Job Description:

Job Summary:

The University of Chicago seeks a dynamic and experienced leader for the position of Director of Athletics and Recreation. Reporting directly to the Dean of Students in the University, the Director of Athletics and Recreation must understand the important balance between academic success in a rigorous academic setting and athletic, recreational, and wellness endeavors, while working to support this commitment with faculty, other academic appointees, and staff, both internal and external to the Department. The new Director of Athletics and Recreation must possess leadership skills, knowledge, and appreciation for intercollegiate athletics, intramural and club sports and recreation, and fundraising experience. They must be a strategic partner with the Dean of Students in the University and other senior leaders, and advocate for student needs, build community, and collaborate successfully with the College, the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid, and the Office of Alumni Relations and Development, among other critical university partners. Other key responsibilities are recruiting and managing key personnel, including 13 head coaches and 6 direct reports, oversight for the Departmentâ™s budget, fundraising, marketing, planning for and overseeing sports facilities, and completing all other duties as assigned by the University. As part of the core values of the University, the Director must have an appreciation for the critical importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and is expected lead a Department that fosters a welcoming environment that promotes and celebrates all dimensions of difference and diversity. This expectation will be executed with innovative programming for students and staff, diverse applicant pools for employment opportunities, and working closely with campus partners to ensure these values are part of a holistic approach to recruiting diverse student-athletes. 

The University of Chicago invites nominations and applications or expressions of interest to be submitted to Parker Executive Search, the search firm assisting the University.

Responsibilities:

• Provide exemplary and visionary leadership and role-modeling for sustaining a culture of professionalism, integrity, and respect at all levels.
• Lead the athletics, fitness, and recreational sports programs that report to the Director of Athletics and Recreation and provide a vision and strategy by setting goals, stimulating program development, allocating resources, assessing student and other institutional needs, developing appropriate policies, fostering open communication with and among campus constituencies, promoting relevant evaluation methodologies, and participating in decision-making processes.
• Oversee the administration of the intercollegiate athletics program. Maintain accountability for its design, operation, and evaluation, ensuring compliance with institutional, UAA, and NCAA guidelines and requirements. Monitor Title compliance.
• In collaboration with the Universityâ™s Alumni Relations and Development office, develop a strategic plan to ensure ongoing philanthropic effort and success.
• Identify and meet the Departmentâ™s fundraising goals by leading the strategic planning, coordination and supervision of fund-raising events and promotional activities for intercollegiate athletics.
• Respond to and anticipate, in innovative and creative ways, the needs of a new generation of incoming students, and partner with the Office of College Admissions for a seamless transition ensuring high levels of . Organize and monitor recruitment efforts of the coaching staff to ensure enrollment of qualified student athletes.
• Support the professional development of the administrative and coaching staffs and establish positive morale and relationships.
• Lead the management and operation of the Gerald Ratner Athletics Center and the Henry Crown Field House, as well as the outdoor fields, courts, and running track.
• Participate actively in national conference meetings and activities. Preside over and speak at signature University events, including the Annual Athletics Hall of Fame celebration and Aims of Athletics address.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships and communications with faculty, administrators, staff, the student body, student-athlete advisory bodies, alumni, parents and friends, donors, and the local community regarding athletics and recreation at the University.
• Champion a committed effort to support students to find a balance between academic and athletic success in a rigorous academic setting, while simultaneously working with faculty/staff, both internal and external to the Department, to support this commitment.
• Seek opportunities to participate and contribute to University committees and campus discussions on a variety of student and institutional issues.
• Provide vision and oversight for a quality and comprehensive intercollegiate sports information and marketing program.

Competencies:

• Wisdom and superb judgment. The capacity to make and stand by difficult decisions while mindful of the need for fairness, consistency, and the impact of each decision on individuals and the broader community.
• Evidence of engagement in campus life issues and a record of providing support and opportunities for students. The ability to advocate persuasively for student interests.
• Liveliness of intellect and the commitment to engage collaboratively with colleagues. A habit of mind that will be at home in an intensely analytic culture that values rigorous inquiry and debate.
• A commitment to diversity and the ability to develop and support inclusive communities. A demonstrated record of advancing diversity and a deep understanding of the educational value of a diverse community.
• Ability to serve as an effective and willing ambassador for the Department and the University, including the capacity to be an effective leader in fundraising efforts.
• A record of fostering excellence in student development. The ability to foster collaboration and productive partnerships with a broad range of constituencies, both within and outside the institution.
• Proven skills as a senior manager in a complex organization. Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop staff and provide successful oversight of people, budget, and space. An inclination to clarity and accountability.
• The flexibility, managerial creativity, and resiliency required to achieve results in an intricate organization. Openness to risk, change, and criticism. A high degree of self-confidence and the ability to face challenges calmly.
• Demonstrated capacity to communicate broadly across the University and work across boundaries, cultivate and sustain collegial relationships, and build unity around difficult issues.
• The maturity, presence, and gravitas to engage effectively with all constituencies, including University trustees.
• Devotion to the highest ethical standards and personal and professional integrity above reproach. Play an active role in refining, articulating, and disseminating these standards.

Education, Experience or Certifications:

Education:

• Bachelorâ™s degree required.
• Master's degree preferred.

Experience:

• Leadership with the highest ethical standards.
• Demonstrated commitment to a program of academic and athletic excellence.
• Understanding of Division III athletics.
• Demonstrated experience in donor development and fundraising.
• Coaching and teaching experience is highly desirable.

Required Documents

• Resume/CV
• Cover letter
• References Contact Information
• For full consideration, application materials must be submitted to the University of Chicago and Parker Executive Searchâ™s website by March 12, 2021. Confidential review of materials will begin immediately and continue until the appointment is made.

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via the Applicant Inquiry Form.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.