Director of Athletics, Fitness, and Recreation

• Reports to: Adrian Bautista, Dean of Students and Vice President for Student Affairs

Director of Athletics, Fitness, and Recreation

Kelly Brooks Search Consultant – Athletic Practice Leader

Reporting to the dean of students and vice president for student affairs, the next director of athletics, fitness, and recreation (director) will provide vision, leadership, and oversight for a comprehensive National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III athletics and recreation program. This individual will serve as a key campus leader and core member of the student affairs senior leadership team. The director plays a strategic role in aligning athletics with the college’s broader academic, enrollment, and community engagement goals, and is responsible for shaping and executing a bold vision for a comprehensive program that supports competitive success, campus engagement, physical well-being, and lifelong personal growth.

The role goes well beyond overseeing varsity athletics, encompassing student well-being, institutional advancement, school spirit, and the integration of fitness and recreation into the full Skidmore College experience. The director cultivates and maintains strong relationships with faculty, reflecting Skidmore’s deep integration of academics and athletics. The director also works collaboratively with campus partners, including admissions, enrollment, financial aid, advancement, and facilities services, to align athletic and recreational programs with broader institutional goals and values.

The director is responsible for a department comprising 19 varsity sports, over 80 full-time and part-time professional coaches and staff, over 425 student-athletes, dynamic recreational programs, and intramural sports, fitness and well-being programs, the Lead Like a Thoroughbred leadership training program, and a comprehensive overall budget of approximately $2.8 million. The next director will regularly meet with the president as well as consult him on NCAA and Liberty League matters.

Primary Responsibilities :

• Ensure compliance with NCAA and conference regulations, advising senior leadership on related policy and governance.
• Establish mentorship, professional development, and performance evaluation systems for coaching and administrative staff.
• Provide oversight and guidance for coaching and support staff, student-athlete development programs, and sports performance services.
• Lead the department in assessing and improving the student-athlete and coach experience, investing in continuous growth and feedback.
• Foster an environment of excellence and support that celebrates student-athlete leadership and accomplishments.
• Establish and communicate a clear vision for athletics aligned with Skidmore’s mission, values, and strategic plan.
• Partner with appropriate entities and individuals on NCAA and conference governance, representing Skidmore’s voice regionally and nationally.
• Provide partnership and guidance to coaches in developing sport-specific recruiting plans aligned with Skidmore’s enrollment goals.
• Shepherd continued investment in and oversight of all athletics facilities—including both the McCaffery-Wagman Tennis and Wellness Center, and Williamson Center—as vibrant community hubs.
• Serve as a bridge between athletics and the faculty, cultivating understanding and shared ownership in student-athlete success.
• Build strong relationships across all divisions of the college—admissions and financial aid, advancement (which includes the alumni office), finance and administration (including facilities services), student affairs, and academic affairs.
• Hire, supervise, and support a dedicated team of coaches, sports performance professionals, and administrative staff.
• Conduct annual performance evaluations and create opportunities for staff development aligned with college values.
• Celebrate the college’s proud athletics tradition while building excitement and momentum for the future.

Qualifications and Characteristics of the Successful Candidate

A bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five years of significant, progressive leadership experience in collegiate athletics administration or equivalent leadership experience, including staff supervision, strategic planning, fiscal and facilities management, fundraising, and sport program oversight, are required; an advanced degree is preferred.

The successful candidate will possess a comprehensive understanding of intercollegiate athletics administration, student-athlete development, NCAA compliance within a Division III environment, and exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. A collaborative management approach, an understanding of the role of recruitment and enrollment at a small, highly selective private liberal arts college, familiarity with program development and assessment, and excellent problem-solving abilities will be important considerations in the selection of the next director. Skidmore expects the director of athletics, fitness, and recreation to commit to supporting wellness and recreation in the holistic development of the entire campus community.

