October 21, 2022
Position Title
Director of Athletics
Hiring Unit
Office of the Chancellor
Job Description
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE), a member of the Southern Illinois University system and NCAA Division I, seeks a dynamic, collaborative, forward-thinking leader as its next director of athletics. Applications and nominations are invited.
SIUE's next director of athletics plays a strategic role in advancing the Cougars to the next level of excellence in academic and athletic performance. The director has the opportunity to build a strong administrative team through a strategic associate athletic director hire; to mentor an experienced and committed staff; and to provide the kind of inspirational and visionary leadership that ushers in the next era of competitive success, in complete alignment with an exemplary student-athlete experience.
SIUE is situated on 2,660+ acres of beautiful woodland atop the bluffs overlooking the natural beauty of the Mississippi River's rich bottomland and only a short drive from downtown St. Louis. The campus is home to a diverse student body of more than 12,500 students pursuing graduate and undergraduate degrees. SIUE is an NCAA Division I member of the Ohio Valley Conference, the Missouri Valley Conference (men’s soccer) and the Mid-American Conference (men’s wrestling).
Reporting directly to Chancellor Dr. James T. Minor, the next director will oversee 16 sports, provide leadership in the execution of all activities, operations and policies while working with university leadership to achieve institutional and departmental mission and goals. The director is responsible to ensure that all sports exceed the minimum NCAA Academic Progress standards and must demonstrate a commitment to SIUE's values, particularly in the areas of academic excellence, competitiveness, diversity, equity and inclusion and student success.
SIUE's next director of athletics will have the opportunity to nurture and grow the success of a valued athletics program at a top-ranked public university. As a strategic partner in the chancellor's cabinet, they will join a committed and ambitious leadership team who are executing the chancellor's newly announced strategic plan. With a focus on energized and strategic leadership to "graduate champions", the new director will be responsible for management of the department, including budget matters, establishing goals, compliance with NCAA and league by-laws, academic success, the well-being of student-athletes and sustaining a culture of winning. Primary responsibilities and duties include:
▪ Provide supervision and management of the department, administrative staff and head coaches;
▪ Develop a vision for the department that ensures the care, safety, well-being, integrity and competitive success for all student-athletes representing SIUE;
▪ Provide regular and real-time updates to the Chancellor on important matters concerning the athletics programs and the well-being of student athletes;
▪ Represent SIUE and the athletics department in developing relationships with alumni, donors, community members, parents and others in order to generate additional resources through philanthropic support, tickets sales and other revenue generating opportunities;
▪ Establish goals for the department, its athletic programs and metrics to measure progress;
▪ Represent the university at relevant National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Ohio Valley Conference (OVC), Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) and Mid-American Conference (MAC) meetings and events;
▪ Actively work to align the mission, vision and goals of intercollegiate athletics with those of the university;
▪ Approve the hiring of exceptional coaches, administrative staff, support staff and other personnel associated with the department;
▪ Develop a culture of inclusivity and support SIUE's anti-racist culture;
▪ Serve as a senior strategist and collaborator in athletics and university fundraising efforts, including the development of capital projects; and
▪ Perform other duties and support special projects as assigned by the Chancellor.
SIUE Director of Athletics Leadership Profile
SIUE Athletics
With a total student-athlete roster of approximately 260, SIUE is a proud sponsor of 16 sports: men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's soccer, and men's and women's indoor and outdoor track and field; women's softball, tennis and volleyball; and men's baseball, golf and wrestling.
Ranked first in Illinois for public universities and in the top 20 nationwide for student-athlete graduation rates. Student-athletes perform in the academic top tier of the nation's Division I public institutions, having maintained a cumulative semester grade point average of 3.0 or higher for the past 32 semesters. In addition, their 2021 Graduation Success Rate (GSR) was 93%. Women's basketball, soccer, volleyball and tennis as well as men's golf, track and field/cross country topped this list, with GSR scores of 100%.
