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Form of workJob Description
Summary and Purpose:
This position’s primary responsibility is to direct and oversee an intercollegiate athletic program which consists of 30 varsity and six junior varsity sports. Approximately 700 student-athletes are involved in the program. The director supervises a large staff (over 60 staff members- a mix of full and part-time employees) as well as a large group of student workers. This is a very diverse and multi-faceted administrative position.
The College seeks a strong leader and administrator of its Intercollegiate Athletics program who will work cooperatively with students, faculty and staff across the College to advance its athletics program, recruit and retain exceptional coaches and promote academic and athletic achievement.
The successful candidate will have outstanding communication skills while working with all constituent groups on campus. The Director of Athletics will be encouraged to seek avenues on campus to advance the athletics program in an effort to provide positive experiences for all Aquinas students with emphasis on student-athletes. This position will be a strong distillation of internal operations, as well as leadership development, collaboration, success and growth of the Intercollegiate Athletics program. The Director will work with the President, Vice President of Enrollment and other senior administrators to advance the overall mission, vision, goals and objectives of Aquinas College.
Responsibilities/Duties/Tasks/Essential Functions:
The Director of Intercollegiate Athletics is responsible for superior and effective planning, leadership, and administration of the Department of Athletics within the framework of the overall academic mission of the College. Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate the capacity to be successful in all of the following areas:
Supervise all administrative, operational and business functions of the Department in accordance with the policies and procedures established by the College, including sports medicine policies, oversight of Sturrus Center, Alksnis Building and other Aquinas properties and rentals.
Identify and prioritize the Department’s funding requirements and administer the annual operating budget, including managing the creation of purchasing and all budget paperwork.
Recruit and provide leadership, organization and management of the coaching and administrative staff in in order to attain optimal operational, academic, fiscal and athletic performance
Interaction with other campus departments (Faculty Assembly Intercollegiate Committee, Dean of Students, Admissions Office, Financial Aid Office, Operations (Physical Plant, Custodial, Campus Safety, and Conferencing), Marketing, Student-Athlete Advisory Board, Provost’s Office, and the Office of Student Success).
Coordinate hiring, training, supervision, and evaluation of approximately 60 staff and student employees
Event administration which includes staff, organization, set-up and clean-up for over 130 home events per year. Travel arrangements and details for a similar number of away events are also needed.
Oversee recruitment for 30 varsity sports coaches. Coordinate all athletic grants with the Financial Aid Office.
Coordinate all fundraising needed to supplement team budget, including coordinating the with the and Alumni to streamline all gift giving to athletics.
Supports a faculty representative in certifying approximately 700 student athletes each semester for eligibility.
Work with the Sports Information to supervise publications, releases, web site, on campus message boards, and media relations.
Supervise purchasing, storage and all inventories for all team equipment, uniforms, and supplies.
Serve on the WHAC Conference and NAIA Great Lakes Region executive committees for policy making and conference competition. On occasion serves on NAIA national committees.
Coordinates all leases, agreements, and planning for off campus athletic facilities for Aquinas teams. (Bowling, golf, hockey, tennis, softball, baseball, cross country and outdoor track.
Serve on Aquinas Hall of Fame Committee for selection, planning and program of AQ Gala Event.
Complete all Aquinas College, WHAC Conference, NAIA and Federal annual reports in conjunction with staff and financial aid office.
Lead fundraising efforts as needed to help off-set costs for the athletic department
Work to stay within budget and discount rate for student athletes
Meet with coaches and enrollment management to ensure recruitment and retention goals are being met
Commitment to assisting college enrollment growth
Bachelor’s Degree Required (Masters Preferred) in Business Administration, Sport Management or Athletic Administration background preferred
Eight years in a Collegiate athletic administrative and coaching position preferred
Strong interpersonal and communications skills needed.
Marketing and public relations background needed
Affiliation, experience and active engagement with professional organizations appropriate to the institution and position
Understanding of the dynamics and trends in Intercollegiate Athletics in general, WHAC and NAIA in particular
Ability to work effectively with a diverse and multicultural student body, faculty and staff
Experience in complex budgets required with experience in various financial aid application strategies preferred
Must have excellent communication, written and verbal, and interpersonal skills
Ability to work across departments to ensure the success of Aquinas students
Work is performed in a variety of weather conditions, indoor and outdoor
Must be able to function effectively in a busy environment with interruptions.
Constant use of computer and telephone.
Some occasional lifting (20-35 pounds)
MISSION, VISION, VALUES:
Aquinas College, an inclusive educational community rooted in the Catholic and Dominican traditions, provides a liberal arts education with a global perspective, emphasizes career preparation focused on leadership and service to others, and fosters a commitment to lifelong learning dedicated to the pursuit of truth and the common good.
Aquinas College is recognized as the exceptional Catholic liberal arts college that prepares individuals for careers of leadership and service in developing a sustainable and just global community. Aquinas College is recognized by its values: Faith, Service, Learning and Community.
Aquinas College prides itself as a leader in sustainability, and this requires the participation of every member of the college community. In this regard, employees and their supervisors are expected to engage in the process of “appreciative inquiry” to identify ways that each position can advance sustainability in the employment experience.
In the performance of their respective tasks and duties, all employees are expected to conform to the Aquinas College Service Statement:
The College serves our community with excellence and respect through an institutional commitment to quality, accountability, cooperation, professionalism and responsiveness.
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Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Aquinas College is an equal opportunity employer and an inclusive educational community rooted in the Catholic Dominican tradition. Aquinas College provides a liberal arts education with a global perspective, emphasizes career preparation focused on leadership and service to others, and fosters a commitment to lifelong learning dedicated to the pursuit of truth and the common good. Aquinas College values: Faith, Learning, Service and Community.
Additional information about our athletic programs can be found at https://www.aquinas.edu/athletics
