Director of Athletics
Director of Athletics: Position Profile
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) seeks a visionary and innovative Director of Athletics to lead UAB Athletics during a transformative period in intercollegiate sports. As the leader of an 18-sport NCAA Division I athletics program competing primarily in the American Conference, the Director of Athletics will be responsible for advancing competitive excellence, supporting the academic achievement and holistic development of student-athletes, strengthening financial sustainability, and engaging the university, Birmingham community, alumni and supporters around a compelling vision for the future of Blazer Athletics.
The next Director of Athletics will inherit a department with significant institutional momentum, including substantial investments in athletics facilities, strong academic performance and a growing university and community. At the same time, the rapidly changing collegiate athletics landscape creates an opportunity for an entrepreneurial leader capable of developing new revenue streams, strengthening philanthropy and corporate partnerships, maximizing media and brand opportunities, and strategically managing student-athlete revenue sharing and other emerging competitive investments.
Submit ApplicationsOpens an external link.
UAB invites nominations and applications or expressions of interest to be submitted to the search firm assisting the university. Applications must include a cover letter, resume or curriculum vitae, and a list of references. For full consideration, application materials should be submitted to Parker Executive Search’s website, by November 13, 2026. Confidential review of materials will begin immediately and continue until the appointment is made.
Daniel Parker, Vice President and Managing Director
danielparker@parkersearch.com, 770-804-1996 ext. 116
DeLaina Sarden, Principal
dsarden@parkersearch.com, 770-804-1996 ext. 119
Wade Jones, Executive Recruiting Coordinator
wjones@parkersearch.com, 770-804-1996 ext. 135
UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and veteran’s status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB’s Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix.