Director of Athletics and Recreation
National Collegiate Athletic Association, Chicago, IL, United States
Position Summary
The University of Chicago seeks a dynamic and experienced leader for the position of Director of Athletics and Recreation. The Director will oversee a department with an annual operating budget of $9.6 million, approximately 56 staff members, and a range of athletic and recreational facilities, including two indoor centers, outdoor fields, courts, and a 400‑meter track. The department sponsors 20 intercollegiate sports, 40 club sports, and a large intramural program.
Reporting directly to the Dean of Students and serving on the Campus and Student Life leadership team, the Director will design and implement programs that balance rigorous academics with athletics, recreation, and wellness.
Responsibilities
Provide exemplary and visionary leadership, fostering a culture of professionalism, integrity, and respect at all levels.
Lead the athletics, fitness, and recreational sports programs, setting goals, allocating resources, and developing policies.
Oversee the administration of the intercollegiate athletics program, ensuring compliance with NCAA Division III, UAA, Midwest Conference, and Title IX guidelines.
Develop a strategic plan with the Advancement department to enhance philanthropic efforts and meet fundraising goals.
Collaborate with the Office of College Admissions to support recruitment and meet institutional goals.
Provide professional development and mentoring to attract, develop, and retain a diverse, high‑performing coaching and staff team.
Manage the Gerald Ratner Athletics Center, Henry Crown Field House, and all outdoor facilities.
Represent the Department in national conferences, university events, and the Annual Athletics Hall of Fame.
Build effective working relationships with faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors, and the local community.
Partner with local schools and non‑profits to foster community engagement.
Advocate for student balance between academic and athletic commitments.
Serve as a strategic leader on campus, contributing to broader university discussions and committees.
Oversee a comprehensive intercollegiate sports information and marketing program.
Successful Candidate
Excitement and optimism for the role of athletics and recreation in higher education.
Wisdom and superb judgment, able to make difficult decisions fairly.
Demonstrated engagement in campus life and support for student interests.
Liveliness of intellect and collaborative spirit in a rigorously analytic culture.
Commitment to diversity, with a record of advancing inclusive communities.
Effective ambassador for the department and university, particularly in fundraising.
Proven skills as a senior manager in a complex organization, mentoring staff and stewarding budget and space.
Flexibility, creativity, and resilience to achieve results in an intricate environment.
Ability to build creative partnerships and engage all constituencies.
Strong communication skills, cultivating collegial relationships and unity.
Maturity, presence, and gravitas to engage trustees and other leaders.
Devotion to the highest ethical standards and personal integrity.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
Leadership with the highest ethical standards.
Demonstrated commitment to a program of academic and athletic excellence.
Demonstrated experience in donor development and fundraising.
Coaching and teaching experience is highly desirable.
Application Process Applications must include a cover letter, resume, and list of references, and should be submitted to the Parker Executive Search website by
April 24, 2026 . Confidential review will begin immediately and continue until the appointment is made.
The University of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
Contact Daniel Parker, Vice President and Managing Director Grant Higgison, Principal Khristian Carr, Executive Recruiting Coordinator Parker Executive Search ghiggison@parkersearch.com | kcarr@parkersearch.com 770‑804‑1996 x. 118 | 770‑804‑1996 x. 134
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Reporting directly to the Dean of Students and serving on the Campus and Student Life leadership team, the Director will design and implement programs that balance rigorous academics with athletics, recreation, and wellness.
Responsibilities
Provide exemplary and visionary leadership, fostering a culture of professionalism, integrity, and respect at all levels.
Lead the athletics, fitness, and recreational sports programs, setting goals, allocating resources, and developing policies.
Oversee the administration of the intercollegiate athletics program, ensuring compliance with NCAA Division III, UAA, Midwest Conference, and Title IX guidelines.
Develop a strategic plan with the Advancement department to enhance philanthropic efforts and meet fundraising goals.
Collaborate with the Office of College Admissions to support recruitment and meet institutional goals.
Provide professional development and mentoring to attract, develop, and retain a diverse, high‑performing coaching and staff team.
Manage the Gerald Ratner Athletics Center, Henry Crown Field House, and all outdoor facilities.
Represent the Department in national conferences, university events, and the Annual Athletics Hall of Fame.
Build effective working relationships with faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors, and the local community.
Partner with local schools and non‑profits to foster community engagement.
Advocate for student balance between academic and athletic commitments.
Serve as a strategic leader on campus, contributing to broader university discussions and committees.
Oversee a comprehensive intercollegiate sports information and marketing program.
Successful Candidate
Excitement and optimism for the role of athletics and recreation in higher education.
Wisdom and superb judgment, able to make difficult decisions fairly.
Demonstrated engagement in campus life and support for student interests.
Liveliness of intellect and collaborative spirit in a rigorously analytic culture.
Commitment to diversity, with a record of advancing inclusive communities.
Effective ambassador for the department and university, particularly in fundraising.
Proven skills as a senior manager in a complex organization, mentoring staff and stewarding budget and space.
Flexibility, creativity, and resilience to achieve results in an intricate environment.
Ability to build creative partnerships and engage all constituencies.
Strong communication skills, cultivating collegial relationships and unity.
Maturity, presence, and gravitas to engage trustees and other leaders.
Devotion to the highest ethical standards and personal integrity.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
Leadership with the highest ethical standards.
Demonstrated commitment to a program of academic and athletic excellence.
Demonstrated experience in donor development and fundraising.
Coaching and teaching experience is highly desirable.
Application Process Applications must include a cover letter, resume, and list of references, and should be submitted to the Parker Executive Search website by
April 24, 2026 . Confidential review will begin immediately and continue until the appointment is made.
The University of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
Contact Daniel Parker, Vice President and Managing Director Grant Higgison, Principal Khristian Carr, Executive Recruiting Coordinator Parker Executive Search ghiggison@parkersearch.com | kcarr@parkersearch.com 770‑804‑1996 x. 118 | 770‑804‑1996 x. 134
#J-18808-Ljbffr