What are the responsibilities and job description for the Athletic Director position at Goucher College?
Job Description:
Please note: Application Process is not through the Goucher site:
Goucher College invites nominations and applications or expressions of interest to be submitted to the search firm assisting the College. Applications must include a cover letter, resume or curriculum vitae, and list of references. For full consideration, application materials should be submitted to Parker Executive Search’s
website
by March 21st, 2025. Confidential review of materials will begin immediately and continue until the appointment is made.
The Director of Athletics is responsible for organizing and administering all aspects of the College’s NCAA Division III intercollegiate athletics program and IHSA equestrian program. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: supervision of professional staff and coaches; fundraising; compliance and governance of institution, conference, and NCAA rules and Title IX regulations; management of departmental programs and resources, budget development and oversight, community relations, and facilities planning. This oversight includes attention to the role of athletics in the student experience and persistence, college priorities of diversity, access, equity, and belonging, college recruitment and retention, and oversight of the Student Recreation Center. Reporting to the vice president for student affairs, the Director of Athletics is a member of the Student Affairs Leadership Team and will have the opportunity to grow into this role while contributing to the college's strategic priorities.
Goucher College offers 20 NCAA Division III sports and is a member of the Landmark Conference, Eastern College Athletic Conference, and Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association. The men’s tennis and men’s golf teams have recently won Landmark Conference championships, and several other teams regularly compete in ECAC championships as well. Additionally, Goucher’s Equestrian team has been Regional Champion for 13 consecutive years and is consistently ranked nationally. Goucher Athletics also has the Blue & Gold Society, which not only provides financial support for Goucher’s athletic programs and student-athletes, but also provides opportunities for alumnae/i to reconnect and engage with the College and current Gopher sports teams. Society members make up a strong community that values academic excellence, athletic spirit, and the development of strong leaders.
Goucher emphasizes a balance between academics and athletics, allowing student-athletes to excel in both areas while promoting physical fitness, leadership, and personal growth. Many of Goucher’s student-athletes are members of the Arsht Presidential Diplomats program, which is a group of College-selected student leaders who represent Goucher at a variety of community-facing events and in meetings with the community, governmental, and business leaders. The College’s supportive environment allows its student-athletes to grow as leaders and reach their full potential while being part of a tight-knit community. With a variety of athletic facilities, including a sports complex, swimming pool, recently renovated tennis courts, and large on-campus indoor and outdoor equestrian facilities, Goucher supports not only its varsity teams but also recreational and club sports, ensuring all students have opportunities to stay active and engaged in campus life.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Lead the athletics program with a vision for competitiveness and scholar-athlete success.
- Supervise and mentor coaches and administrative staff, fostering a collaborative and engaged departmental culture.
- Establish, communicate, and embody a standard of excellence and accountability for both staff and student-athletes.
- Promote professional development for coaches and staff, empowering them to achieve their potential.
- Collaborate with the Vice President for Advancement to implement fundraising strategies to enhance athletics programs and facilities.
- Develop and maintain a robust portfolio of donors, alumni, and sponsors.
- Lead key athletic fundraising events and work with sport coaches to create a comprehensive advancement plan.
- Serve as a visible, collaborative leader on campus and in the community.
- Partner with coaches and admissions to recruit scholar-athletes.
- Serve as a visible and accessible mentor for student-athletes through developing and sustaining meaningful connections across the entire campus community and having a sustained physical presence at athletics events.
- Maintain a strong, visible presence at athletics events to support student-athletes, coaches, and athletic programs, while advocating for athletics on campus through developing and sustaining meaningful connections across the entire campus community.
- Foster strong relationships with alumni, faculty, and other stakeholders to promote the Athletics Department's goals.
- Efficiently and responsibly manage and administer operating budgets for the department, implementing efficient practices, and ensuring that all resources are optimally maximized.
- Participate on College-wide committees, and collaborate with a variety of internal stakeholders, including: academic affairs, admissions, advancement/alumni relations, communications/marketing, facilities management services, finance, campus safety, and other College departments.
- Ensure strict compliance with all NCAA, Landmark Conference, Eastern College Athletic Conference, Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association, and Goucher policies and legislation, maintaining the highest of ethical standards and integrity in leading the Athletics program. Oversee athletic facilities/venues, operations, and equipment, to ensure safety, accessibility, and optimal playing conditions.
- Lead efforts to assess and enhance the student-athlete experience, focusing on their learning and personal development.
- Regularly supervise ~ 20 positions, including Assistant, Associate, and Senior Associate Athletic Directors, Head Coaches, Director of Athletics Communications, and Compliance Coordinator.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree required; higher degree preferred
- 10 years of significant, progressive professional experience as a coach, and/or athletic administrator with supervisory experience
- Demonstrated leadership initiatives and ability to supervise staff in a dynamic and diverse department
- Foundational understanding of intercollegiate athletics administration, scholar-athlete development, and NCAA compliance
- Proven ability to conceive and execute initiatives, which positively impact the student athlete experience
- A foundational understanding of the role of fundraising in supporting strategic and operating objectives
- A demonstrated ability to recruit, mentor and lead coaches and athletics administrators
- An active commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social responsibility
- A collaborative management approach, superior communication and relationship-building skills, and excellent problem-solving abilities.
- Strong planning and fiscal competencies and familiarity with program development and assessment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Minimal five years of professional experience as a head coach and at least 5 years as an Athletic Administrator with five years of supervision in a complex, dynamic, and diverse department
- Experience in the management of a fitness center, student recreation program, or intramurals
- Experience in developing integrated and successful fundraising campaigns
- Experience with facility construction and upgrades, and associated capital campaigns
Salary: $125,000.
For additional information, please contact:
Daniel Parker, Vice President and Managing Director
DeLaina Sarden, Principal
Gray McGee, Executive Recruiting Coordinator
dsarden@parkersearch.com
| gmcgee@parkersearch.com
Parker Executive Search
770-804-1996 ext. 119 | 770-804-1996 ext. 132
Job Category:
StaffSalary : $125,000
