Director of Athletics, Fitness, and Recreation (Director)
Skidmore College, a highly selective residential liberal arts college in Saratoga Springs, New York, invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for its director of athletics, fitness, and recreation (director). This is an on-site leadership role.

Skidmore College is consistently ranked one of the nation’s top liberal arts colleges, recognized for its high-impact learning, small classes, and student well-being. The college is known for its rigorous academics, offers more than 40 academic majors, and is home to a community of 2,700 students from around the world. Skidmore’s campus encompasses more than 750 acres of wooded land at the northwest edge of Saratoga Springs, New York. Skidmore students bring a wide range of academic and cultural experiences to the campus. A student-faculty ratio of 8:1 assures each student the chance for the close faculty attention that enhances the liberal arts experience.

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 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 operating budget of approximately $2.8 million.

The anticipated salary range for this position is $170,000 - $180,000.

Qualifications
A bachelor's degree and a minimum of five years of significant, progressive leadership experience in collegiate athletics administration or equivalent leadership experience, including staff supervision, strategic planning, fiscal and facilities management, fundraising, and sport program oversight, are required; an advanced degree is preferred.

The successful candidate will possess a comprehensive understanding of intercollegiate athletics administration, student-athlete development, NCAA compliance within a Division III environment, and exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. A collaborative management approach, an understanding of the role of recruitment and enrollment at a small, highly selective private liberal arts college, familiarity with program development and assessment, and excellent problem-solving abilities will be important considerations in the selection of the next director. Skidmore expects the director of athletics, fitness, and recreation to commit to supporting wellness and recreation in the holistic development of the entire campus community.

Application and Nomination
Skidmore College has selected Spelman Johnson, a leading executive search firm, to assist with leading this search. To ensure full consideration, interested individuals should submit materials by the priority deadline of May 1, 2026. Submit a resume and cover letter via https://apptrkr.com/7058887

• Contact Kelly Brooks at [email protected] for confidential inquiries.

• Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895 or email [email protected].

Visit the Skidmore College website at www.skidmore.edu

Skidmore College is committed to being an inclusive campus community and, as an Equal Opportunity Employer, does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, domestic violence victim status, familial status, dating violence, or stalking, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.