In addition to the qualifications stated above, key stakeholders identified several other capabilities and attributes of a successful candidate. As demonstrated through experience, the next director will ideally be equipped to:

• Cultivate strong alumni engagement through effective storytelling, meaningful donor events, and proactive relationship management.
• Manage departmental budgets with integrity and efficiency, optimizing financial and human resources to maximize program impact.
• Engage as a visible and active leader across campus and the broader community, connecting with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and local stakeholders.
• Foster a culture of mentorship and philanthropic engagement among alumni, former student-athletes, and their families.
• Model transformative leadership, combining creativity, humor, compassion, patience, and cultural competence to inspire a cohesive and high-performing athletics community.
• Lead at key fundraising and donor events, including sporting events, to engage supporters and advance development goals.

Skidmore College has benefited from more than two decades of stable and dedicated leadership in athletics, fitness, and recreation. The current director, Gail Cummings-Danson, who was appointed in June 2005, will retire in August 2026 following a distinguished 21-year tenure.

During this period, the department has experienced sustained success across a broad-based athletics program that includes 19 varsity sports and more than 425 student-athletes. Multiple teams have achieved conference championships and consistent competitive performance within the Liberty League, SUNYAC (Men’s Hockey), IHSA (Riding), and at the regional level. Additionally, student-athletes, coaches, and teams have been recognized through Hall of Fame inductions and other honors.

Cummings-Danson’s tenure has been marked by meaningful investment in facilities and infrastructure, including the development of new indoor and outdoor tennis facilities, baseball and softball venues, a field hockey pitch/field, and a boathouse. These enhancements reflect the college’s commitment to providing high-quality experiences for student-athletes and to supporting both competitive excellence and campus-wide engagement.

The longevity of the current director’s leadership has provided continuity, stability, and a strong foundation upon which the next director will build. Skidmore has partnered with Spelman Johnson to conduct a national search for the next director of athletics, fitness, and recreation.

Opportunities and Challenges of the Role

In transitioning to Skidmore College, the director of athletics, fitness, and recreation will encounter the following opportunities, priorities, and challenges, as shared by key campus stakeholders:

• Provide oversight of physical activity courses and programs, ensuring offerings promote physical health, skill development, and broad student engagement. The director will have the opportunity to shape program quality, support campus-wide wellness initiatives, and integrate fitness and recreation into the holistic student experience.
• Collaborate with the office of financial planning and budgeting to oversee department financial operations, including budget planning, forecasting, and reporting, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and responsible resource management.
• Serve as a core member of the student affairs division’s senior leadership team, actively contributing to campus- and division-wide strategy, policy development, and decision-making. This role provides the opportunity to influence institutional priorities, foster collaboration across departments, and help shape the overall student experience.
• Devise and support admissions strategy, including student-athlete recruitment and messaging, to ensure alignment with institutional enrollment goals and to attract high-quality student-athletes who will thrive academically, athletically, and socially at Skidmore.
• Elevate athletics as a central campus and institutional brand, creating visible opportunities for engagement with alumni, prospective students, and community partners, while advancing enrollment, fundraising, and school pride.
• Lead with innovation, building on a strong foundation. The next director can take an entrepreneurial approach to program development, implementing creative strategies and initiatives while benefiting from the trust, goodwill, and positive reputation established by the current long-serving director.
• Leverage a close-knit environment. With most coaches and staff located in the same building and along the same hallway, the director can build strong connections, enhance communication, and cultivate a cohesive athletics community.

