About Arkansas State University:

Arkansas State University (“Arkansas State”), located in Jonesboro, Arkansas, is a public research institution and the flagship campus of the Arkansas State University System. Established in 1909 as an agricultural high school, it evolved into a four-year college in 1930 and achieved university status in 1967. Today, Arkansas State serves over 14,000 students, offering more than 150 degree programs, including robust online and graduate offerings. The university is classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity" and is known for its commitment to research and student-friendly instruction. Arkansas State's influence extends beyond Arkansas, with a campus in Queretaro, Mexico, and a diverse student body from across the nation and the world. The university also hosts the Arkansas State University Museum, the largest and most comprehensive museum in northeastern Arkansas, featuring significant historic, archaeological, and natural history collections. Arkansas State's athletic teams, known as the Red Wolves, compete in the NCAA Division I Sun Belt Conference.

Living & Working in Jonesboro:

Living and working in Jonesboro, Arkansas, offers a blend of affordability, opportunity, and community appeal. As a regional hub in northeastern Arkansas, Jonesboro benefits from a stable economy anchored by healthcare, education, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors. The presence of Arkansas State University contributes significantly to the local workforce and cultural life. The city's cost of living remains below the national average, making it attractive for families and professionals seeking a balance between career growth and quality of life. Jonesboro's proximity to natural attractions, such as Crowley's Ridge and the Ozark foothills, provides residents with ample recreational opportunities. The city's welcoming atmosphere and steady economic development make it an appealing choice for those looking to settle in a vibrant yet affordable community.

Position Summary:

To lead our Athletics Department (the “Department”) into the future, our next Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics (“AD”) at Arkansas State needs to be an energetic leader who displays the following characteristics:

• A transformational leader, with significant experience in collegiate athletics, who will put down roots in Jonesboro and enable Arkansas State to win championships with the highest levels of integrity.

• An individual with something to prove; scrappy; gritty; hungry, etc.

• Someone who sees themselves as a pioneer, builder, etc.

• An individual with a “motor” that never stops, especially when it comes to the success of our student-athletes and the sales and revenue required to support their success.

• A people-person who wants (needs) to build great teams and win as a team.

• A disciplined business/financial executive.

• A “coaching” mentality in leadership to build a team.

The AD reports to the Chancellor of the university (Dr. Todd Shields) and serves as a member of the Chancellor’s executive leadership team (the Cabinet). Together with the Chancellor, the AD also works closely with Arkansas State University System President Dr. Brendan Kelly and the ASU System Board of Trustees, which has overall authority and responsibility for the institution.

The AD is responsible for the overall operation of the intercollegiate athletics program and the Department. The Department currently has an operating budget of $33 million and fields a total of 16 varsity sports. The AD is responsible for maintaining the fiscal integrity of the Department as well as recruiting, fundraising, and leading and developing its coaching and administrative staff. The AD is also responsible for growing revenues through sponsorships and new fundraising initiatives.

The AD is responsible for providing support and resources for men’s and women’s sports teams to put them in a position to compete each year for conference and national championships. It is equally important that the AD ensures that the Arkansas State athletics program operates at the highest levels of integrity, including but not limited to compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including those of the NCAA and the Sun Belt, and epitomizes good sportsmanship in all its activities. The AD is also responsible for student-athlete safety and welfare encompassing athletic, academic and extracurricular endeavors. Together with the Faculty Athletics Representative and academic leadership of the institution, the AD is accountable for ensuring that student-athletes achieve academic success and have the support needed to reach their potential.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provide executive leadership and strategic guidance for the university’s intercollegiate athletics program which includes initiating policy and providing supervision and guidance to employees of the Arkansas State Red Wolves Foundation.

• Serve as a strategic advisor to the Chancellor for intercollegiate athletics in addition to serving as the liaison to the Sun Belt, NCAA, and other athletic-related entities as assigned by the Chancellor.

• Ensure the integrity of the university’s intercollegiate athletics program for ensuring compliance with applicable policies and best practices.

• Develop and manage a robust revenue strategy that includes partnerships and philanthropy to ensure the sustainability of the Red Wolves Foundation.

• Oversee all phases of long-term and short-term financial planning and business operations of the university’s intercollegiate athletics program, while maintaining financial and statistical records for management and planning purposes.

• Serve on boards of affiliated organizations, participate in university and association functions, and build strategic relationships with internal and external partners to advance the mission of the institution and association.

• Understand and implement marketing and promotion strategies to enhance the brand of Arkansas State Athletics, promote a positive fan experience, and maximize and increase student and fan attendance for all athletics events. Utilize technology and digital marketing to innovatively grow the University brand and all its initiatives.

• Possess a willingness to engage and establish relationships in the Jonesboro community by speaking to civic groups, working with media, and interacting with spectators at-large on behalf of Arkansas State.

Additional Qualities & Desired Traits:

• Highest levels of personal and professional integrity and trustworthiness.

• Appreciation of the Arkansas State culture and the ability to navigate the balance between athletics and the core missions of the university.

• Demonstrated leadership in the area of collegiate athletics with the skills and relationships to further develop and advance the Arkansas State brand.

• Elite fundraising skills, with demonstrated success in external relations associated with leading an intercollegiate athletics program.

• Understanding of and the importance of Title IX compliance.

• Proven experience and skill in recruiting, developing, and retaining senior level leadership positions, including head coaches.

• Strong business acumen, with experience and skill in fiscal management, including budgeting and financial planning, forecasting, and reporting.

• Strong communication and marketing skills with demonstrated ability to represent and motivate support for the mission, interests, and accomplishments of Arkansas State to audiences across multiple channels.

• Strategic leader who has the ability, and determination to collaborate across campus with constituents for the greater good of the University.

• Strong presence with the proven ability to mobilize others in an organized way to carry out a vision.

• Possesses the foresight of where we are today, but most importantly, where we are going tomorrow as it pertains to conference realignment, innovation, programming, and growth opportunities.

• Knowledge and a plan to navigate the ever-changing intercollegiate landscape, including but not limited to Revenue Share, Name, Image & Likeness (NIL), Alston funds, the transfer portal, and proposed NCAA governance and Bylaw changes.

• Strong interpersonal skills that demonstrate diplomacy, accessibility and respect for the accomplishments and viewpoints of Arkansas State, the faculty, staff, and the student-athletes.

• Ability and willingness to be the outspoken voice for Arkansas State on the national stage within intercollegiate athletics.

Any interested candidates should contact TurnkeyZRG directly.

Contacting Arkansas State University will only delay consideration of your qualifications.

Application Process:

• Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and references at www.turnkeyzrg.com