Benedict College Athletic Director | Benedict College

Columbia, South Carolina, Company Description Benedict College https://benedict.edu/ Founded in 1870, Benedict College is a nationally recognized private HBCU located in Columbia, South Carolina. Under the leadership of Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, Benedict has experienced remarkable growth in enrollment, fundraising, athletic success, and institutional visibility. Athletics serves as a critical driver of the College's brand, student recruitment efforts, and community engagement strategy. Competing in NCAA Division II as a member of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), Benedict sponsors a broad and competitive intercollegiate athletics program and has established itself as one of the strongest brands in the conference. The College seeks a dynamic, visionary, and relationship-oriented leader to serve as its next Athletic Director. Scope and Responsibilities: Reporting directly to President Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis and serving as a member of the President's Cabinet, the Athletic Director will provide strategic leadership, administrative oversight, and vision for a nationally visible NCAA Division II athletics program. The successful candidate will build upon Benedict's momentum while ensuring excellence in competitive success, student-athlete development, compliance, fiscal stewardship, fundraising, and community engagement. The Athletic Director will oversee all aspects of the department's operations while serving as a visible ambassador for the College among alumni, donors, corporate partners, conference leadership, NCAA representatives, and the Columbia community. Athletics is expected to play a significant role in the institution's future fundraising and enrollment initiatives. Specific Responsibilities •Provide strategic leadership and oversight for all NCAA Division II athletics programs, personnel, facilities, and operations. •Foster a culture centered on competitive excellence, academic achievement, student-athlete success, and integrity. •Ensure full compliance with NCAA Division II, SIAC, and institutional policies and regulations. •Lead financial planning, budgeting, resource allocation, and operational efficiency efforts across the department. •Partner with advancement leadership to cultivate donors, secure sponsorships, and expand philanthropic support for athletics. •Oversee recruitment, retention, and development of coaches and athletics staff. •Support enrollment growth through strategic alignment of athletics with institutional recruitment and retention goals. •Provide leadership and oversight for the football program and other high-profile sports while maintaining academic and compliance standards. •Serve as the public face of Benedict Athletics and strengthen relationships with alumni, corporate partners, community leaders, conference officials, and other stakeholders. Key Selection Criteria Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred. Minimum of five years of progressively responsible leadership experience in collegiate athletics, sports administration, or a related field. Proven experience in budgeting, personnel management, strategic planning, and organizational leadership. Demonstrated ability to inspire teams, drive change, and execute long-term strategic initiatives. Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and relationship-building skills.   Personal / Professional Attributes Benedict seeks a transformational leader who embraces the mission of HBCUs and understands the expanding role athletics plays in institutional growth and visibility. The most competitive candidates will bring a blend of strategic thinking, fundraising capability, operational excellence, and people leadership. Demonstrated success within intercollegiate athletics administration. Deep understanding of NCAA Division II governance and compliance. Experience leading or supporting fundraising and external relations initiatives. Ability to build strong relationships across campus and throughout the broader community. Commitment to diversity, equity, student development, and the mission of HBCUs. Experience leveraging athletics as a platform for enrollment growth, brand development, and institutional advancement. A collaborative, energetic, and hands-on leadership style aligned with Benedict's culture of innovation and growth.