Job ID 73717 Job Title Associate Director, Athletics Regular/Temporary Regular Location Central Campus Open Date 01/16/2026 Job Type Continuing Close Date 02/01/2026 Employee Group TMG Favorite Job Department Ath&Rec Central Admin Full/Part Time Full-Time Salary Grade/Band Band N Salary Range $ $ annual) Job Code 010128 Hiring Range $ $ Existing Vacancy Yes - Backfilling as Existing Target Number of Openings 1 Hours per Week 35 Posting Details Schedule 35 hours per week, 8:30am to 4:30pm M-F, evenings and weekends as needed. On-site role. Education Level University degree required (Master''s degree preferred), or equivalent combination of education and experience. Career Level Minimum of 710 years of progressive leadership experience. Experience in high-performance sport, athletics administration, sport management, or a comparable sport industry role considered an asset Job Description Home of the McMaster Marauders, McMaster University Athletics provides a wide range of sports and recreational activities to students, staff, faculty, alumni, and the greater community with the opportunity to pursue athletic excellence. McMaster''s Athletics department is home to various well-equipped sports facilities, including a comprehensive fitness center, indoor and outdoor sports fields, swimming pools, gymnasiums, tennis courts, and more. McMaster University has a strong tradition of intercollegiate athletics and is home to several varsity sports teams that competed in various leagues. Varsity teams at McMaster include basketball, soccer, football, volleyball, cross country, track and field, rugby, swimming, and many other OUA and club teams. The Department of Athletics & Recreation is dedicated to fostering an environment of equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism, guided by the principles of inclusive excellence. Our commitment is to create a safe, accessible, and welcoming space where we celebrate the diverse identities, backgrounds, and lived experiences that enrich our community. Athletics and Recreation is seeking a dynamic, people-first leader to serve as Associate Director, Athletics on a continuing basis. Reporting to the Director of Athletics & Recreation, this senior leadership role is responsible for shaping and delivering a comprehensive, integrated high-performance sport strategy that supports sustained varsity success at the provincial and national levels. This role will lead the high-performance sport unit, providing strategic vision, operational leadership, and people-focused management across varsity programs and integrated athlete support services. The Associate Director, Athletics works closely with coaches, athletes, staff, campus partners and external sport organizations to create an environment where teams and individuals can perform at their highest level and find success. This is an opportunity for an accomplished sport leader who thrives in complex environments, inspires excellence in others, and is passionate about athlete-centred, values-driven performance. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in advancing McMaster Athletics'' competitive success while strengthening the University''s reputation for excellence, integrity, and innovation. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership and Performance Lead the development and execution of annual and long-term sport-specific performance plans aligned with departmental and university priorities. Create team and athlete programming and delivery strategies that develop sustained excellence in sport, consistent with - and in support of - the goals and strategies of the department. Drive the design and delivery of high-performance programming that supports sustained competitive excellence. Establish clear performance targets and KPIs; ensure accountability through regular performance review, evaluation, and support. Analyze competitive programs and recommend strategic investments in equipment, technology, staffing, and competition. People and Culture Foster a high-performance, inclusive, and athlete-centred culture grounded in Athletic and Recreation''s values. Provide strategic leadership to a multidisciplinary team of 20+ staff, including coaches, managers, and integrated athletic support staff, including strength and conditioning professionals. Oversee all people management functions for the team, including recruitment, onboarding, training and development, performance management, and employee relations, ensuring a high performance culture and alignment with organizational goals. Operational and Financial Management Lead strategic planning, operational planning, and budget development across varsity programs. Make informed decisions and recommendations related to resource allocation, financial sustainability, and long-term investment. Implement systems, processes, and data-driven approaches to enhance program effectiveness and operational efficiency. Collaboration and Representation Serve as the primary liaison with U SPORTS, OUA, and peer institutions. Represent McMaster University at league meetings, committees, and national/provincial sport forums. Collaborate with internal partners across Athletics & Recreation and the broader university. Qualifications and Experience Education University degree required (Master''s degree preferred), or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience Minimum of 710 years of progressive leadership experience. Experience in high-performance sport, athletics administration, sport management, or a comparable sport industry role considered an asset Skills Proven leader who inspires excellence and drives results through trust, collaboration, and accountability. Deep understanding of high-performance sport models and their practical implementation. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders. Demonstrated ability to manage change, lead teams, and navigate complex environments. Comprehensive knowledge of sport governance, compliance, eligibility, risk management, and health & safety. Strategic thinker with strong analytical, planning, and problem-solving skills. Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and data analysis. Please note that this role will require flexible work hours, including evenings and weekends as necessary. Pay Transparency Statement The posted hiring range represents McMaster''s typical hiring range for this position. Actual starting salary will depend on factors such as relevant experience, qualifications, internal equity, and market conditions. Individuals with extensive experience, deep specialized expertise, and/or those who can demonstrate exceptional past performance, as applicable, may be hired at a higher rate within the full range, in accordance with the University compensation policies. How To Apply To apply for this job, please submit your application online. Employment Equity Statement McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the ''Dish With One Spoon'' wampum agreement. The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity. The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Mtis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+. As part of McMaster''s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information. Hybrid Work Language To ensure an ongoing and vibrant University community that meets the needs of our students, staff and faculty and supports the University mission, ability to work on-site continues to be a requirement for most University positions. The University is supportive of exploring flexible work arrangements that effectively balance operational needs and employee interests. The current expectation for this role is 4 days in office and 1 day at home office. Interview Experience At McMaster University, we believe in a comprehensive and inclusive interview process. Our interview methods encompass a variety of approaches that allow our hiring teams to provide a flexible and accessible experience for engaging with our candidates. Throughout your recruitment process at McMaster, you may be requested to participate in a variety of formats, that may include in-person, virtual or recorded interviews. If you have any questions as you move through the hiring process, please reach out to or the HR contact associated with your position of interest.
Job Title
Associate Director, Athletics