Career Center

Knox College is a nationally ranked, private, residential liberal arts college of 1,200 undergraduate students located in Galesburg, Illinois. Founded in 1837 by social reformers strongly opposed to slavery, Knox was among one of the first colleges in the United States open to all, regardless of race, gender, and financial means. With a campus population of remarkable diversity that includes students from 45 states and 49 countries, significant representation of first-generation college students, and substantial cultural and racial ethnic diversity, Knox is a vibrant and creative community. Knox College is a founding member of the Midwest Conference and a Division III institution—the Knox Prairie Fire athletics program has 18 intercollegiate sports.

Knox College seeks a dynamic, collaborative, and talented leader to serve as the next director of athletics. With an appreciation for the rigorous academic culture of Knox College, the centrality of wellness for all students, and the importance of intercollegiate and recreational competition for the community, the next director will provide purposeful leadership and direction, with a sharp focus on the mission of the college and the department.

Reporting to the provost and dean of the college, the director is responsible for the visionary leadership, strategic direction, management, coordination, and supervision of a comprehensive NCAA Division III intercollegiate athletics program, including oversight of the fitness center, club sports, and intramurals, 18 varsity sports, 380 student-athletes, and a staff of 37, inclusive of coaches, athletic trainers, and administrative staff. Additionally, the director will serve in an advisory capacity to the President on strategic priorities.

The new director will be responsible for continuing to enhance the competitiveness of a Division III intercollegiate athletics program found within an academically rigorous liberal arts-centered learning environment. The director will develop, implement, and monitor policies and procedures that promote best practices and address personnel development, financial management, facility renovation and master planning, alumni and community relations, and compliance and regulatory expectations, include Title IX, while advancing a high level of integration of athletics into the overall student experience. The director will work collaboratively with coaches and the office of admissions on the recruitment of scholar-athletes; will encourage and promote an equitable and inclusive community among all students, faculty, and staff; and will continue to advance and support the recreational, intramural, and club sport programs. The new director will demonstrate an understanding of the components of wellness and the ability to leverage recreational activities in the collaboration, development, and implementation of campus-wide wellness strategies. As a strong institutional partner, the director provides leadership to staff and coaches and works collaboratively and productively with a wide range of constituents including but not limited to the provost’s office to which it reports, and to the offices of admissions, advancement, alumni relations, facilities, human resources, communications, Title IX, the academic faculty, student government, student development, the Midwest Conference, the NCAA, and the wider Galesburg Community.

A bachelor’s degree and significant, progressive experience leading a complex, dynamic, and diverse organization are required. Experience within a highly selective liberal arts institution; collegiate level coaching; and significant capital planning and fundraising experience is preferred. The successful candidate will possess a comprehensive understanding of intercollegiate athletics administration, student-athlete development, and NCAA compliance within a Division III environment. The next director should have the ability to mentor and inspire the professional development of coaches and athletics administrators; a commitment to support wellness and recreation in the holistic development of students; and have demonstrated strategic planning acumen. A collaborative management approach, coupled with superior communication and relationship-building skills; a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social responsibility; strong planning and fiscal competencies; a familiarity with program development and assessment; and excellent problem-solving abilities are also desired.

Review of applications will begin April 3, 2023, and continue until the position is filled. A resume with an accompanying cover letter may be submitted via the Spelman Johnson website at www.spelmanjohnson.com/open-positions. Nominations for this position may be emailed to Dell Robinson at ddr@spelmanjohnson.com or Anne-Marie Kenney at amk@spelmanjohnson.com. Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895. The state of Illinois does not require public salary disclosure. For more information, please contact the search consultants above.

Visit the Knox College website at https://www.knox.edu/

In keeping with its commitment to equal rights since it was founded in 1837, Knox College particularly welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups. Knox College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, religion or religious affiliation, sexual orientation or preference, age, marital or family status, disability, veteran status, or other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law in admission, financial aid, employment, athletics, or any other aspect of its educational programs or activities. In addition, Knox College is prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and its accompanying regulations from so discriminating on the basis of sex.

Knox College is rooted in an historic commitment to social justice and to access to education for all qualified students. Today, Knox is one of the 50 most diverse campuses in America, with a campus community that includes a wide array of races, ethnicities, ages, cultures, backgrounds, genders and gender identities, sexual orientations, and beliefs.

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