Director of Athletics and Recreation

EXPIRED

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University

Department:

Office of the President

Time Type:

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American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University

Department:

Office of the President

Time Type:

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Full time

Work Modality:

Full On Campus Presence

Union:

Job Description:

About American University

Chartered by an Act of Congress in 1893, American University (AU) is a private, student-centered research institution located on an 90-acre campus in a residential neighborhood only a few miles from downtown Washington, DC. The University’s mission is carried out by over 950 full-time faculty and more than 1,700 full-time staff. Recognized for its emphasis on experiential education, impactful research, and personalized teaching, AU’s community is deeply connected to the institutions and culture of the nation’s capital, serving as one of the largest employers in Washington, DC and ranking among the Nation’s leading universities.

AU is home to seven prestigious schools and colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Public Affairs, Washington College of Law, Kogod School of Business, School of International Service, School of Communication, and School of Education—that draw upon the extraordinary cultural, scientific, public affairs, legal, business, international, and communications resources in the greater metropolitan area of Washington, DC. AU’s schools offer more than 170 programs and have around 14,000 students enrolled. With both modern and historic facilities, American University provides an ideal collegiate setting, characterized by Federal-style architecture and the contemporary Cyrus and Myrtle Katzen Arts Center, a state-of-the-art exhibition and performance space that serves both the University and greater DC communities.

About American Athletics

American University’s athletics and recreation program is an integral part of the AU community and plays a key role in the overall education and development of students. Each student-athlete embraces and adheres to a timeless set of core values– Integrity, Respect, Accountability, and Excellence – that are the essence of the AU Athletic Department.

American Universityhas several sports facilities, includingBender Arena, which houses the Jacobs Fitness Center, the Reeves Aquatic Center, and is the home of AU's men’s and women’s basketball teams and AU's nationally ranked wrestling team. Along with these incredible facilities, American University is building The Meltzer Center for Athletic Performance, which will advance AU’s efforts to recruit, retain, and compete within the Patriot League. The Meltzer Centerwill enable AU student-athletes to elevate their competitive performance and will also expand recreation, fitness, and community-building opportunities for the entire AU community. Centrally located in the heart of campus, these enhanced facilities will provide all students with resources and spaces to learn lifelong skills, further a sense of belonging on campus, foster physical and mental well-being, and build capacity to thrive in an increasingly complex world.

Position Summary

American University seeks a dynamic, innovative leader to direct its athletics and recreation program. Reporting directly to the University President, the Director of Athletics and Recreation will serve as a member of the AU Senior Leadership team. The Director will provide a clear vision of the role and mission of athletics, leading a program of academic and competitive success built upon foundational core values of integrity; excellence; human dignity; community; diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusive excellence; free inquiry and seeking the truth; impact; and holistic development of student-athletes. The Director of Athletics and Recreation is also responsible for the athletic budget, personnel, strategic planning, fund-raising, marketing, sports facilities, and the overall management of the athletic and recreation programs.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to achieve university goals for competitiveness, student academic achievement, the student-athlete experience, compliance, financial management, and event attendance that reflects the mission and values of the university as a whole.

• Demonstrate core competencies in the areas of leadership and vision, the development of a strategy to advance that vision and the management and oversight of a complex organization.

• Commensurate with the University’s goals and standards as well as Title IX and Patriot League and NCAA rules and regulations, build and sustain an athletics program that strengthens all sports to be competitive at the championship level while ensuring an exceptional academic and overall experience for each student-athlete.

• Work collaboratively and diligently to actively participate, engage in, and oversee fund-raising activities for the athletics program, including the identification and solicitation of individuals, corporations and sponsors for annual giving, endowment, scholarship and major gift support.

• Possess high political acumen with the ability to navigate and manage the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics and the role it plays within higher education to include, but not limited to: new legislation, the monetization of sports, regulatory industries, state and federal mandates, digital media streaming and T.V. revenue, and the American Athletics fanbase – locally, nationally, and internationally.

• Possess an appreciation for the importance of developing student-athletes who are both outstanding performers and individuals of character.

• Participate actively in professional organizations through attendance at conferences, clinics and conventions as needed for an understanding of current developments within all areas of responsibility.

• Promote programs and generate fan support for student-athletes through developing and executing comprehensive marketing and communications strategies designed to enhance national awareness and generate revenues and resources for the university’s athletics department.

• Organize and supervise the entire athletics staff and delegate specific responsibilities to ensure the efficient and productive operation of all administrative and operational business functions of the department.

• Provide oversight of AU’s Recreational Sports & Fitness programs and facilities.

• Proven ability to recruit, lead, mentor, inspire and retain a diverse pool of strong, ethical and talented coaches and administrators who are committed to student success.

• Serve as a collaborative and strategic member of the university’s senior leadership team.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree is required.

• The successful candidate will have a demonstrated record of administrative leadership and accomplishment in university or college sports programs to include visionary strategic and operational leadership, creative and conceptual thinking and effective resources management; or equivalent management experience.

• Reputation as a strategic leader of integrity and vision who is firm, yet flexible, trusted, and respected.

• Clear understanding of the role of athletics and student-athletes in a major research university setting and evidence of strong communications skills that are central to building relationships with internal and external constituents.

• Demonstrated track record of success in designing and implementing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives within an intercollegiate athletics context.

• Superior leadership, management, supervisory, public relations, communications and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work successfully with students, faculty, staff, alumni and professional colleagues.

• Demonstrate an understanding of how recreation plays a role with recruitment and retention of students to the university.

Application Process

American University invites nominations and applications or expressions of interest to be submitted to the search firm assisting the University. 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 February 5, 2024. Confidential review of materials will begin immediately and continue until the appointment is made.

For additional information, please contact:

Daniel Parker, Vice President and Managing Director

DeLaina Sarden, Principal

Xavier Harper, Executive Recruiting Coordinator

danielparker@parkersearch.com | dsarden@parkersearch.com | xharper@parkersearch.com

Parker Executive Search

770-804-1996 ext. 119 | 770-804-1996 ext. 123

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite.Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.

Other Details

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.

• Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.

• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• American University is an E-Verify and Right to Work employer.

Current American University Employees

American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log intoWorkdayand select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, emailtheworkline@american.edu.

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.

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