Background:
Merrimack College, the only Catholic, Augustinian institution of higher education in New England, is a private, independent, and coeducational college nestled in the Boston suburbs of Andover and North Andover, Massachusetts, and is an institution with great upward momentum. In the 2023 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Merrimack ranked 4th for Most Innovative Schools recognized for improvements to curriculum, faculty, students, campus life, technology, and facilities. In the 2025 edition, U.S. News ranked the College 39th in the Regional Universities North category.
The College has over 4,000 undergraduate and 1,700 graduate students from 43 states and 42 countries who form an engaged community of thinkers, learners, and achievers integrated into an academic culture of excellence. In the last five years, undergraduate enrollment has increased approximately 30 percent, graduate enrollment has increased 62 percent, and Merrimack has hired more than 90 new faculty in that same time. The 240-acre campus has some 40 buildings that are clustered around tree-lined walking paths, open spaces, and courtyards.
The Merrimack Warriors are the intercollegiate athletic teams that represent Merrimack College. All of the 28 Warrior athletic teams compete at the Division I level. Men’s and women’s ice hockey compete in the Hockey East conference and football competes as an FCS Independent, while the remaining teams are members of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.
Any interested candidates should contact TurnkeyZRG directly.
Contacting Merrimack College will only delay consideration of your qualifications.
Position Summary:
Merrimack College is seeking a high-energy, entrepreneurial, and innovative leader for the position of Director of Athletics. The AD is responsible for the administration and direction of the total intercollegiate athletic program as well as revenue diversification, generation, and fundraising in support of the institution’s ambitions as articulated in its strategic plan, the Agenda for the Future. Merrimack College has recently launched the public phase of a $100M capital campaign, with nearly $63M raised to date. Athletics capital projects will form a key component of fundraising as part of the campaign. This position requires someone with a keen business sense and an appreciation for the important role athletics plays as the front porch of the institution. In consultation with the appropriate administrators and key stakeholders, the AD is responsible for the formulation and implementation of all athletic policies, procedures, and programs; ensuring compliance with all federal, NCAA, Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, Hockey East, and athletic department regulations, policies, and procedures; administering departmental funds and accounts in a fiscally responsible manner; and sustaining a culture of ethics, sportsmanship, and professionalism at all levels. The AD must think outside the box in fundraising, sales, and alumni initiatives; understand how to enhance the brand of Merrimack Athletics through marketing and promotion; build relationships with the towns of Andover and North Andover and the city of Boston; and assist in the management and maintenance of Merrimack’s athletic facilities.
Duties and responsibilities:
Oversee supervision, management, leadership, and administration of the athletics department, including coaches, staff, and administrators, in a team-oriented work environment. Showcase athletics as the forefront of the College which allows for the rest of the school to prosper as a result. Be the public face of Merrimack Athletics, working with all internal and external constituencies in furtherance of the department’s contribution to the educational mission of the institution. Leverage external constituencies to identify and create new revenue growth opportunities including fundraising, corporate sponsorship sales, ticketing, and alumni initiatives. Collaborate in the construction, management, and maintenance of Merrimack’s athletic facilities. Understand and implement marketing and promotion strategies to enhance the brand of Merrimack Athletics, promote a positive fan experience, and maximize and increase student and fan attendance for all athletics events. Find new ways to reset and reinvigorate how the athletics department conducts and optimizes its business. Possess a willingness to engage and establish relationships in the towns of Andover and North Andover and greater Boston community by speaking to civic groups, working with media, and interacting with spectators at-large on behalf of Merrimack College. Utilize technology and digital marketing to innovatively grow the brand of Merrimack College and all its initiatives. Ensure an environment that promotes student-athlete health and welfare and a commitment to strong academic values. Serve on the president’s cabinet and partner with cabinet members on issues of strategic importance to the institution.
Qualifications, Skills and Education Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in relevant field preferred. Ideally ten (10) years of progressively responsible management experience involving the administration of intercollegiate athletics/sports related programs or experience in revenue generation and/or finance within a non-sports industry but has a love for helping student-athletes and a desire to work in the changing landscape of college athletics. Strategic leader who has the ability, and determination to collaborate across campus with constituents for the greater good of the institution. Innovative thinker who is intellectually curious and thoughtful about the future of college athletics. Demonstrated record of achievement in revenue generation, marketing, and fundraising, as well as donor stewardship and athletic development activities. Knowledge and a plan to navigate the ever-changing intercollegiate landscape, including but not limited to Name, Image & Likeness (NIL), Revenue Share Model, the transfer portal, and proposed NCAA governance and Bylaw changes. 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. Must possess supervision techniques, administrative budgeting, and financial record-keeping and control. Demonstrated experience advancing all aspects of gender equity and full compliance with Title IX and all applicable laws. Ability to interact effectively with public constituencies, senior university leaders, faculty, staff, students, donors, and other stakeholders, as well as brand marketing, public relations, and media experience. Demonstrated commitment to academic integrity and the academic progress and graduation of student-athletes; a commitment to diversity in the recruitment, retention, and representation of coaches, staff, and student-athletes. A strong work ethic; excellent listening skills; great attention to detail; the ability to make tough decisions, handle criticism, debate, and seek out feedback; strong negotiation skills.
Application Process:
Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and references at www.turnkeyzrg.com
TurnkeyZRG’s Commitment:
At TurnkeyZRG, we do not just accept differences—we celebrate and support it. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, genetic information, marital or partnership status, military or veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. TurnkeyZRG is an equal opportunity employer and workplace, and we encourage applicants of all backgrounds & communities to apply.
TurnkeyZRG’s Practice Leaders:
Katy Young Staudt, Vice President, College and Coaching Practice
[email protected]
Jocelyn Gates, Vice President, College and Coaching Practice
[email protected]
Merrimack College is an Equal Opportunity Employer
This position is subject to the successful completion of a criminal background check.
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