Assistant Vice President of Athletics

Responsibilities of the Position

The assistant vice president of athletics (AVP) provides visionary leadership and fosters principles that encourage integrity, student well-being, diversity, and inclusiveness throughout all levels of the organization while promoting an environment of excellence and success. Reporting to the associate vice president and dean of student affairs, the AVP leads the administration and supervision of intercollegiate men’s and women’s varsity sports, intramural and club sports, and facility oversight. The next leader will develop, implement, and monitor policies and procedures that promote best practices and address personnel development, financial management, facility renovation and enhancement, and compliance and regulatory expectations while advancing a high level of integration of athletics into the overall student experience. The AVP works closely with the admissions office to recruit student-athletes and establish a high-level recruitment strategy and collaborates with the office of university advancement and alumni relations to engage alumni, corporate sponsors, and donors to help raise funds for the department of athletics. The AVP oversees NCAA and Title IX compliance and actively participates in governance at the regional and national level, including the NCAA and Great North Atlantic Conference (GNAC) conferences. The successful candidate will be a steadfast collaborator and educator, serve as a senior member within the division of student affairs, and participate as a member of the university administrative council. The AVP leads a team of over 50 full-time and part-time coaches and staff, supports 270 student-athletes, and manages a departmental budget of nearly $1 million. 

Additional Duties

• Recruit, appoint, orient, supervise, and evaluate coaching staff, athletic trainers, and support staff. Provide accountability for all staff and students within the athletics department.
• Provide leadership, organization, and training for staff to attain optimal operational, academic, fiscal, and athletic performance.
• Oversee and manage all athletic facilities. 
• Develop and nurture productive relationships with students, faculty, staff, the Student Government Association, alumni, friends, parents, and the local community. Actively participate in various student and institutional initiatives and committees.
• Maintain strong collaborations across the university community.
• Prepare long-term strategic plans, including financial approaches and implementation steps, to advance goals that ensure all programs have a competitive advantage in fundraising and alumni engagement, facilities development, and the recruitment, retention, and promotion of student-athletes and athletic personnel.
• Make sound decisions that promote the success of the programs while maintaining a positive environment through consistent guidance and feedback for student-athletes and coaches.
• Understand and foster student-athlete academic success by ensuring all athletes receive appropriate and timely support, resources, and referrals for personal and academic success services.
• Interact with students and parents to resolve highly sensitive and challenging student-athlete issues.
• Collaborate with enrollment management and coaching staff on recruitment plans. Participate in orientation programs.
• Identify and prioritize the department’s funding requirements and administer the annual operating budget.
• Continue implementing best practices as a limited-resource institution and identify strategies to operate successfully and obtain additional resources through sponsorships, fundraising, etc.

Qualifications and Characteristics of the Successful Candidate

A bachelor’s degree and significant, progressive leadership experience in collegiate athletics administration are required; a master’s degree and coaching experience are strongly preferred. The successful candidate will possess a comprehensive understanding of intercollegiate athletics administration, student-athlete development, facilities management and resourcing, NCAA compliance within a Division III environment, and the role of fundraising in supporting strategic and operational objectives. A collaborative management approach, coupled with superior communication and relationship-building skills, strong planning and fiscal competencies, an understanding of the role of enrollment at a small, private university, a familiarity with program development and assessment, including risk management, excellent problem-solving abilities, and a high degree of cultural competence demonstrating respect for diversity of identities and experiences will be essential considerations in the selection of the next director of athletics.

In addition to the qualifications stated above, key stakeholders identified the following capabilities and attributes of a successful candidate:

• A significant understanding of NCAA Division III athletics in terms of program needs, compliance requirements, university rules and regulations, and Title IX regulations.
• A commitment to and passion for an intercollegiate athletics program that operates with the highest integrity and is focused on the holistic development of its scholar-athletes
• A significant understanding of fundraising and revenue development demonstrating collaboration with university relations to enhance fiscal strategic priorities.
• Strong strategic planning skills and an ability to build consensus, gain support, and lead change to achieve short- and long-term goals.
• A visible champion and advocate for the coaching staff and athletic programs.
• An effective ambassador for athletics and respected partner known for intentional collaboration with student affairs, academic affairs, enrollment, communications, and advancement.
• Able to establish a positive rapport with staff, students, donors, alumni, faculty, community leaders, and other key constituents.
• Inspire confidence, model relationship cultivation, and bring a sense of professionalism and passion to the work.
• Promote excellence and encourage creativity and innovation.
• Project a positive attitude; possess a growth mindset and desire for continuous improvement.
• Highly collaborative, adaptable, emotionally intelligent, and equipped to respond to changing dynamics as circumstances dictate.

