Athletic Director

The University of Wisconsin–Madison (UW–Madison) invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for its next Athletic Director (AD). The Athletic Director provides oversight for all aspects of the varsity athletic programs sponsored by the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW), including matters pertaining to personnel, academic and athletic success, budget, facilities, operations, fundraising, compliance, and student-athlete welfare and development. The Athletic Director guides the overall direction of the athletic department in concert with the values and mission of the UW. The Athletic Director reports directly to the chancellor.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison has a long tradition of providing student athletes with a great education, strong support, and a first-rate experience in their sport. Like all programs UW-Madison strives to provide an excellent record of athletic performance, but understands that this is only part of the holistic student-athlete experience. UW-Madison student-athletes in all sports consistently show strong academic performance and the athletic program has a strong academic support unit, part of Wisconsin’s notable Forward360 services. Student-athletes also participate in Badgers Give Back, a program that matches them with volunteer activities in the community.

UW-Madison prides itself on running an athletics program with a high degree of integrity on and off the field. UW-Madison’s student-athletes graduate at a rate higher than student-athletes nationwide. The athletic program also provides support to student-athletes in many ways, from mental health counseling to nutrition coaching to a guarantee to pay for degree completion for student-athletes who depart UW before earning an undergraduate degree.

The Athletic Director leads the Athletic Department at the university. This position reports to the Chancellor, provides oversight for all aspects of the varsity athletic programs sponsored by the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW), including matters pertaining to personnel, academic and athletic success, budget, facilities, operations, fundraising, compliance, and student-athlete welfare and development. The Athletic Director guides the overall direction of the athletic department in concert with the values and mission of the UW.

The Athletic Director identifies, hires, supports, and evaluates head coaches in all 23 Badger varsity sports. The AD is responsible for fielding teams that sustain competitive success at commensurate or greater levels in comparison with Badger teams in recent history, and oversees the planning and operation of the unit’s approximately $130 million annual budget. The AD works collaboratively with senior-level UW campus administration, and develops and sustains consistent, transparent communication with the athletic board chair and faculty athletics representatives in the context of the UW’s shared governance infrastructure.

We strongly encourage applications from candidates who foster and promote the values of diversity and inclusion.

Requirements and Qualifications:

A Bachelor's degree required; additional education is a plus if it adds to the required skill set.

The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in, and understanding of, Division I intercollegiate athletics. Senior management experience with university athletic programs, including experience with budgets, facilities, operations, personnel, academics, compliance, and student-athlete development, is desired.

The position requires an ability to build a first-rate working culture throughout all levels of the department. A demonstrated commitment to the holistic student-athlete experience, including not just athletic success, but also robust opportunities athletically, socially, and in transitions to post-college success, is desired. The candidate must demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Qualified candidates will show an effectiveness in high-stakes decision-making around scheduling, post-season play, media, corporate sponsorship, and risk management in campus, conference, and national settings. Strong verbal, communication, and problem-solving skills are a must.

The position requires a candidate who is able to set and pursue strategic goals in a high-pressure, ever-changing environment. Experience with successful fundraising and alumni relations is preferred.

Candidates must display strong personal integrity, and an understanding of the University of Wisconsin-Madison – including its history, mission, values, culture, and importance to the people of the state.