About the University of Maryland, Baltimore County

Founded in 1966, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), is a young, dynamic, top-ranked national university integrating teaching, research and service to benefit the citizens of Maryland. As one of the 11 degree-granting institutions in the University System of Maryland, UMBC’s campus offers academically talented students a strong undergraduate liberal arts foundation that prepares them for graduate and professional study, entry into the workforce, and community service and leadership. With a current enrollment of approximately 14,148 students (including 10,490 undergraduates and 3,658 graduate students), employing approximately 569 full-time and 380 part-time faculty, UMBC boasts a 17:1 student to faculty ratio with 86% of its classes having under 50 students. UMBC is small enough to provide personal attention, yet large enough to provide a rich and diverse experience.

With a vision to redefine excellence in higher education through an inclusive culture that connects innovative teaching and learning, research across disciplines, and civic engagement, UMBC is dedicated to cultural and ethnic diversity, social responsibility and lifelong learning. Emphasizing science, engineering, information technology, human services and public policy at the graduate level, UMBC contributes to the economic development of the state and the region through entrepreneurial initiatives, workforce training, K-16 partnerships, and technology commercialization in collaboration with public agencies and the corporate community. Public investment in the university has generated a high return for the state and UMBC is determined to continue attracting and educating growing numbers of students connected by a shared sense of mission and vision.

About the Position

During a very transformational time for the institution, this is a critical leadership position at the university. UMBC seeks an innovative, dynamic, and entrepreneurial individual to provide a clear vision of the role and mission of athletics, physical education and recreation, strategically lead and foster a program of academic and competitive success that develops champions in athletics, academics and life, while building community wide traditions and pride, and ensure full compliance with university, America East Conference, and NCAA rules and regulations governing intercollegiate athletics and all applicable state rules and laws. Reporting directly to the president, the Director of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation has direct responsibility for the university’s 17 NCAA Division I Intercollegiate Athletics programs, all campus recreational programs (fitness/wellness, intramurals, club sports, recreational activities) and the physical education program.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Provide bold, collaborative and innovative leadership required to make UMBC a national model for integrating athletics and the academy.
  • Be a subject matter expert who possesses a strong grasp of national issues and can demonstrate experience with best practices and innovative strategies that are critical to building a contemporary best-in-class, Division I athletics and recreational program.
  • Commensurate with the university’s goals and standards as well as Title IX and America East and NCAA rules and regulations, build and sustain an athletics program that strengthens all sports to be competitive at the championship level while ensuring an exceptional academic and overall experience for each student-athlete.
  • Implement and instill a culture of accountability by establishing specific goals and expected outcomes.
  • Partner with institutional stakeholders to plan, execute, and evaluate marketing and promotions campaigns to build the Retriever Athletics brand, increase attendance, and optimize revenue growth.
  • Demonstrate core competencies in the areas of leadership and vision, the development of a strategy to advance that vision, and the management and oversight of a complex organization that is operationally efficient and financially sound.
  • Ensure that the department operates in a manner that represents UMBC’s commitment to cultural and ethnic diversity, social responsibility, lifelong learning and shared values – inclusive excellence, collaboration, innovation and impact – for student-athletes, coaches, and staff.
  • Support the university’s educational philosophy and the Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation as a loyal, energetic, and highly visible university representative.
  • Recruit, mentor, support, and supervise a diverse pool of strong, ethical, and talented staff and coaches to foster success and ensure the efficient and productive operation of all administrative and operational business functions of the department.
  • Understand and appreciate the culture of athletics and academics at UMBC, and endeavor to build relationships and networks that will further establish athletics as an integral part of campus life.
  • Represent the university and the department to external constituents in a manner that demonstrates personal and professional integrity and promotes UMBC’s interests.
  • Work closely with the university’s administration to lead fundraising and revenue development for capital projects and athletic program support.
  • Participate in planning, communication, and collaboration with the President as a member of the Senior Leadership Team to ensure alignment between the goals of the athletic department with the university mission and goals.
  • Develop plans to enhance the revenue-generating capacity of the athletic department through ticket sales, facilities rentals, marketing and other strategies.
  • Provide leadership and oversee the development, operations, maintenance, and financial planning of institutional recreational facilities needs and requirements relative to physical education and recreation
  • Engage and partner with campus and academic stakeholders to develop, offer and leverage physical education and recreational programming in support of institutional health and wellness goals.
  • Perform related departmental duties as required.

Qualifications

  • A bachelor’s degree is required; advanced degree is preferred.
  • The successful candidate will have a demonstrated record of administrative leadership and accomplishment in university or college sports programs to include visionary strategic and operational leadership, creative and conceptual thinking and effective resources management; or equivalent management experience.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead multi-unit teams of professionals in establishing and achieving ambitious goals.
  • Experience hiring and leading coaches who field competitive teams and graduate athletes.
  • Experience with effectively managing dynamic and complex budgets.
  • Reputation as a strategic leader of integrity and vision who is firm, yet flexible, trusted, and respected.
  • Clear understanding of the role of athletics and student-athletes in a major research university setting and evidence of strong communications skills that are central to building relationships with internal and external constituents.
  • Demonstrated track record of success in designing and implementing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives within an intercollegiate athletics context.                              
  • Superior leadership, management, supervisory, public relations, communications and interpersonal skills.
  • Evidence of a commitment to support the important and different roles among intercollegiate athletics, recreation and physical education.
  • Commitment to building and maintaining strong connections between athletics and the academic enterprise to ensure success of UMBC student athletes and achieve both athletic and institutional goals.

Application Process

UMBC 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 to Parker Executive Search’s website by May 31st, 2024. Confidential review of materials will begin immediately and continue until the appointment is made.

For additional information, please contact:

Daniel Parker, Vice President and Managing Director

DeLaina Sarden, Principal

Xavier Harper, Executive Recruiting Coordinator

danielparker@parkersearch.com | dsarden@parkersearch.com | xharper@parkersearch.com

Parker Executive Search

770-804-1996 ext. 119 | 770-804-1996 ext. 123

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (“University” or “UMBC”) values safety, cultural and ethnic diversity, social responsibility, lifelong learning, equity, and civic engagement.

Consistent with these principles, the University does not discriminate and prohibits harassment with respect to access to its educational programs and activities or with respect to employment terms and conditions on the basis of a UMBC community member’s race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender, pregnancy, ancestry, age, gender identity or expression, national origin, veterans status, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, or genetic information.

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