Director of Intercollegiate Athletics

About the University

The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) is a premier urban research university. It is home to over 33,000 students and over 337,000 alumni inspired by the promise and reality of a world-class education and life-changing experiences. UIC joyfully and boldly embraces diversity in all of its complexities and possibilities, which is reflected across 77 community neighborhoods, made up of people from all races, cultures and ethnicities. Working at UIC is like the City of Chicago itself, it offers deep roots of belonging and expansive possibilities. The City of Chicago and the surrounding area(s) provide access to one of the world's great cities to support the academic focus, personal growth and competitive passion of its student-athletes. Further, the Chicagoland area is considered one of the best areas in the country for prospective student-athletes and staff.

UIC’s mission is to provide the broadest access to the highest levels of educational, research, and clinical excellence. UIC is dedicated to providing a welcoming environment and fostering a sense of belonging for its students. UIC is an acclaimed global research institution with over $500 million in annual research awards, with world class faculty deeply committed to the discovery and dissemination of knowledge. UIC features 16 academic colleges, 94 Bachelor’s, 102 Master’s, and 63 Doctoral degree programs.  In the last three decades, UIC has transformed itself into one of the top 60 research universities in the United States. Now is the time to join the UIC Flames and lead the next chapter of Division I Athletics distinction.

About UIC Athletics

UIC is an internationally respected R1 institution and a member of the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) and stands out in the conference with the scope of its academic and research programs and health system. The athletic facilities at UIC are considered state of the art and recognized as "best in class" in the MVC and Division 1 athletics. UIC is committed to continued development of its athletic facilities in support of its student-athletes, coaches, and fans.

The mission of the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA) is to holistically support student-athletes’ success, advance the University's reputation as a national competitor in athletics while enriching the lives of student-athletes through intellectual development, social growth, and economic mobility. As a Division I athletics program in a city known for legendary sports teams and athletic achievements, the DIA’s mission is to attract top-notch student-athletes who reflect both our students' competitive work ethic and the campus' ethnic and gender diversity. The Department's goal is to win conference championships regularly and to be nationally competitive in men's and women's sports while demonstrating high standards of academic excellence, sportsmanship and ethical conduct.

As a member of the MVC, UIC will continue to maintain a high level of competitiveness across its 18 Division I sports. The University provides student-athletes with academic assistance to enhance opportunities for graduation, create an enthusiastic arena in which student athletes compete, and showcase UIC's winning team through effective media coverage.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Reporting to the University Chancellor, the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics will be part of an outstanding leadership team for the University focused on broad, far-reaching impact. There are great partnership opportunities for the AD as a member of the Chancellor's Executive Cabinet and they will be expected to:

·         Recruit and develop outstanding professionals in college athletics.

·         Demonstrate significant experience in strategic and financial planning.

·         Bring experience with organizational and personnel management through effective communication.  

·         Demonstrate outstanding interpersonal skills and an ability to set short-term and long-term priorities, manage allocation of resources, and make necessary and sound decisions.

·         Provide leadership and establish strategic goals for the changing landscape of collegiate athletics and conference alignment.

·         Work to sustain a department that shares the University’s commitment to a culture of openness and inclusion that values diversity in people and ideas.

·         Embody a record of fostering excellence in student-athlete development; the ability to foster collaboration and productive partnerships with a broad range of constituencies, both within and outside the institution.

·         Oversee the administration of the intercollegiate athletics program while maintaining accountability for its design, operation, and evaluation; ensure compliance with institutional, Missouri Valley Conference, and NCAA guidelines and requirements. 

·         Participate actively in conference and NCAA meetings and activities as assigned and requested.

·         Establish and maintain effective working relationships and communications with faculty, administrators, staff, student body, student government, alumni, friends, booster clubs, and the local community regarding UIC Athletics.

·         Lead the development of Athletics fundraising goals and work in partnership with the UIC Office of Advancement to develop and execute fundraising strategies to meet the strategic priorities. Engage with donors and prospective donors as part of on-going fundraising activities.

·         Identify and secure funding sources including fundraising, grants, sponsorships, and revenue-generating activities.

·         Provide visionary leadership and role-modeling to successfully navigate the changing landscape of college athletics and for sustaining a culture of transparency, professionalism, integrity, and respect at all levels.

·         Plan and oversee efforts of the department to encourage and support the academic success of student-athletes, recognizing that student-athletes must find a balance between academic success, athletic endeavors, and mental health.

·         Contribute actively to university committees and campus discussions on a variety of student and institutional issues.

·         Encourage the professional development of the administrative and coaching staffs, promote their accomplishments, and perpetuate a culture of positive morale and effective interdepartmental relationships.

·         Be a positive presence in the community via participation in both internal and external events, various media activities; communicate and be an advocate for a unified message that will increase the brand awareness and recognition of UIC Athletics throughout the region and on a national stage.

·         Serve as a member of the Chancellor’s Executive Cabinet.

Required Qualifications:

·         Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.

·         Experience working in a collegiate or professional sport setting preferred.

·         Leads as an effective communicator with the highest ethical and moral standards.

·         Knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations.

·         Demonstrated commitment to a program of academic and athletic excellence.

·         Demonstrated experience in donor development and fundraising success.

Application Process:

The University of Illinois 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 or curriculum vitae, and list of references. For full consideration, application materials should be submitted by September 23, 2024, online at Parker Executive Search’s website, as well as through the UIC job link: https://uic.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/11872. Review of applications and nominations will begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made.

For additional information please contact:

Daniel Parker, Vice President and Managing Director

Grant Higgison, Principal

Gray McGee, Executive Recruiting Coordinator

danielparker@parkersearch.com | ghiggison@parkersearch.com | gmcgee@parkersearch.com

Parker Executive Search

770-804-1996 ext. 118 | 770-804-1996 ext. 132

The University of Illinois Chicago is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer and all applicants will receive consideration for employment. Minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  The University of Illinois Chicago conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of contingent offer of employment.  Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.