NASHUA, N.H. – Joseph Brady has been appointed Director of Athletics at Rivier University, where he will provide strategic leadership and oversee all aspects of the University's NCAA Division III intercollegiate athletics program.

In this role, Brady will oversee all athletics programs, staff, and facilities, with responsibilities spanning student-athlete recruitment, fundraising and donor engagement, athletics communications, and public relations. He will also work closely with University leadership on strategic planning and policy development to further integrate athletics and academics, enhancing the overall student experience.

"Joseph brings a deep understanding of collegiate athletics, including the Great Northeast Athletic Conference, and a clear vision for the future of our programs," says Sister Paula Marie Buley, IHM, President of Rivier University. "He will be a strong leader for our athletics staff and student-athletes as they continue to build on the momentum of Raiders athletics heading into the 2025-26 academic year."

Brady most recently served as Director of Athletics at his alma mater, Anna Maria College, where he led the department through a period of significant growth. He oversaw 13 NCAA Division III varsity sports programs with the AMCATS and was instrumental in launching the College's esports program, expanding club sports, and developing junior varsity teams in football, basketball, and baseball.

"My family and I are incredibly excited to join the Rivier community," says Brady, who will officially join Rivier on August 4, ahead of fall preseason activities. "This is a tremendous opportunity to build on a strong foundation and work alongside passionate coaches, staff, and student-athletes. It was clear during the interview process that the University has momentum and vision, and I'm eager to help advance that trajectory with an outstanding team."

During his tenure at Anna Maria, Brady helped grow alumni and donor engagement by partnering with the Development Office to launch new fundraising initiatives, including the AMCAT Challenge and the department's annual golf tournament. He also provided oversight of the Athletics Hall of Fame, inducting three new classes, and introduced new technologies to improve operations and performance, including Hudl for game analysis and ARI Recruiting Software.

He successfully led the department through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, managing suspended seasons and guiding the safe return to competition. Regionally, he has served on the GNAC Athletic Directors Council and chaired the league's baseball committee, while contributing to campus-wide priorities through roles on the Strategic Planning, Institutional Equity Action, and Enrollment Committees.

"After nearly six years as Director of Athletics, and with deep ties as a coach and proud alum, I am grateful for the relationships and experiences at Anna Maria," says Brady. "I look forward to bringing that same commitment to Rivier, supporting the continued growth of Raiders athletics and contributing to the University's broader mission."

Prior to Anna Maria, Brady held several leadership roles at Clark University in Worcester, Mass., including Associate Director of Athletics, Head Women's Soccer Coach, and Sports Information Director. As the winningest coach in program history, he led the Cougars to eight appearances in the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) postseason.

Brady earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Management Information Systems from Anna Maria College. He holds National and Advanced Coaching Diplomas from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Coaching Academy, as well as a U.S. Soccer Federation "C" License. He has also served as a goalkeeper coach for the Massachusetts State Olympic Development Program and has contributed to institutional governance through committee service at both Anna Maria and Clark.