About the Position
Reporting to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Director of Athletics is responsible for all aspects of the College’s intercollegiate athletics, physical education, intramural sports, rugby and crew programs, as well as athletic communications in coordination with the Office of Communications and Marketing. As the department’s chief administrator, the Director provides strategic and operational leadership for Middlebury’s comprehensive athletics program and is responsible for developing and implementing policies and managing the department’s budget. The Director is also the principal representative of the College in all matters pertaining to athletics with the campus, community, alumni, and other external constituencies. Building on Middlebury’s proud tradition of competitive and academic excellence, the Director will guide the continued evolution of a successful department of experienced coaches and dedicated staff. This includes thoughtfully assessing administrative structures and coaching responsibilities to ensure they effectively support the department’s current scope, strategic priorities, and long-term sustainability. The Director plays a vital role in maintaining and enhancing the educational benefits of a comprehensive athletics program. This position is unique within the institution, as the Director is primarily responsible for monitoring the balance between academics and athletics, ensuring that the demands of a highly competitive intercollegiate athletics program align with the College’s broader academic mission. Working collaboratively with the President, senior administration, faculty, Admissions, Student Affairs, Advancement, Human Resources, Finance, Communications and Marketing, and other campus partners, the Director ensures athletics remains fully aligned with Middlebury’s liberal arts mission and commitment to holistic student development. As a visible campus and conference leader, the Director represents Middlebury Athletics within NESCAC and NCAA governance and engages alumni, families, trustees, and the broader community. The role offers an opportunity to steward a department rich in tradition while positioning it for continued excellence, innovation, and responsible growth. The successful candidate for this position must be a proven educator, committed to providing strong leadership both within the athletic department and across campus. They should have a clear and articulate understanding of the positive role of athletics in a rigorous academic environment and be willing to advocate for the place of sports in liberal arts education.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provide visionary leadership that fosters excellence in academics and athletics, while embracing equity in opportunity, good sportsmanship, and ethical conduct at all levels.
- Support and advance Middlebury’s commitment to ensuring an equitable and inclusive learning and working environment by continuing to create and implement new strategies to further foster belonging for the student-athlete, coaches, and administrative staff.
- Oversee all operations of the Athletics Department including management and supervision of head coaches and other administrative and support staff.
- Provide strategic direction by setting goals to stimulate program development, setting policies, and developing and managing a complex budget that supports the department’s priorities.
- Build and maintain relationships with the NESCAC and the NCAA and participate actively in related meetings and activities.
- Ensure compliance with institutional policies, NESCAC and NCAA rules and policies, state and federal laws, and Title IX regulations.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships and communications with faculty, administrators, staff, students, alumni, and the local community regarding the athletic department’s programs.
- Cultivate the passion for the student-athlete experience and collaborate with faculty and staff to help students find the necessary balance between athletic endeavors and academic success in a rigorous academic setting.
- Actively contribute to Middlebury committees and campus discussions on a variety of student and institutional issues.
- Recruit, retain, and develop the administrative and coaching staff, promoting their accomplishments and establishing positive morale and relationships.
- Lead the development of the athletics department’s fundraising and engagement goals and strategies, and work closely with the President, Office of Advancement, alumni, parents, and the broader Middlebury community to meet strategic needs and increase financial support for Middlebury’s athletics programs.
- Provide oversight and vision for athletics facility project planning, renovations, and operations.
- Possess high political and business acumen with the ability to navigate and manage the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
- Progressive leadership experience in collegiate athletics administration.
- Demonstrated ability to oversee complex operations, budgeting, and personnel management.
- Deep understanding of NCAA Division III philosophy and NESCAC conference governance
- Strong interpersonal and collaborative leadership skills with the ability to work effectively across constituencies.
- Demonstrated integrity and adherence to all applicable NCAA, NESCAC, and institutional policies.
Application Process
Middlebury College invites nominations and applications or expressions of interest to be submitted to the search firm assisting the College. Applications must include a cover letter, resume or curriculum vitae, and list of references. For full consideration, application materials should be submitted to Parker Executive Search’s website by April 16, 2026. Confidential review of materials will begin immediately and continue until the appointment is made. website.
For additional information, please contact:
Daniel Parker, Vice President and Managing Director
Grant Higgison, Principal
Khristian Carr, Associate
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