Wilkes University is an independent, comprehensive university dedicated to academic excellence in the liberal arts, sciences, and selected professional programs. The University has approximately 2,350 students at the undergraduate level and over 1,350 full-time equivalent students at the graduate and first professional levels. Its institutional focus is on developing strong mentoring relationships with each of its students and contributing vitally to the economic development of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Wilkes offers 43 undergraduate majors and 25 graduate programs. The University is located in downtown Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, a city of approximately 45,000, part of the metropolitan area home to more than 550,000. Wilkes-Barre is within two and one-half hour driving distance to Philadelphia and New York City.

Wilkes University has 23 NCAA Division III varsity athletic programs and is currently a member of the Middle Atlantic Conference. Wilkes has announced it will transition to the Landmark Conference in the summer of 2023.

Wilkes is seeking a director of athletics to lead a department of talented coaches and staff who are deeply committed to NCAA Division III athletics and the student-athlete model within the Landmark Conference. The director is responsible for a department consisting of 23 varsity sports, over 65 full-time and part-time professional coaches and staff, over 550 student-athletes, and a $1.5 million budget.

Reporting directly to the chief student affairs officer for all operational matters, the next director of athletics will also serve as a key advisor to the President for areas related to the student-athlete experience and the unique role collegiate sports plays at the university. The director fosters principles that encourage integrity, student well-being, diversity, and inclusiveness throughout all levels of the organization while promoting an environment of excellence and success. The director will develop, implement, and monitor policies and procedures that promote best practices and address personnel development, financial management, facility renovation and enhancement, alumni and community relations, and compliance and regulatory expectations while advancing a high level of integration of athletics into the overall student experience. In addition, the director works closely with the admissions office to recruit student-athletes and establish a high-level recruitment strategy. The successful candidate will be a steadfast collaborator and educator. As a senior member within the Division of Student Affairs, the director collaborates with other offices within the division and other key stakeholders, such as the Title IX attorney, the Admissions Office, University Police, Facilities Management, Dining Services, and Residence Life. The director serves on the President’s Advisory Committee and the University Budget Committee.

A bachelor’s degree and significant, progressive leadership experience in collegiate athletics administration is required; a master’s degree and coaching experience is strongly preferred. The successful candidate will possess a comprehensive understanding of intercollegiate athletics administration, student-athlete development, facilities management and resourcing, NCAA compliance within a Division III environment, and the role of fundraising in supporting strategic and operational objectives. A collaborative management approach, coupled with superior communication and relationship-building skills, strong planning and fiscal competencies, an understanding of the role of enrollment at a small, private university, a familiarity with program development and assessment, including risk management, excellent problem-solving abilities, and a high degree of cultural competence demonstrating respect for diversity of identities and experiences will be important considerations in the selection of the next director of athletics.

Review of applications will begin March 6, 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 [email protected] or Anne-Marie Kenney at [email protected]. Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895.

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania does not require public salary disclosure. For more information, please get in touch with the search consultants above.

Visit the Wilkes University website at www.wilkes.edu

Wilkes University is constantly seeking to become a more diverse community and to enhance its capacity to value and capitalize on the cultural richness that diversity brings. The University strongly encourages applications from persons with diverse backgrounds. Wilkes University does not discriminate in its employment practices or its educational programs or activities based on race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, sex/gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital or family status, military or veteran status, or genetic information.