On the field and on the court, the Cougars have earned 14 team conference titles in women's soccer (six), women's tennis (four) men's soccer (three) and softball (one) since 2013. As individuals, they have won 63 conference championship titles in the sports of indoor and outdoor track and field and wrestling. The Cougars are host to eight competitive and practice venues, enabling their student-athletes and coaches to host opponents and fans alike. Student-athletes are also supported by a dedicated and talented roster of professionals for academic success, career development, compliance and athletic performance including strength and conditioning and sports medicine.
The SIUE athletic program has been developed with the belief that intercollegiate sports, subscribing to the principles of good sportsmanship, rules compliance and integrity, are beneficial activities which contribute to the physical, intellectual and social experiences of the entire University community. Athletics complements the instructional research and service programs of the University and functions within the framework of the University’s overall goals.
In harmony with the stated mission of the University, the goals of SIUE Athletics are to enhance the physical and intellectual abilities of those participating in the program, and provide for the physical and social welfare of its student-athletes. In addition, the program will provide an opportunity for alumni, fans, students and the community at large to engage and connect with SIUE.
Learn more about programs, teams, and support at: SIUE Cougars
Qualifications
SIUE seeks a driven, relational and enthusiastic leader to move their athletics department forward as the next director of athletics. At the minimum, the next director will hold a master's degree and have at least five years of senior-level athletic administration and/or a similar type of leadership role in a relevant field. The strongest candidates will also have demonstrated success in carrying out the responsibilities of a higher education administrator including personnel supervision, fiscal management, external relations, and an understanding of and commitment to NCAA bylaws and compliance. The next director will have a proven track record of fundraising success with the potential to build relationships and partnerships across campus, in the surrounding community and the greater St. Louis region.
In addition, the university seeks a leader with the following attributes:
▪ Authentic, engaging personality with strong relational and advocacy skills;
▪ Transparent, ethical leadership;
▪ Innovative, forward-thinking, creative, optimistic problem-solving;
▪ Progressive, visionary leadership focused on achievement;
▪ Team-orientation and optimistic servant leadership;
▪ Excellent management skills;
▪ Fiscal acumen;
▪ Experience reporting to upper-level administration.
Source of Funds
State
Salary
Commensurate with experience and qualifications. SIUE offers an exceptional array of benefits to all full-time and part-time employees (50% or more receive benefits accrued at percentage of appointment) including:
*Medical, dental and vision insurance;
*Life insurance;
*SURS retirement plan;
*Supplemental retirement savings plans;
*Vacation accrual;
*Generous holiday schedule;
*WorkLife programs;
*Employee Assistance Program (mental health and wellness);
*Employee discounts (local and national retailers);
*Flexible Spending Account Program;
*University tuition waivers.
For more about our benefits and employee services, visit: https://www.siue.edu/human-resources/benefits
Application Process
All applications, nominations and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the opportunities and expectations for leadership and other themes in this profile.
WittKieffer is assisting SIUE in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by December 2, 2022.
Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer’s candidate portal.
Nominations and inquiries can be directed to:
Jeff Compher and Sandra Chu SIUEAD@WittKieffer.com
SIUE is a state university. Benefits under state-sponsored plans may not be available to holders of F1 or J1 visas. Applicants will be subject to a background check prior to an offer of employment. SIUE is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce. We will not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, national origin, religion, disability, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation or veteran’s status. We strongly encourage candidates from historically underrepresented groups, including women, members of racially minoritized groups, and individuals with disabilities, to apply. For more on our Statement of Diversity, visit: https://www.siue.edu/about/mission-goals-plans/diversity.shtml
The SIUE Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at http://www.siue.edu/securityreport. The report contains campus safety and security information, crime statistics, fire safety policies, and fire statistics for the previous three calendar years. This report is published in compliance with Federal law, titled the “Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act” and the Higher Education Opportunity Act also known as the “Campus Fire Safety Right to Know.” For those without computer access, a paper copy of the report may be obtained, with a 24-hour notice, from the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Administration, 1-618-650-2536.