Director of Athletics and Recreation
WATERLOO – This position collaborates with upper administration to provide vision, leadership, and direction for the Hawkeye Community College intercollegiate athletics and recreation departments.
The director is responsible for ensuring achievement of strategic plan goals and objectives; supervision of department staff, sound fiscal management and general oversight of all athletic and recreation activities to include intramurals and facility management on campus as well as a liaison to off campus venues.
This position is charged with leading the athletic and recreation departments to continue the commitment of providing a vibrant and holistic experience for all students on campus.
Furthermore, the director’s leadership provides a structure for a positive student-athlete experience that contributes to the academic and competitive success of all programs while adhering to institutional enrollment and retention goals. The director is responsible for compliance with institutional policies, Title IX, Clery Act, Iowa Community College Athletic Conference (ICCAC), and National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) rules and regulations, as well as local, state, and federal laws. Familiarity with the National Junior College Athletic Association Esports (NJCAAE), United States Bowling Congress (USBC), or National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) or similar sports shooting organizations preferred.
Essential Job Functions
Important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Leadership and Supervision
- In collaboration with the executive vice president, implement a strategic plan to accomplish stated goals and measurable objectives for the athletic and recreation programs
- Ensure that the athletic programs operate as an educational sport program, ensuring a balanced emphasis on academic and sport performance outcomes as demonstrated by athletic program success, regional and national honors, graduation rates, team GPA, and retention rates of student-athletes
- Ensure the athletic and recreation department’s commitment to institutional and divisional goals around equity, inclusion and diversity in student athlete and coaching/staff recruitment, educational opportunities and professional development
- Conform to the highest standards of professional conduct regarding compliance with department and institutional policies and procedures and adherence to the rules and regulations of athletic governance organizations of which the institution is a member
- Supervise a comprehensive and diverse staff that includes compliance, events, coaching, recreation, intramurals, fitness instruction, facility supervision, internships, and student employment in both full-time and part-time roles
- Create, maintain, and mentor a highly competent and effective coaching staff by recruiting and hiring qualified head coaches, encouraging professional development, evaluating and providing assessments of performance, and other related activities
- Collaborate with the Human Resources department to develop employment contracts for both internal staff as well as contracted employees for athletic training services
Compliance
- Primarily responsible for student athlete eligibility, ensuring ongoing eligibility, and preparing reports for the NJCAA utilizing the online eligibility and reporting website
- In conjunction with the department of institutional research, produce reports for the Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act (EADA), as well as the board of trustees, cabinet, and other reports as requested
- Enforces safety and health regulations and coordinates with appropriate staff on athletic insurance issues while overseeing the secondary insurance claim process
- Ensure Hawkeye’s approach to Title IX reflects the institution’s commitment to gender equity
Recruitment and Enrollment
- Oversees the athletic scholarship process to ensure all rules and regulations are enforced while adhering to budgetary parameters to include letters of intent, release agreements, transfer tracking forms and transfer waivers
- Supervises all recruitment activities within the intercollegiate athletic programs to ensure compliance with conference and national rules in alignment with institutional goals
- Collaborates with the office of international admissions in an effort to increase the opportunities for international student-athletes while enhancing their overall experience on campus
Operations
- Determine the use of resources to support goals and objectives through the development and implementation of an annual budget while ensuring the use of all resources in congruent with the highest standards of fiscal accountability and ethical conduct
- Effectively oversee the athletic and recreation departments to ensure fair use, care, and maintenance of shared facilities, i.e. gym floor, weight room, etc.
- Work with staff to develop season schedules and travel accommodations for intercollegiate athletic events and practices as well as recreational activities, e.g. intramurals, health fair, etc.
Scholarship and Fundraising
- Oversee fund-raising efforts while participating in various opportunities to raise funds and awareness for the athletic and recreation departments to include sponsorships, advertising, and other mutually beneficial partnerships
College-wide and Community Relationships
- Represent the athletic and recreation departments on various ad hoc committees in addition to serving as a key member of the Student Affairs Leadership Team
- Represent the institution at conference and national athletic governance association meetings
- Coordinate public relations and other outreach activities that enhance community relations, e.g. volunteer, community services, sports camps, etc.
- Collaborates with the Marketing and Public Relations department to disseminate sports information through various modes including hard copy, social media, and the athletics’ website while also managing and maintaining current information on said website
- Serve as a key liaison to develop, preserve, and enhance partnerships and relationships with local entities that are crucial to the success of the athletic and recreation department and all student-athletes
- Contribute to the maintenance and enhancement of good working relationships with all faculty/staff, student-athletes, and external constituents
- Collaborates with faculty and other support areas to ensure that student athletes receive needed intervention and academic assistance in a timely manner
- Act as a spokesperson for athletics and recreation through various internal communications and external media outlets
Complete other duties as assigned by the Executive Vice President
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, Sport Management/Administration, Health Promotion/Fitness Management, Leisure Services, Business Administration, Recreation or related field
- Five years of experience in athletic administration, recreation, or other relevant work
- Experience with budget administration and fiscal monitoring
- Demonstrated knowledge of NJCCA, NCAA, or NAIA rules and regulations
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Experience supervising and motivating staff to achieve department goals
- Ability to work a flexible schedule to include evenings and weekends
- Possess a deep understanding of current trends and issues facing collegiate recreation
- Possess a deep understanding of current trends and issues facing intercollegiate athletics, with a clear commitment to the education and development of student athletes and the ability to articulate a strategic vision for athletics
- Strong commitment to high ethical standards, integrity, equity, diversity, and inclusion
- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, students, and the public
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Exercise Science, Sport Management/Administration, Health Promotion/Fitness Management, Higher Education, Leisure Services, Business Administration, Recreation, or related field
- Experience serving in athletics or recreation services in a collegiate environment
- Experience as an assistant or associate director of athletics at a college or university
- Familiarity with the National Junior College Athletic Association Esports (NJCAAE), United States Bowling Congress (USBC), or National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) or similar sports shooting organizations
Employment Status
Full time position with comprehensive benefits program including health, dental, vision, life, and LTD insurance, a Section 125 plan for medical and dependent care expenses; personal and sick leave; and a choice of retirement programs—IPERS (defined benefit) or TIAA (defined contribution). Salary will be commensurate with the applicant’s education and experience. Anticipated hours will be flexible including evenings and weekends.
Working Conditions
Requires skills for succeeding in an office and outdoor environment, using technology. Requires good hand-eye coordination including visual acuity to use a keyboard and read technical information; arm, hand and finger dexterity, including ability to grasp. Sit, stand, bend, lift and move intermittently during working hours. During course of day, interact with students, faculty and staff in person, by telephone and computer.
Position also requires travel to different athletic facilities and venues. Working hours vary and include evenings and weekends, depending on activities and competitions.
Application Procedure
To be considered for this position, a cover letter, resume, and references must be included with the application.
All application submissions must be submitted by Sunday, November 15, 2020 by 11:59 PM CST.
Candidates invited as finalists in the process will be asked to send official transcripts and undergo a reference check. Employment is contingent on successful completion of a criminal background check.
Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
If you are in need of any special accommodation in completing the application process, please notify a member of Human Resource Services.