Measures of Success

The items listed below will define success for the director of athletics, fitness, and recreation throughout the first year of employment:

• Collaborate closely with the office of advancement. Partner with the new vice president for advancement to develop and execute a strategic fundraising plan, including sport-specific giving models, in alignment with the college’s upcoming capital campaign.
• Create and implement a multi-year comprehensive plan for the department that includes clear metrics, defined milestones, and broad engagement with students, coaches, staff, alumni, and campus partners to guide program growth and development.
• Engage effectively with enrollment, admissions, and financial aid to attract and enroll high-achieving student-athletes who embrace both academic rigor and team values, contributing to a strong and balanced student-athlete population.
• Participate in college- and division-wide committees and strategic discussions. Contribute to broader institutional priorities, providing leadership, insight, and collaboration that advance the college’s mission and integrate athletics into campus-wide initiatives.
• Lead campus-wide participation and spirit at athletic events. Drive efforts to engage students, faculty, staff, alumni, and families at Homecoming, Family Weekend, and other college initiatives, enhancing community pride, visibility of athletics, and overall campus engagement.
• Ensure the McCaffery-Wagman Tennis and Wellness Center facility serves as a visibly welcoming and dynamic hub for wellness, recreation, and campus engagement, enhancing student participation, community involvement, and the overall student experience.
• Implement approaches that ensure competitive compensation, provide mentorship and professional development, and establish clear roles and expectations, fostering a stable, high-performing coaching staff and a strong program culture.

Overview of the Athletics, Fitness, and Recreation Department

Mission Statement

“The Skidmore College department of athletics, fitness, and recreation is committed to pursuing excellence both academically and athletically and subscribes to the NCAA Division III philosophy. The department seeks to be an inclusive and unifying force for the college’s diverse population. To accomplish this, we develop the individual as a whole based on our core values.”

The department provides:

• A vigorous intercollegiate sports program that strives for excellence and is committed to sportsmanship and fair play.
• A physical activity program, intramural program, and fitness program that encourages participation by students, faculty and staff of all abilities and skill levels. Promoting good health and lifelong fitness through a wide variety of offerings.
• Accessible facilities that are maintained and available for Skidmore community members.

Intercollegiate Sports:

Men’s:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Golf
• Ice Hockey
• Lacrosse
• Rowing
• Soccer
• Swimming & Diving
• Tennis

Women’s:

• Basketball
• Field Hockey
• Lacrosse
• Rowing
• Soccer
• Softball
• Swimming & Diving
• Tennis
• Volleyball

Coed:

• Riding

Skidmore College Riding: A Legacy of Excellence

The Skidmore College Riding Program (SCRP) boasts a long history of success, both at home and on the national stage. The main focus of the SCRP is the lessons taught to Skidmore students. Students who participate in the program have a variety of riding experience, from those who have never touched a horse, to those who have been riding and competing for years. Skidmore students can take lessons for Physical Activity (PA) credit; each semester the program accommodates 65-80 students. Students who own their own horses are welcome to board those horses at the stables. Equally important to the program is the riding team, coed again as of 2025. Since 1990, the team has won the IHSA National Championship an unmatched 9 times. The team has a roster of 30 students. The regular season begins in October with the national championship running in early May.

The program also teaches lessons to and boards horses for riders from the local community. The riding program’s sustained success is credited to two very important factors: staff and horses. We have a dedicated staff with years of competition and horsemanship experience who love to teach. The staff work hard to develop and maintain relationships with alumni, other equine professionals, and friends who in turn recommend wonderful horses for donation. The college currently owns 38 horses which are used for lessons in the program and team.

The mission of the Skidmore College Student-Athlete Advisory Committee is to represent the student-athlete voice in order to enhance the overall experience. In keeping with the core philosophy that “Creative Thought Matters,” they aim to promote athletics as an integral part of the college career by strengthening their relationship and communication with the Skidmore community and the community at large.

Liberty League

A member conference of the NCAA’s Division III, the Liberty League has 11 full members, including Skidmore, and sponsors championships in 27 sports. The member institutions of the league place the highest priority on the overall quality of the educational experience and on the successful completion of its student-athletes’ academic programs. The member institutions seek to establish and maintain an environment in which a student-athlete’s athletic activities are conducted as an integral part of the educational experience.

