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About the Position   
The University of Chicago seeks a dynamic and experienced leader for the position of Director of Athletics and Recreation. Reporting directly to the Dean of Students in the University and serving on the CSL leadership team, the Director of Athletics and Recreation will be empowered to design and implement athletics and recreation programs. They must understand the important balance between academic success in a rigorous academic setting and athletic, recreational, and wellness endeavors, while working to support this commitment with faculty, other academic appointees, and staff, both internal and external to the Department. The new Director of Athletics and Recreation must possess leadership skills, knowledge, and appreciation for intercollegiate athletics, intramural and club sports and recreation, and significant fundraising experience. Other key responsibilities are recruiting and managing key personnel, including 13 head coaches and six direct reports, oversight of the Department’s budget, fundraising, marketing, planning for and overseeing sports facilities, and completing all other duties as assigned by the University. They must be a strategic partner with the Dean of Students in the University and other senior leaders, and advocate for student needs, build community, and collaborate with the College, the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid, and the Office of Advancement, among other critical university partners. As part of the core values of the University, the Director must have an appreciation for the critical importance of diversity and inclusion initiatives and is to cultivate an aligned, inclusive and respectful community. This expectation will be executed with innovative programming for students and staff, diverse applicant pools for employment opportunities, and working closely with campus partners to ensure these values are part of a holistic approach to recruiting diverse student-athletes. The Director must also ensure strict compliance with NCAA rules and regulations and all applicable UAA, Midwest Conference and University policies.

Duties and Responsibilities:  

• Lead the athletics, fitness, and recreational sports programs that report to the Director of Athletics and Recreation and provide a vision and strategy by setting goals, stimulating program development, allocating resources, assessing student and other institutional needs, developing appropriate policies, fostering open communication with and among campus constituencies, promoting relevant evaluation methodologies, and participating in decision-making processes.
• Oversee the administration of the intercollegiate athletics program. Maintain accountability for its design, operation, and evaluation, ensuring compliance with institutional, UAA, Midwest Conference, and NCAA guidelines and requirements. Monitor Title IX compliance.
• In collaboration with the University Advancement department, develop a strategic plan to ensure ongoing philanthropic effort and success.
• Identify and meet the Department’s fundraising goals by leading the strategic planning, coordination and supervision of fund-raising events and promotional activities for intercollegiate athletics.
• · Partner with the Office of College Admissions to respond to and anticipate, in innovative and creative ways, the needs of a new generation of incoming students. Organize and monitor recruitment efforts of the coaching staff to ensure strong recruiting classes that meet institutional needs and goals.
• Provide the professional development and mentoring that are necessary to attract, develop, and retain a diverse group of successful coaches and administrative staff, while also fostering an inclusive environment bolstered by positive morale and strong relationships.
• Lead the management and operation of the Gerald Ratner Athletics Center and the Henry Crown Field House, as well as the outdoor fields, courts, and running track.
• Participate actively in national conference meetings and activities. Preside over and speak at signature University events, including the Annual Athletics Hall of Fame celebration and Aims of Athletics address.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships and communications with faculty, administrators, staff, the student body, student-athlete advisory bodies, alumni, parents and friends, donors, and the local community regarding athletics and recreation at the University.
  
• Continue departmental momentum around building and cultivating community relationships with local schools and non-profit organizations with engagement from departmental staff and student-athletes.
• Champion a committed effort to support students to find a balance between academic and athletic success in a rigorous academic setting, while simultaneously working with faculty/staff, both internal and external to the Department, to support this commitment.
• Serve as a strategic leader on campus, contributing to discussion about how to better serve students and the University’s mission.
• Seek opportunities to participate and contribute to University committees and campus discussions on a variety of student and institutional issues.
• Provide vision and oversight for a quality and comprehensive intercollegiate sports information and marketing program.

The Successful Candidate

• Excitement and optimism for the role of athletics and recreation in higher education while navigating the complexities of external forces impacting the work.
• Wisdom and superb judgment. The capacity to make and stand by difficult decisions while mindful of the need for fairness, consistency, and the impact of each decision on individuals and the broader community.
• Evidence of engagement in campus life issues and a record of providing support and opportunities for students. The ability to advocate persuasively for student interests and cultivate broader student engagement around supporting athletics.
• Liveliness of intellect and the commitment to engage collaboratively with colleagues. A habit of mind that will be at home in an intensely analytic culture that values rigorous inquiry and debate.
• A commitment to diversity and the ability to develop and support inclusive communities. A demonstrated record of advancing diversity and a deep understanding of the educational value of a diverse community.
• Ability to serve as an effective and willing ambassador for the Department and the University, including the capacity to be an effective leader in fundraising efforts.
• A record of fostering excellence in student development. The ability to foster collaboration and productive partnerships with a broad range of constituencies, both within and outside the institution.
• Proven skills as a senior manager in a complex organization. Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop staff and provide successful oversight of people, budget, and space. An inclination to clarity and accountability.
• The flexibility, managerial creativity, and resiliency required to achieve results in an intricate organization. Openness to risk, change, and criticism. A high degree of self-confidence and the ability to face challenges calmly
• Ability to build creative partnerships and engage faculty, students, staff and parents as champions of athletics.
• Demonstrated capacity to communicate broadly across the University and work across boundaries, cultivate and sustain collegial relationships, and build unity around difficult issues.
• The maturity, presence, and gravitas to engage effectively with all constituencies, including University trustees.
• Devotion to the highest ethical standards and personal and professional integrity above reproach. Play an active role in refining, articulating, and disseminating these standards.

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 

The University of Chicago invites nominations and applications or expressions of interest to be submitted to the search firm assisting the University. Applications must include a cover letter, resume, and list of references. For full consideration, application materials should be submitted to Parker Executive Search’s website by April, 24, 2026. Confidential review of materials will begin immediately and continue until the appointment is made. 

For additional information, please contact: 

Daniel Parker, Vice President and Managing Director 
Grant Higgison, Principal 
Khristian Carr, Executive Recruiting Coordinator 

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