Built on Tradition.
Positioned for the Future.
Lead one of the nation’s most successful and respected Division I athletics programs at a globally recognized public research university.
The Opportunity
The University of Wisconsin–Madison invites applications and nominations for its next Director of Athletics to lead a department defined by championship performance, academic excellence, and global influence.
Wisconsin Athletics operates as a $200M+ enterprise within the Big Ten Conference — one of the most powerful and visible leagues in collegiate athletics. With more than 600 student-athletes across 23 sports, the program combines competitive and academic success with strong financial performance and institutional alignment.
This is a rare opportunity to lead a flagship program in the Big Ten Conference at the intersection of athletics, academics, and leadership development.
Leadership
The Director of Athletics serves as a key member of the university’s senior leadership team and works in partnership with the Chancellor and UW–Madison Leadership.
Aligned with the university’s strategic framework, the AD will guide Wisconsin Athletics forward through a rapidly evolving landscape — advancing championship success, strengthening financial sustainability, and elevating the development of student-athletes as leaders in sport, school, and life.
Our Values
This unique position creates exceptional opportunities for partnerships, growth, and long-term impact.
Competitive Success
With 30+ national championships and 200+ conference titles, Wisconsin Athletics is a consistent power in the Big Ten Conference and NCAA competition. Across the full program, the Badgers have experienced national success in volleyball, track & field, cross country, and other sports, alongside historical prowess in football, basketball, and hockey.
Academic Excellence
Since its founding in 1848, the University of Wisconsin–Madison has been a catalyst for the extraordinary. Our students, staff, and faculty have collaborated to produce the most Peace Corps volunteers, 20+ Nobel Prize winners and 40+ Pulitzer Prize winners — reflecting a culture of leadership, innovation, and excellence.
A Global Brand
Wisconsin delivers one of the most recognized and supported brands in college athletics, driven by 5 million fans, more than 500,000 alumni across the globe, and more than 50,000 enrolled students to engage, connect, and celebrate.
Community Impact
Guided by the Wisconsin Idea — the principle that education should influence people’s lives beyond the classroom — student-athletes and programs contribute meaningfully to communities across the state through service, outreach, and engagement.
Broad-Based Success
Wisconsin defines Broad-Based Success through a department-wide commitment to excellence across all 23 varsity sports, consistently evidenced by a top-tier standing in the Learfield Directors’ Cup. By applying its resources universally, the university ensures every program has the infrastructure to produce champions and world-class graduates in sport, school, and life.
Economic Strength
Wisconsin Athletics functions as a premier economic engine for the state, generating a substantial $977 million in annual impact. This financial strength is anchored by strategic business alliances with market-leading brands including UW Health, Culver’s, American Family Insurance, Associated Bank, and more. UW leverages these high-level partnerships to maintain a robust financial foundation while simultaneously driving regional growth and setting a national benchmark for collegiate fiscal success.
Elite Student-Athletes
More than 600 student-athletes compete at Wisconsin, representing excellence in competition, academics, and leadership.
The Wisconsin Advantage
Wisconsin stands apart through the powerful combination of athletics success, academic prestige, and alumni influence. UW boasts a top-ranked public university with a global reputation, a $1.9B research enterprise driving innovation, a university that has produced numerous Fortune 500 CEOs, and a global alumni network of more than 504,000 living graduates.
Badgers by the Numbers
$977M
UW Athletics’ economic impact on the state of Wisconsin
30+
NCAA championships
$203M
Annual operating budget
$100M
Athletics endowment funds
94%
Graduation success rate among student-athletes
#12
Best public university in the nation (U.S. News & World Report)
Built for Success
Leading the way, Wisconsin Athletics is committed to developing student-athletes for success in competition, in the classroom, and in life. A strategic and personalized approach supports students in all aspects of their lives, from the classroom to the playing field, and beyond.
By embodying Wisconsin’s proudest tradition, the Wisconsin Idea, this approach cultivates student-athletes to lead with a purpose in both their professions and their communities.
Through a comprehensive support model, the department provides:
- Academic advising and degree completion support
- Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) guidance and partnerships
- Leadership and personal development programming
- Mental health and wellness resources
- Professional development and alumni networking opportunities
- Health and performance support services
Facilities
Wisconsin provides historic stadiums and state-of-the-art facilities that support performance, preparation, and recovery across all 23 varsity sports. These facilities combine a rich history with modern innovation, supporting both competitive excellence and student-athlete development.
Continuous investments reflect a commitment to long-term success and include:
- Camp Randall Stadium
- Kellner Family Athletic Center
- Kohl Center
- LaBahn Arena
- UW Field House
- Nicholas Recreation Center
- University Ridge Golf Course
- Porter Boathouse
- McClimon Track/Soccer Complex
Gallery
Big Ten Conference
The Big Ten is home to a lineage of legendary names and has a tradition of developing strong leaders. Big Ten schools have averaged multiple national championships annually over the last 30 seasons. The Big Ten leads all conferences with more than 100 Academic All-Americans per year, 7.1 million total alumni, and 750,000 current students.
Madison: America’s Best College City
Consistently ranked as the #1 Best College City and among the best places to live in America, Madison offers lakeside beauty, elite quality of life, a thriving downtown culture, and a community passionately devoted to the Badgers.
Help Move Wisconsin Forward
Contact CSA Search and Consulting with questions about this opportunity.