Director of Athletics

EXPIRED

The Director of Athletics will provide visionary leadership and strategic direction to advance the mission of the Athletics Department and Millikin University. This role is dedicated to fostering an environment that emphasizes character development, integrity, and active engagement with prospective, admitted, and enrolled students. As a member of the President’s Council, the Director plays a critical role in University leadership and contributes to institutional decision-making.

The Director will cultivate and maintain positive working relationships across all University divisions, as well as with the greater Decatur community and beyond. Collaborating with the Vice President of Enrollment, Marketing, and Communications, the Director will develop and implement enrollment strategies that support the Athletics Department and align with broader University objectives. Collaborating with the Vice President of Student Affairs to proactively provide student success support services to student-athletes. This role also partners with Academic Affairs to design and implement recreation, intramural, and club sports programs that enhance the student experience and retention. Additionally, the Director will serve as the primary liaison to the Decatur Park District, fostering partnerships that benefit both the University and the local community.

This position ensures fiscal responsibility and equity within the Athletics department by providing oversight and analysis. They are responsible for promoting the educational and operational success of all sports programs, conducting consistent and formal performance evaluations for the coaching staff, and maintaining updated policies and procedures to ensure efficient departmental operations.

_ This position has been designated as an “Alternate” Employee under the Emergency Preparedness Plan in order to ensure that University operations continue uninterrupted during periods of public health or other emergencies, including those that require Millikin University to close or restrict operations. _

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Demonstrate a commitment to the philosophy and vision of the Division III student-athlete experience.
• Create and implement strategic initiatives that ensure the Athletics Department’s leadership, financial viability, and the development of competitive, sustainable programs, all while prioritizing alignment with the University’s mission.
• Actively support the mission of Millikin University by serving as a prominent and engaged leader at student events, community gatherings, and supporter functions, reinforcing the connection between the University and its stakeholders.
• Communicate a clear vision to guide the department, ensuring student-athlete success.
• Serve as a visible and engaged leader by attending and supporting men's and women's athletic events.
• Recruit, hire, mentor, and evaluate a diverse, student-focused team of coaches, support staff, and student workers to foster a culture of excellence and inclusivity.
• Supervise all department staff, including coaches, administrative staff, and student workers.

The Director of Athletics will provide visionary leadership and strategic direction to advance the mission of the Athletics Department and Millikin University. This role is dedicated to fostering an environment that emphasizes character development, integrity, and active engagement with prospective, admitted, and enrolled students. As a member of the President’s Council, the Director plays a critical role in University leadership and contributes to institutional decision-making.

The Director will cultivate and maintain positive working relationships across all University divisions, as well as with the greater Decatur community and beyond. Collaborating with the Vice President of Enrollment, Marketing, and Communications, the Director will develop and implement enrollment strategies that support the Athletics Department and align with broader University objectives. Collaborating with the Vice President of Student Affairs to proactively provide student success support services to student-athletes. This role also partners with Academic Affairs to design and implement recreation, intramural, and club sports programs that enhance the student experience and retention. Additionally, the Director will serve as the primary liaison to the Decatur Park District, fostering partnerships that benefit both the University and the local community.

This position ensures fiscal responsibility and equity within the Athletics department by providing oversight and analysis. They are responsible for promoting the educational and operational success of all sports programs, conducting consistent and formal performance evaluations for the coaching staff, and maintaining updated policies and procedures to ensure efficient departmental operations.

_ This position has been designated as an “Alternate” Employee under the Emergency Preparedness Plan in order to ensure that University operations continue uninterrupted during periods of public health or other emergencies, including those that require Millikin University to close or restrict operations. _

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Demonstrate a commitment to the philosophy and vision of the Division III student-athlete experience.
• Create and implement strategic initiatives that ensure the Athletics Department’s leadership, financial viability, and the development of competitive, sustainable programs, all while prioritizing alignment with the University’s mission.
• Actively support the mission of Millikin University by serving as a prominent and engaged leader at student events, community gatherings, and supporter functions, reinforcing the connection between the University and its stakeholders.
• Communicate a clear vision to guide the department, ensuring student-athlete success.
• Serve as a visible and engaged leader by attending and supporting men's and women's athletic events.
• Recruit, hire, mentor, and evaluate a diverse, student-focused team of coaches, support staff, and student workers to foster a culture of excellence and inclusivity.
• Supervise all department staff, including coaches, administrative staff, and student workers.
• Provides oversight and supervision of training and staff development while seeking out opportunities for professional development for the self and staff of the department.
• Communicate clear expectations for student-athlete enrollment levels and roster management to achieve optimal size, quality, and diversity for athletic teams.
• Partner with the Alumni and Development division to achieve athletic and institutional fundraising goals, adhering to university policies and best practices.
• Allocate resources strategically and equitably to meet the Athletics Department's and the University's goals.
• Collaborate with Academic and Student Affairs to build, implement, and staff an inclusive recreation and intramural program designed to enhance student development and persistence.
• Provide guidance, oversight, and support during departmental or campus-wide emergencies or crises.
• Represent Millikin University as an active leader at NCAA and College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) meetings.
• Serve as a collaborative partner with the Decatur Park District.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Directly supervises the Athletics Department. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the university’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training staff members, planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining staff members; and addressing complaints and resolving issues.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE** :**

Minimal Job Qualifications

• Master’s Degree
• 10 years of combined Collegiate Head Coaching and Athletic Administration experience
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of and dedication to the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III philosophy, including adherence to its regulations and rules.
• Shows an understanding of the CCIW, its member institutions, teams, and governance structure.
• Exhibits strong interpersonal and group communication skills to build and sustain relationships and foster collaboration within and beyond the department.
• Personal Attributes:
  • A driven professional who sets and achieves ambitious goals, with a strong focus on measurable outcomes and continuous improvement.
  • Leads with integrity, understanding and upholding the legal and ethical aspects of athletics.
  • Charismatic and personable with a naturally engaging approach, capable of connecting with individuals and building lasting relationships.
  • A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion with the ability to engage diverse constituencies and promote an inclusive advancement culture reflective of the Universities values.
  • A passion for higher education and a commitment to the University’s mission and values.

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