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.
