Caltech is small and prizes excellence and ambition. Its size creates an unparalleled environment where 323 extraordinary professorial faculty and approximately 2,400 exceptional students -- with research interests from quantum science and engineering to bioinformatics, from human behavior and economics to energy and sustainability -- expand their understanding of the universe, invent the technologies of the future and ultimately, reveal the nature of life itself. Caltech offers its students extraordinary opportunities in research and STEM leadership, as well as classroom learning. This results in one of the most rigorous and intense educational experiences in the American academy.

The Caltech department of Athletics, Recreation and Instruction provides a robust and engaging program of athletics and recreation for a community of students, faculty and staff from Caltech and JPL. Over 300 Caltech students participate in 16 men’s and women’s sports programs in division III competition. Additionally, ARI serves over 5,000 gym members.The Caltech Athletic Center features the Braun Gymnasium, used for intercollegiate competition as well as recreation; a 3,500-square-foot weight room including free weights and various cardiovascular; four racquetball courts; two international squash courts; a multipurpose room for group fitness activities and locker rooms with showers.

ARI's mission is to encourage participation in a balanced program of individual and group activities, through a variety of intercollegiate, physical education, club, intramural, and informal recreation activities intended to meet the needs of all members of the Caltech community. The Athletic Director will join a university that believes that athletics, recreation, and fitness initiatives support the vitality of the entire campus community; and lead a department committed to fostering a culture of campus well-being through athletics, recreation, and instruction.

This is an Organizational Critical position. In the event of an emergency on campus, an employee designated as organizational critical is expected to report to Campus as soon as possible to assist in division/department response and recovery efforts.

Essential Job Duties

Develop and sustain balanced opportunities in athletics, recreation, and physical education and fitness instruction that enrich the overall community experience.

Provide diverse opportunities—from organized club activities and campus-wide events to fitness and wellness classes—that foster connection, well-being, and a sense of community. These offerings are designed to enhance the experience of every student and community member, promoting an active, engaged, and balanced lifestyle.

Promote a holistic and enriching scholar-athlete experience by upholding the highest standards of personal integrity, academic excellence, and athletic achievement for all participants in Division III intercollegiate competition. Provide strategic leadership that supports the development of well-rounded individuals who embody the values of sportsmanship, resilience, leadership, and scholarly commitment, in alignment with the educational mission of the institution.

Leverage comprehensive visionary expertise in staff leadership, customer service, facilities oversight, financial stewardship, and risk management to ensure the safe, efficient, and successful operation of all facilities, programs, and services to optimize performance, enhance user experience, and uphold Institute standards of excellence, community, and accountability. This includes leadership of NCAA intercollegiate coaches, athletic trainers, physical education and recreation instructors, administrators, facilities professionals, interns, and volunteers.

Cultivate and sustain collaborative relationships across campus and within the broader community to advance shared goals and mutual engagement. This includes serving as the primary representative to the NCAA and SCIAC.

Ensure all endeavors, communications, and interactions consistently reflect Caltech’s values of collegiality and integrity and align with the Institute’s standards for community engagement and institutional excellence.

Partner closely and effectively with colleagues in student affairs and campus-wide to provide effective, visionary leadership to create and implement a robust and integrated athletics, recreation, and instruction program.

Partner closely and effectively with faculty athletic liaisons to ensure the athletic program promotes balanced academic and athletic excellence for all scholar athletes.

Basic Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field.
• 6 years of progressive professional experience leading a complex, dynamic, and diverse collegiate department including leading, mentoring, and inspiring staff.
• Demonstrated commitment to academic excellence and the ability to work effectively with many different constituencies, aligning athletics, recreation, and instruction with Caltech’s broader mission.
• Strong commitment to an athletic philosophy in which success is measured by the educational and lifelong benefits of athletics at a university with a primary mission is to train scientists and engineers.
• Possess and utilize a comprehensive understanding of intercollegiate athletics administration, scholar-athlete development, and NCAA compliance within a Division III environment.
• Proven experience within a highly selective institution.
• Ability to build strong relationships with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and Institute leadership.
• Ability to promote dual goals of academic excellence and athletic commitment and success.
• Successful capital planning and implementation.
• Experience with institutional advancement via alumni relations and fundraising.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders.
• Ability to process, evaluate, and integrate, when appropriate, perspectives different than own.
• Excellent diplomacy skills and ability to converse easily, with calm, care, courtesy and clarity, with all members of the Caltech community and beyond.
• Demonstrated strategic and comprehensive programmatic and fiscal planning acumen.
• Ability to motivate others and facilitate collaborative discussions.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations and information with absolute discretion.
• Familiarity with program development and assessment.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities.
• This position is full-time, in-person, in Pasadena, California and requires frequent job-related travel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven experience in a STEM institution.

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