Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics

*To ensure your application is received, please apply directly through the search firm CSA Search & Consulting.  Interested applicants should apply here.* 

Centrally located on a 375-acre site in the southern San Joaquin Valley, California State University, Bakersfield is home to the Roadrunners—moving forward at lightning speed and championing intellectual progress. CSUB continuously rises in national rankings for its economic value and commitment to student success. Its students are brilliant and increasingly diverse, with the majority of graduates remaining in the Valley to solve the region’s complex challenges.

The University serves more than 10,000 students at its main campus in Bakersfield and at CSUB Antelope Valley, and counts approximately 67,000 alumni across its four colleges. The campus sponsors 16 NCAA Division I athletics programs and competes in the Big West Conference, Pac-12 Conference, and Mountain Pacific Sports Federation. Learn more here: CSUB Fact Book.

The Associate Vice President (AVP) & Director of Athletics provides executive leadership and establishes the long-term vision and strategic direction for California State University, Bakersfield’s NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletics program. Reporting to the President for strategic direction, with a dotted-line relationship to the Vice President for Business and Administrative Services/CFO for operational activities, the AVP/Director is responsible for the overall success and comprehensive administration of athletics programs, facilities, and services to ensure student-athlete success, wellbeing, and equity. The position oversees the development and execution of a multi-million-dollar budget, serves as the primary ambassador for CSUB Athletics, and advises executive leadership on intercollegiate athletics, institutional strategy, legislative changes, and risk management.

Athletics Administration & Strategic Planning:

• →Provide strategic leadership for all NCAA Division I athletics programs, facilities, and support services.
• →Ensure compliance with CSU, NCAA, Title IX, and conference regulations.
• →Lead institutional strategy regarding NIL, revenue sharing, and the evolving intercollegiate athletics landscape.
• →Promote student-athlete academic success, wellbeing, leadership development, and career preparation.
• →Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic plan aligned with the University’s mission.
• →Establish measurable goals for competitiveness, fundraising, student success, and community engagement.
• →Advise University leadership on national trends, conference realignment, governance, and legislative changes.

Outreach & Revenue Generation:

• →Build relationships with alumni, donors, corporate partners, and community stakeholders.
• →Partner with University Advancement to develop comprehensive fundraising and revenue-generation strategies.
• →Serve as the chief ambassador for CSUB Athletics.
• →Increase visibility through marketing, media relations, and community outreach.
• →Strengthen relationships with the NCAA and conference partners.

Budget & Fiscal Responsibility:

• →Oversee the department’s multi-million-dollar operating and capital budgets.
• →Ensure compliance with all financial policies and reporting requirements.
• →Manage revenue sources including fundraising, sponsorships, ticket sales, fees, and conference distributions.
• →Provide regular financial reporting and analysis to University leadership.

• Master’s degree in sports administration, business administration, education, or related field.
• Experience leading an NCAA Division I athletics department through significant industry transformation.
• Demonstrated success securing transformational gifts and capital support.
• Experience collaborating with presidents, governing boards, and cabinet leadership.
• Experience as an Athletics Director or senior Division I athletics administrator.
• Strategic planning, facilities management, conference governance, and customer-service oriented leadership.

Back to search results Apply now Refer a friend

• Extensive NCAA Division I compliance knowledge including Title IX, equity mandates and conference governance.
• Strong fiscal management and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated fundraising and external relations expertise.
• Strategic leadership and vision.
• Commitment to student-athlete success, health, safety, and wellbeing.
• Ability to foster an inclusive culture.
• Strong communication, organizational, leadership, and decision-making skills.
• Knowledge of athletics facilities operations.
• Demonstrated understanding of NIL, revenue sharing, conference realignment, media rights, transfer portal, and evolving athletics business models.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and build effective relationships.