Athletic Director

Goshen College is a Christian liberal arts institution that prepares students to thrive
in life, leadership and service. We strive to model an inclusive community committed to transformative justice, peace, and sustainability. A respect and appreciation of the Anabaptist-Mennonite faith perspective and practices, and a commitment to the mission, vision, core values and community standards of Goshen College, are important for teaching and administrative faculty members.

Goshen College seeks an experienced leader to serve as director of the Maple Leafs Athletic program of Goshen College, a member of the Crossroads League of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. Maple Leafs Athletics empowers Goshen College student-athletes to lead, serve and build community through competitive athletics. Maple Leafs Athletics has 16 varsity teams in nine sports. The department includes 13 full-time coaches, 2 part-time associate directors of athletics, 2 trainers, and 1 sports information director supported by a part-time statistician. Goshen College currently enrolls 300 student athletes, around one third of our total student body, who achieve high academic outcomes and retention rates, similar to GC students college-wide. In recent years, men’s and women’s cross-country teams and several track & field athletes have competed at the NAIA nationals.

The athletic director (A.D.) oversees all aspects of the Maple Leafs Athletic department and serves on the president’s cabinet to strengthen collaborations with academics, advancement and student life. The A.D. oversees a staff of around 15 regular employees (staff) and 100 temporary employees, student employees, and volunteers; athletics facilities and playing surfaces; complex budgets (including fundraising/donations, revenue, etc.); sponsorship, marketing, and promotions; community relations and outreach; NAIA compliance; athletic communications; athletic health care administration; summer sports camps and clinics; and game and event management.

The A.D. is the official representation of GC athletics both internally and externally. Maple Leaf Athletics plays a critical role in the institution’s enrollment strategy and the athletic director actively participates with vice presidents to set enrollment goals, manage financial aid and discount rate strategies, and oversee the recruitment and retention of student athletes. The athletic department is also uniquely positioned to connect with a diverse set of constituents, with the athletic director serving as a promoter of the athletic department and college through a comprehensive approach to public relations, engaging with the Maple Leaf Athletic Council and being visible in the greater community. The A.D. works with the president and president’s cabinet to develop strategic directions and plans for the athletic department that foster an environment that allows the athletic department to advance and enables student athletes to thrive at the college. The A.D. is responsible for the recruitment, hiring and professional development of all athletic department staff. In representing the college at the conference (Crossroads League) and national (NAIA) levels, the A.D. is expected to advocate for the college on relevant policy and procedural issues.

Required Qualifications

• • Master’s degree required in an area related to Management, Administration, Athletics or Physical Education
  • No less than 5 years prior experience required in an area related to Athletics or Physical Education
  • Demonstrated understanding of, and a commitment to: the college mission and purpose; and, student success
  • Strong fiscal management and ability to create departmental budgets
  • Strong management skills that include the ability to inspire coaches while simultaneously holding them accountable
  • Outstanding written and verbal communication skills at multiple levels.
  • Ability to envision, lead and collaboratively build systems and culture that celebrate all of our student athletes and enable them to thrive.
  • Strong organizational skills. Demonstrated experience in facilitating meetings and helping groups and organizations to work and collaborate more effectively
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills. Ability to work with both campus and external communities.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality
  • Well organized, strong on follow-through
  • Highly motivated and self-directed

Preferred Qualifications

• • Minimum of one year head coach experience at the collegiate level
  • Knowledge of national athletic governing bodies and associated compliance manuals
  • Understanding of communications, social media and public relations
  • Experience managing game-day operations and athletic competitions
  • Experience with using Salesforce or similar student information management system
  • Demonstrated experience developing and implementing successful recruitment strategies for student athletes
  • Demonstrated experience in fundraising for athletics

Essential Functions

Athletic Department Management (60%)

