgeting, financial oversight, applicable laws, institutional policies, and student-athlete services.
• Comfort using Banner or a similar enterprise platform, along with Microsoft Office tools.
• Strong strategic thinking, decision-making, budgeting, organizational leadership, and staff development capability.
• Ability to work independently, use sound judgment, communicate with varied audiences, and help sustain an inclusive and respectful environment.

Work Environment

This position is mainly office-based but involves frequent standing, walking, and computer use. Light lifting may occasionally be required. The job also requires travel and attendance at evening and weekend events, including athletic competitions and community activities.

Additional Information

This job summary is intended to describe the primary functions of the role and may not include every responsibility. Actual duties may change depending on assignment.

Application Process

Interested candidates may submit expressions of interest to DHR Global at tsu.ad@dhrglobal.com. Applications and supporting materials will be reviewed confidentially, and receipt will be acknowledged.

About the Search Partner

DHR is a privately held executive search and leadership consulting firm operating across more than 60 markets in 22 countries. With experience across many industries and functional areas, the firm supports clients through executive search and emerging leader search services.