Details
Posted: 19-Apr-22
Location: Spring Arbor, Michigan
Required Education: Master’s
Employment Type:
Full-time
Organization Type:
Higher Education Institution
SUMMARY
The Director of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA) plans, implements, administers, coordinates, and assesses Spring Arbor University’s (SAU) NAIA intercollegiate athletic program, playing a vital role in the development of student-athletes, the maintenance of the quality and character of the athletic program, and the enhancement of community and conference relationships to advance the University’s mission. The DIA reports to the Vice President for Student Development and Success and provides strong supervisory, fundraising, and community relations leadership for a comprehensive intercollegiate athletic program and is responsible for the sound fiscal management of the department’s general operations and scholarship budget. In addition, the DIA ensures the athletic department operates within an approved strategic plan and with a commitment to collaborate across the institution to further student success, team competitiveness, and the mission of the institution.
The appointee has managerial oversight responsibilities for assistant athletic directors, head coaches, and the Sports Information Director. Indirect supervision is exercised over the Faculty Athletic Representative and the athletic trainers, the latter of which support our teams in partnership with Henry Ford Jackson Hospital. A key responsibility is an enthusiastic commitment to, implementation of, and personal investment in the University’s
Concept and our whole-person development model. Candidates should exhibit the fruits of a vibrant
Christian faith and exemplary character and embrace and support our Christian mission within the Free Methodist tradition.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Administration
- Collaborates with the President, Executive Vice President, and others to support and implement a comprehensive vision for a Christ-centered culture of athletics consistent with the University’s mission, affording the university distinction in higher education
- Provides operating guidance for matters concerning the intercollegiate athletic program and assists with the development and achievement of college-wide goals and policies consistent with the mission, vision, and values at the University
- Provides leadership and management for the development, implementation, and evaluation of an annual operational plan for high-quality NAIA intercollegiate athletic programs, staff, and activities that (a) enhance student-athlete retention, (b) promote strategic growth of the department, (c) foster community relationships, (d) nurture staff development, (e) catalyze marketing and public relations, and (f) improve facilities
- Administers departmental funds and accounts in a fiscally responsible manner; oversees the inventory, control, issuance, and maintenance of athletic equipment and facilities; and maintains active participation in University, conference, and NAIA planning systems and professional development opportunities
- Establishes and implements operational policies and procedures related to student conduct, recruitment, athletics agreements, athletic scholarships, scheduling, and the student-athlete experience
- Maintains appropriate intercollegiate athletic department policies, procedures, and practices, ensuring consistency with all University policies, NAIA rules and certification requirements, and all state and federal laws
- Recruits, hires, and ultimately supervises and directs high-performance coaches and athletic staff members to ensure that the University’s athletic department has a highly competent coaching, administrative, and support staff consistent with its mission
- Sustains an intra- and interdepartmental culture of sportsmanship, professionalism, and respect
- Evaluates all intercollegiate athletic programs and activities on an annual basis and submits a report to the Vice President for Student Development
- Serves as a staff resource for intercollegiate athletics to the Board of Trustees, President’s Cabinet, Student Development and Success Direct Reports, and on committees as requested
Student-Athlete Success
- Oversees the recruitment of student-athletes in accord with the University’s enrollment goals
- Ensures an environment that promotes student-athlete health and well-being and is committed to academic values
- Ensures the successful implementation of meaningful and verifiable community service and engagement for the athletic department
- Partners with Student Development and Success and Academic Affairs to create a high level of engagement and academic success, establishing and pursuing student success targets (e.g., division and team GPA, graduation rates, and retention rates)
Partnerships
- Represents the athletic department and the University to external constituents, supporting both in various professional and community contexts and furthering the University’s outward-facing interests
- Develops strong supportive relationships with various internal and external SAU constituencies that meet the needs of SAU in general and Athletics in particular
- Develops alumni athletics events, community relationships, and fundraising opportunities in collaboration with University Advancement
- Oversees sports-media communications, preparing press releases, arranging media coverage for athletic events, and ensuring the appropriate media is informed of the results of athletic events
Culture
- Upholds—and promotes with those under their supervision—the Concept of Spring Arbor University, the Statement of Faith, the Community Covenant, and Student Development and Success values at all times
- Works to create a supportive and positive athletic culture that contributes to a vibrant campus ethos
- Promotes the value of and engagement with the University’s diversity and inclusion initiatives and provides proactive and creative leadership in fostering a dynamic and authentic diverse community
- Embodies the Christian mission and vision of the University and infuses a culture of Christ-centered values and Christ-like behavior within intercollegiate athletics
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required
- Master’s degree from an accredited institution with several years of progressively more responsible and highly relevant experience in coaching and/or athletic administration at the assistant, associate, or director level
- Must be thoroughly supportive of—and exhibit a life and service that is in full accord with—the University’s mission and values as an evangelical Christian university affiliated with the Free Methodist Church, the SAU Concept, and the SAU Community Covenant.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong organizational, management, budgetary, and leadership skills
- Proven commitment to athletic and academic success as well as the holistic growth of student-athletes
- Demonstrated understanding of and successful navigation through NAIA, conference, and institutional policies and practices
Preferred
- Demonstrated success within athletics administration for a minimum of five years
- Previous fundraising experience and a proven ability to attract external support
The individual will exhibit a life and service that is in full accord with the Spring Arbor University Concept and Community Covenant. Experience working in multicultural academic environments preferred and individuals from diverse populations are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
