The University of Kentucky seeks a visionary and strategically focused athletics and business leader to serve as Chief Executive Officer of Champions Blue, LLC and Athletics Director (CEO and AD). This individual will lead one of the nation’s premier intercollegiate athletics enterprises focused on winning championships during a transformative period in collegiate athletics—an era defined by athlete compensation, Name, Image and Likeness (NIL), revenue sharing, commercialization, innovation and heightened national visibility.
Reporting directly to the President of the University and working collaboratively and in alignment with other members of the President’s Cabinet and university leadership, the CEO and AD will provide executive leadership for a nationally competitive athletics enterprise grounded in integrity, student-athlete success, innovation, talent management, financial stewardship, institutional collaboration and service to the Commonwealth of Kentucky as defined by our mission to advance Kentucky.
QUALIFICATION AND CHARACTERISTICS
The ideal candidate will possess demonstrated executive leadership experience and significant strategic and operational expertise within intercollegiate athletics, professional sports, higher education, business and/or similarly complex organizations. The successful candidate will demonstrate a deep understanding of the contemporary athletics landscape, including governance, federal and state legislation and policies, athlete compensation, NIL, revenue generation, compliance, commercialization, student-athlete support, external relations and organizational leadership.
The successful candidate will possess the leadership, financial and commercial acumen and collaborative mindset necessary to build trust with student-athletes, coaches, staff, partners, donors, alumni, fans, faculty, media and university leadership while guiding the University of Kentucky into the next era of collegiate athletics.
The CEO and AD will be a leader who has demonstrated the ability to analyze the costs and consequences of strategic alternatives, effectively communicate in a complex media and conference environment and has the determination to ensure that the University of Kentucky remains the aspirational standard in college athletics for the next decade and beyond.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree required (sports administration, business, education, law, or related field)
- Ten or more years of progressive leadership in athletics administration (college, university, and/or professional sports)
- Demonstrated track record managing large, complex budgets
- Proven experience managing athletics operations, including but not limited to facilities, student/player compensation, talent management, and revenue generation
PROCESS OF CANDIDACY
Application review will begin immediately and will continue on an ongoing basis. For best consideration, please submit materials as soon as possible. The requested application materials include a resume.
