Lead at the Top: Senior Associate Athletic Director at the U.S. Air Force Academy

Are you a visionary leader in collegiate athletics with a passion for developing the next generation of officers? The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) is currently accepting applications for a Senior Associate Athletic Director for Intercollegiate Sports. This prestigious, high-level administrative role is designed for seasoned professionals capable of balancing the rigors of competitive NCAA Division I athletics with the academic mission of a world-class service academy.

Job Responsibilities

The Senior Associate Athletic Director acts as a primary Sports Administrator within the Department of Athletics. Key responsibilities include:

Compliance: Ensuring all programs adhere strictly to NCAA, Mountain West Conference (MWC), and Air Force regulations.
Leadership: Providing expert guidance to the Director of Athletics and senior academy leadership regarding intercollegiate issues.
Personnel Management: Supervising coaching staffs, planning programs, and interpreting performance standards for subordinates.
Operational Planning: Managing budgets, scheduling competitions, and overseeing the logistical execution of intercollegiate sports programs.
Mentorship: Engaging with cadets both inside and outside the classroom to foster leadership and character development.

Requirements

To be considered, candidates must meet rigorous professional standards:

Education: A Bachelor's degree is required; a Master's degree in a relevant field is highly preferred.
Experience: Minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in NCAA athletics or similar higher education administration.
Skills: Demonstrated ability to manage complex organizations, lead diverse teams, and communicate effectively with senior military and civilian leadership.

Comparison Table: Qualifications

Feature	Required	Desired
Education	Bachelor's Degree	Master's Degree
Experience	15+ Years	10+ Years (Supervisory)
Leadership	Administrative Expertise	Team/Personnel Development

Salary Overview

This position offers a highly competitive federal salary, commensurate with experience and the high level of responsibility required. The salary range for this position is set between $154,627 and $177,365 per year.

Benefits

Employees of the federal government enjoy robust benefits, including:

Health, vision, and dental insurance programs.
Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
Generous leave accrual for annual and sick time.
A stable, mission-driven work environment with a clear focus on long-term professional development.

Application Tips

Use the Correct Upload Path: Because of the length of your CV, use the 'Other Documents - Curriculum Vitae' section during the submission process.
Quality over Quantity: Ensure your resume clearly details your employment history, including hours worked per week, as this is vital for qualification scoring.
Follow Instructions: Do not include photos. Applications containing photographs will be automatically disqualified.
Address Criteria: Your cover letter should explicitly link your teaching and professional accomplishments to the mission of the Academy.

Serving as the Senior Associate Athletic Director at the Air Force Academy is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the nation's future leaders. If you possess the experience, ethical grounding, and administrative vision to elevate our intercollegiate programs, we encourage you to apply before the July 15, 2026, deadline.

Why This Senior Associate Athletic Director Intercollegiate Sports Job Matters

Shape the future of collegiate athletics at the prestigious United States Air Force Academy as a Senior Associate Athletic Director.

Senior Associate Athletic Director Intercollegiate Sports Job Overview

The U.S. Air Force Academy is seeking an experienced, visionary leader to fill the role of Senior Associate Athletic Director for Intercollegiate Sports. This is a critical leadership position tasked with overseeing athletic programs, ensuring NCAA compliance, and fostering an environment of academic and athletic excellence for cadet-athletes. This term appointment, which lasts through August 31, 2029, offers a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between rigorous higher education and competitive Division I intercollegiate athletics.

Requirements for Senior Associate Athletic Director Intercollegiate Sports

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
Minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in NCAA athletics administration, sports management, higher education, or a closely related field.
Proven track record of effective leadership and administrative expertise within a complex organization.
Demonstrated commitment to undergraduate teaching and academic assessment.
Submission of a formal resume/curriculum vitae containing specific hours worked per week and dates of employment.
Ability to obtain and maintain required security and suitability clearances.

Preferred Qualifications for Senior Associate Athletic Director Intercollegiate Sports

Master's degree in Athletics Administration, Sports Management, Higher Education, Business Administration, or Organizational Leadership.
At least 10 years of supervisory or management experience, particularly in leading diverse teams and personnel development.
Documented teaching accomplishments, research publications, and professional awards.
Active participation in professional societies or leadership roles within educational organizations.
Demonstrated ability to contribute to a diverse and inclusive institutional climate.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary range of $154,627 to $177,365.
✓Comprehensive Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB).
✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation.
✓Opportunities for professional development and research.
✓Eligibility for federal leave programs, including sick and annual leave.
✓Access to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).

💡 How to Apply Senior Associate Athletic Director Intercollegiate Sports Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Senior Associate Athletic Director Intercollegiate Sports Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Prepare your resume/curriculum vitae, ensuring it includes dates of employment and hours worked.
Draft a cover letter that specifically addresses your teaching, professional, and service accomplishments.
Click the 'Apply' button on the USAJOBS portal before July 15, 2026.
Upload your resume under the 'Other Documents' section due to specific length requirements.
Ensure your application package is complete, as incomplete submissions will not be reviewed.

💡 General Tips

Do not include photographs in your resume or any supporting documentation.
Clearly link your experience to the requirements by highlighting your management and administrative achievements.
Submit your resume in the designated 'Other Documents - Curriculum Vitae' section to navigate page restrictions.
Verify that your resume includes your full name, months/years of employment, and hours worked per week for each role listed.
Double-check all files for accuracy before the 11:59 PM ET deadline on the closing date.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the appointment type for this role?

This is a full-time, Title 10 Excepted Service appointment not to exceed August 31, 2029.

Can I email my application materials directly to the Search Committee Chair?

No. Applications sent via email will not be considered. You must submit all materials through the USAJOBS platform.

What happens after I submit my application?

You will receive email notifications confirming receipt, referral status, or non-referral. If referred, your application proceeds to the selection committee.

What is the duration of this appointment?

This is a term appointment not to exceed August 31, 2029.

How do I verify my status?

You will receive automated email updates through the USAJOBS portal regarding your application's status.

Job from U.S. Air Force Academy

The United States Air Force Academy, located in the scenic foothills of Colorado Springs, is dedicated to educating and training men and women to become leaders of character. As a premier undergraduate institution, the Academy integrates academic rigor with professional military training. Joining the faculty and staff here means contributing to the success of approximately 4,000 cadets, fostering an environment of integrity, service, and excellence.