Director of Intercollegiate Athletics - Concordia University, Chicago : Job Details

The Director of Intercollegiate Athletics is a dynamic individual who exhibits a vibrant personal faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, displaying Christ-centered servant leadership and a commitment to athletic excellence and student success. This individual seeks opportunities to integrate the mission, vision, and core values of Concordia University Chicago into his/her daily work with students, faculty, and fellow staff members.

Reporting to the Vice President for Student Success/Dean of Students, the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics is responsible for the direction, management and leadership of the University's athletic department. In a collaborative capacity, the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics works with several campus constituencies to create a vision appropriate and consistent with the mission of Concordia University Chicago. The Director of Intercollegiate Athletics is responsible for creating a positive culture within the Athletic Department, in which team members collaborate with one another and treat one another with respect while pursuing athletic excellence, developing the character of student athletes, and supporting the well-being of students in their faith, academics, physical health, and mental health. The Director of Intercollegiate Athletics initiates, develops, and implements strategic plans for recruitment and fundraising through the marketing of athletic facilities and programs. Additionally, the Director of Athletics actively engages in departmental initiatives that support recruitment, student success, retention, and progress toward graduation for all student-athletes.

Supervision/Management

• Provides leadership, serves with integrity and in advocacy for the athletic program at Concordia University Chicago (CUC). Models, monitors, and maintains the highest Christian standards for coaches, athletes and support staff.
• Manages and supervises the CUC intercollegiate athletic program, currently consisting of 20 intercollegiate sports, coaching staff, athletic trainers, sports information, support staff, graduate assistants, and student employees in adherence to NCAA and Title IX guidelines.
• Creates a positive culture within the Athletic Department, in which team members collaborate with one another and treat one another with mutual respect.
• Supervises coaches and conducts annual performance evaluations of head coaches and administrative staff.
• Supervises duties of support staff and conducts annual performance evaluations of their activities.
• Hires and directs training of new employees in the Athletic Department.
• Develops and maintains handbook for coaches and student athletes.
• Prepares, monitors, and administers the annual department budget.
• Assesses and recommends appropriate staffing structure for the Athletic Department.
• Evaluates program activities; prepares periodic reports as required.
• Collaborates with the Registrar's Office to maintain compliance with the NCAA, Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC), and Concordia University Chicago rules and regulations governing intercollegiate athletics.
• Coordinates the repair and maintenance of athletic facilities with the Physical Plant staff.
• Oversees athletic facility coordination; approves scheduling and contracting of athletic events and develops and maintains policies for use of Geiseman Memorial Gymnasium spaces and outdoor athletic facilities.

Marketing, Promotion, and Fundraising

• Serves as the lead fundraiser for the Athletic Department and develops annual and long-term fund-raising plans.
• Recommends and manages marketing initiatives, such as summer sports camps and hosting of high school athletic events that promote the visibility of Concordia's athletics program.
• Engages in a variety of marketing and public relations activities and represents the University at alumni and other external events.
• Provides leadership and support toward the annual CUC Hall of Fame Banquet, Cougar Classic Golf Outing, Booster Clubs, and other initiatives designed to enhance and strengthen athletics at Concordia University Chicago.
• Coordinates publicity and marketing efforts with the University's Marketing Communications Department.

Student-Athlete Recruitment and Retention

• Initiates, develops and implements strategic recruitment plans that complement admission recruitment.
• Identifies and implements strategies that promote student retention of program participants.
• Regularly monitors student-athlete recruitment and retention progress and helps to ensure success in both of these areas.

Skill Sets:

• Strong administrative and organizational skills
• Superior verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Enthusiastic supporter of Lutheran higher education and Concordia University Chicago
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff, administration, and students
• Excellent computer and technology skills
• Must demonstrate a commitment to the mission, goals, and values of Concordia University Chicago
• Working knowledge of Title IX law and investigation procedures preferred.
• Knowledge of student conduct/behavior management software preferred.
• Knowledge of student housing software preferred.

Minimum Experience Required:

• Five years of relevant administrative and coaching experience (or a combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills are acquired)
• Demonstrated, strong administrative, budget, and personnel management skills
• Evidence of program/event planning and successful fund-raising experience
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of recruitment and retention practices at a non-scholarship institution
• Knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations
• Significant experience with the management of personnel, budget, and facility operations
• Ability to multi-task and communicate effectively with a wide range of constituent groups
• Demonstrated commitment to the academic and personal development centered in the Christian faith of student-athletes

Education Requirements: Master's Degree preferred.

Compensation and Benefits:

Starting range is dependent upon individual qualifications and experience. Concordia health, disability and retirement plan enrollment is available to full-time employees and their eligible dependents. Tuition benefits may also be available for employees and their qualified dependents.

Application Information:

Interested individuals should apply through our website at www.cuchicago.edu/employment. Please include a cover letter, resume and references.

Concordia does not discriminate in the employment of individuals on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, disability, sex or age. As an institution of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, however, and to the extent allowed by law, Concordia University reserves the right to give preference in employment based upon religious affiliation.

Concordia University Chicago does not generally sponsor for employment visas except for positions that oversee, teach or support our international programs.

About Concordia University Chicago: Concordia University Chicago is a liberal arts-based Christian university founded in the Lutheran tradition. Through its College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, College of Education, College of Graduate Studies, and College of Innovative and Professional Programs, Concordia-Chicago offers more than 160 areas of study in small classes taught by professors who are passionate about teaching and student success. All undergraduate and graduate degrees are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Concordia University Chicago has been recognized as a College of Distinction since 2010, and in 2013 was named to the U.S. President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for the fifth time. For the sixth consecutive year, combined undergraduate and graduate enrollment has exceeded more than 5,000 students. Concordia University Chicago is located in River Forest, 10 miles west of downtown Chicago. Learn more at CUChicago.edu.

As a distinctive, comprehensive university of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, centered in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and based in the liberal arts, Concordia University Chicago equips men and women to serve and lead with integrity, creativity, competence and compassion in a diverse, interconnected and increasingly urbanized church and world.