Director of Athletics

Luther College, a residential liberal arts college in Decorah, Iowa, invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for its next director of athletics. This is an on-site leadership role.

Founded in 1890 by Norwegian pioneers, Luther College, with a current enrollment of 1400 and growing, continues the distinctive tradition of Lutheran higher education through its commitment to the advancement of knowledge, thoughtful inquiry and questioning, and the preparation of citizens in service to the world and its ongoing reform. Luther is located in rural Decorah, northeast Iowa, a regional hub for outdoor recreation, two nationally recognized healthcare systems, top-ranked schools, business, agriculture, specialty retail, dining, and tourism. Midwest metropolitan areas within a three-hour driving distance include Des Moines, Iowa; Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota; and Madison, Wisconsin. Additionally, Luther is an easy 90-minute drive to La Crosse, Wisconsin, Cedar Falls/Waterloo, Iowa, and Rochester, Minnesota, home of the Mayo Clinic.

The director of athletics (director) is responsible for the leadership and strategic oversight of a comprehensive, competitive, and educationally focused intercollegiate athletic program in alignment with Luther's core values of excellence, inclusivity, curiosity, sustainability, and community. Reporting to the president and serving as a member of the president's senior leadership council, the director of athletics prioritizes student-athlete well-being as embedded concepts in decision-making and program infrastructure. Norse Athletics sponsors 22 varsity athletics teams in compliance with NCAA Division III and American Rivers Conference regulations. The director provides leadership for a dynamic department consisting of more than 40 staff, 22 varsity sports programs, and activities that support approximately 500 student-athletes, and the management of a $3.7 million budget.

Qualifications
A bachelor's degree and significant, progressive leadership experience in collegiate athletics administration is required; a master's degree, college-level coaching experience, and experience in NCAA Division III are strongly preferred. The successful candidate will possess a comprehensive understanding of intercollegiate athletics administration, student-athlete development, facilities management and resourcing, NCAA and Title IX compliance within a Division III environment, and the role of fundraising in supporting strategic and operational objectives.

Application and Nomination
Luther College has selected Spelman Johnson, a leading executive search firm, to assist with leading this search. The review of applications will begin on May 1, 2025, and continue until the position is filled. Submit a resume and cover letter via https://apptrkr.com/6128508

• Contact Kelly Brooks at [email protected] or Anne-Marie Kenney at [email protected] for confidential inquiries and salary information.

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

Visit the Luther College website at www.luther.edu

It is the policy of Luther College to provide equal educational opportunities and equal access to facilities for all qualified persons. The college does not discriminate in employment, educational programs, and activities on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal or state law.

To apply, visit https://apptrkr.com/6128508