• Oversight and management of the overall athletic department programs, coaches and assistant coaches
  • Supervision of all athletic head coaches, staff, and athletic leadership team
  • Oversee roster sizes, schedules, transportation needs, inventory reports
  • Conduct yearly performance evaluations of the athletic department staff to ensure ongoing development and areas of growth are being addressed and remedied
  • Meet with students and parents if necessary to listen to concerns and ideas
• Oversight and management of the athletic department budget and finances
• Oversee athletic event management through effective collaboration and delegation
• In collaboration with the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Vice President of Finance & Operations, set annual student athlete recruitment, net tuition revenue goals and strategies, and ensure the coaches are taking appropriate action to achieve these goals.
• Develop and maintain adequate local, regional, and/or national recruitment networks with high school coaches and/or athletic directors
• Oversee athletics compliance and eligibility within the athletic governing bodies of the NAIA and Goshen College
• Oversee student athlete conduct issues in conjunction with Student Life

Leadership and Communication (30%)

• Represent Goshen College to the broader constituency and Goshen community in formal and informal settings
• Develop and implement the athletic department strategic plan
• Coordinate with the Assistant Athletic Director of Communications and Operations, coaches, communications and marketing office, college administration
• Develop and promote programs for our student athletes to promote academic success, community engagement, and student leadership
• Partner with the Vice President for Institutional Advancement and the advancement team to develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising and donor engagement strategy for the athletic department.
• Lead and develop the Maple Leaf Athletic Council in support of institutional fundraising goals.
• Represent Goshen College in activities of the Crossroads League and the NAIA

Institutional Service (10%)

• Serve as a member of the president’s cabinet.
• Serve as a member of the Enrollment Leadership Team.
• Other duties as assigned

Salary and Benefits

• Health insurance (employee premium 100% covered)
• Dental, vision, life and LTD insurance
• Retirement plans
• Tuition discounts
• Professional development
• Free employee membership to Recreation/Fitness Center
• Flexible Spending Account
• Paid holidays and sick leave

See our website for additional benefits information

How to Apply:

Application materials may be attached to the Faculty Application Form or sent electronically to hr@goshen.edu. Goshen College will not be sponsoring candidates for this position.

Required:

• Complete and submit the online Faculty Information Form
• Cover Letter
• Résumé
• List of three professional references with contact information

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Goshen College is an equal opportunity employer, committed to enhancing diversity across the institution. Goshen College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or any legally protected status. To protect the welfare and provide for the safety of the students, employees, visitors, and resources of Goshen College, background checks are conducted by the Office of Human Resources on all new and re-hired employees.

Human Resources
Goshen College
1700 S. Main Street
Goshen, IN 46526-4795

E-mail: hr@goshen.edu
Telephone: (574) 535-7111

About Goshen College:

Goshen College is an affordable, nationally-ranked Christian liberal arts college in Northern Indiana known for leadership in intercultural and international education, sustainability and social justice. The college offers bachelor’s degrees in more than 65 areas of study, as well as select graduate degrees. Goshen enrolls approximately 950 students from 35 states and 23 countries and is recognized for its innovative, life-changing study abroad program (Study-Service Term) and exceptional educational value. The 135-acre tree-filled campus features a world-class Music Center and a Rec-Fitness Center for 14 intercollegiate athletic teams. The extended campus includes a 1,189-acre natural sanctuary (the Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center near Wolf Lake, Ind.) and a marine biology lab in the Florida Keys. Rooted in the historically peaceful Mennonite church and established in 1894, the college’s Christ-centered mission produces passionate learners, compassionate peacemakers, global citizens and servant leaders. The college’s doors are open to all, with students from 40 different Christian denominations and several world religions. Experiential learning, faculty mentors and strong friendships are significant community strengths for students.

The college is located in the heart of Elkhart County in Northern Indiana, just a couple of hours from Chicago, Indianapolis and Detroit. Goshen was named the 2017 Indiana Community of the Year by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce for its amazing arts and entertainment, food scene, recreational opportunities, outstanding schools, affordable living, cultural diversity and entrepreneurial spirit. Learn more at goodofgoshen.com.