Intramural Sports

The intramural sports program at Skidmore College is designed to provide spirited participation in various sports for enjoyment and physical activity. Leagues are offered to accommodate various levels of competition to enhance the enjoyment of the participants. Emphasis is placed on social interaction and fun.
Fall Intramurals

Winter Intramurals

• Coed Varsity Soccer
• Coed Junior Varsity soccer

Spring Intramurals:

• Coed 5v5 Basketball

Divisional Leadership

Adrian Bautista

Dean of Students and Vice President for Student Affairs

Adrian Bautista joined Skidmore in the fall of 2021 after serving as an associate dean and assistant vice president for Student Life at Oberlin College (OH). He has spent the majority of his career at small liberal arts colleges, where the living and learning experience is central to the student experience. In addition to his leadership positions in student affairs, Bautista held academic administrative roles at Oberlin including Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship Program Coordinator, Posse Liaison, Bonner Scholars Program Director, and Instructor in American Studies.

Bautista serves as a key member of the President’s Cabinet and oversees seven direct reports and about 100 staff in the Division of Student Affairs. As the senior student affairs officer, Bautista works in close collaboration with the entire college leadership team and in partnership with faculty, staff, and students to cultivate student achievement, responsibility, and leadership in an environment that is committed to academic excellence and the development of the whole person.

Bautista holds a PhD in American Culture Studies, an MA in higher education administration, and a BA in history. He has worked closely and effectively with the outgoing director of athletics, fitness, and recreation, fostering a strong, collaborative partnership that has supported the department’s success and alignment with institutional priorities. Their productive working relationship has contributed to a stable and well-integrated athletics program within the broader campus community.

Institutional Overview

Skidmore College is consistently ranked one of the nation’s top liberal arts colleges, recognized for its high-impact learning, small classes, and student well-being. The college is known for its rigorous academics, offers more than 40 academic majors, and is home to a community of 2,700 students from around the world. Skidmore’s campus encompasses more than 750 acres of wooded land at the northwest edge of Saratoga Springs, New York. Skidmore students bring a wide range of academic and cultural experiences to the campus. A student-faculty ratio of 8:1 assures each student the chance for the close faculty attention that enhances the liberal arts experience.

Marc C. Conner became the eighth president of Skidmore College on July 1, 2020.

An innovative leader of interdisciplinary academic programs, a longtime advocate of diverse and inclusive communities and the principles of freedom of speech and expression, and a widely published professor of English, Conner joined Skidmore College following 24 years at Washington and Lee University in Virginia, where he had most recently served as provost and chief academic officer.

As Skidmore’s president, Conner has been dedicated to fostering democratic citizenship and academic freedom. In service of those goals, he convened a Speech and Expression on College Campuses Symposium in 2023 and joined the College Presidents for Civic Preparedness initiative in 2024. He currently serves on the boards of trustees for both Project Pericles and the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities.

Conner has also led collaborative and ambitious campuswide efforts to update Skidmore’s Strategic Plan and Campus Master Plan; oversaw the construction of the McCaffery-Wagman Tennis and Wellness Center; introduced the College’s Racial Justice Initiative; and steered the College through the many challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conner has published extensively on modern American, AfricanAmerican, and Irish literature. His dozens of essays and eight books on literature include “The Selected Letters of Ralph Ellison,” which The New York Times Book Review named a notable book of 2020. He has also produced three lecture series for The Great Courses on Shakespeare and on Irish Literature. His fondest teaching experience has been taking students to Ireland for an intensive study-abroad program, an experience he repeated at Skidmore in the spring of 2024 and in 2026.

To ensure full consideration, interested individuals should submit materials by the priority deadline of May 1, 2026. To apply for this position, please click on the Apply button, complete the brief application process, and upload your resume and position-specific cover letter. Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at or email

Skidmore College is committed to being an inclusive campus community and, as an Equal Opportunity Employer, does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, domestic violence victim status, familial status, dating violence, or stalking, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

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