Opportunities and Challenges of the Role

Lasell is dedicated to finding a dynamic and visionary individual who can promote and develop the athletics staff, set departmental priorities, and work in tandem with senior administrators and the staff of the department to progressively, innovatively, and comprehensively move the athletics program forward. The following were identified as possible opportunities, priorities, and challenges that will face the new assistant vice president of athletics at Lasell:

Create a vision and identity for Laser Athletics. Working with a diverse and committed coaching staff, create a clear and unified departmental vision, mission, and brand; develop a strong sense of team among staff; and build working relationships that emphasize collaboration, consistency, and equity. Staff should feel encouraged, challenged, supported, and confident about how they contribute to the vision and support Lasell student success priorities.

Focus on strategic planning. The new AVP will lead short- and long-term planning on athletics and recreation’s role in shaping the student experience. The AVP will lead conversations around organizational structure, intercollegiate program expansion and sustained feasibility, revenue generation, deferred maintenance and facilities improvements, and community partnerships positioning Laser athletics for years to come.

Leadership around diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Continue to initiate and support institutional goals of diversity, equity, and inclusion by leading departmental conversations for staff and student-athletes, promoting training and staff development, and cultivating an equity-minded departmental culture.

Fundraising and alumni development. A passionate storyteller, the new AVP will champion strategic partnerships with advancement and alumni relations leadership. Additionally, the AVP will strengthen relationships with alumni student-athletes and parents to nurture and encourage their continued relationship with Lasell.

Strategic recruiting. Partner with the office of admission and enrollment management to recruit and retain student-athletes of distinguished academic capacity, representative of the campus-wide diversity and inclusion goals, and optimize roster management and athletics department objectives. The AVP will be a significant contributor to strategic enrollment planning.

Athletics and recreation as campus and community partners. With a highly relational and communicative nature, the new AVP will strengthen communication and collaboration between athletics and the larger institution—academic affairs, student life, facilities, and the greater Newton community with a particular focus on increasing efficiencies and opportunities that further support the scholar-athlete experience as part of a synergistic student experience.

Contribute to a university wellness agenda. The new AVP will be a thought leader and strategic partner with student affairs, academic faculty, and senior leadership on enhanced campus-wide wellness initiatives. Athletics, recreation, and club sports are uniquely positioned to support all Lasell students and institutional retention and engagement goals.

Campus stakeholders indicated that to succeed in this important position, the new AVP would be:

• A dynamic administrator who sees athletics and recreation as a means to advance the university mission and strategic plan with a critical eye toward equity, sustainability, and innovation.
• Able to quickly and critically assess the athletics and recreation departmental culture and respond with a compelling and inspirational vision for the future of Laser athletics.
• Able to lead a multi-faceted athletics operation with sound fiscal, supervisory, and operations management.
• Equipped to help the university define the needs, goals, and priorities of athletics.
• A confident communicator who can speak about Lasell athletics with various constituencies
• An educator who seeks to engage all Lasell students in wellness through athletics, recreation, or intramural activities.
• A champion of the student-athlete experience and proponent of celebrating student-athlete achievements.
• Deeply appreciative of the experience coaches bring to their role
• A collaborative, intentional, and highly relational partner who seeks to understand and work effectively with academic affairs, admission, advancement, facilities management, student life, counseling and health services, and the diversity, equity, and inclusion community.
• A consummate leader who takes pride in creating a cohesive, professional athletics staff.

Measures of Success

At an appropriate interval after joining Lasell, the following items will initially define success for the new AVP:

• The AVP inspires excellence and strengthens the opportunities within athletics and recreation with a focus on well-being and re-energized school spirit and traditions, and is inclusive of and seeks to engage all Lasell students.
• The AVP is a visible and highly accessible advocate for the coaches, staff, and programs.
• The AVP has demonstrated a leadership style that is credible and collegial while being highly effective.
• Students see the AVP as an approachable and accessible champion who supports programs and uses a student-centered orientation to build rapport and seek their input.
• Athletics staff can articulate a shared vision and mission and feel valued as members of the team. They see that communication throughout the department has increased in both quality and quantity.
• The AVP has established strong working relationships and partnerships with the student affairs leadership team, advancement, direct reports, student-athletes, faculty, alumni, Student Government Association (SGA), Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC), and other key institutional stakeholders.
• The AVP has assessed the current environment with the athletics staff and begun to define a comprehensive and equity-minded vision, a mission, and a sustainable organizational structure for the future.
• The AVP has defined, illustrated, and demonstrated internally and externally an understanding of competitiveness and scholar-athlete success that reflects the Lasell mission and the goals of the NCAA.
• The AVP has helped SAAC build campus relationships and think broadly about its role in supporting the university mission and the student-athlete experience.
• The AVP will actively engage with advancement and university leadership to support alumni engagement and fundraising initiatives aligned with the university and athletics departmental and strategic plans.
• The AVP can articulate a passion and commitment to the mission of Lasell, Laser athletics, and to student success and persistence.

Mission Statement

The athletic program is intended to provide an opportunity for all students to develop their talents through competition. The highest priority of the athletic program is placed on the quality of education and the successful completion of academic programs by all students. Athletics are conducted as an integral part of the overall educational experience, with the goal of having each student-athlete strive to reach their potential on and off the field. Every student is encouraged to participate in athletic and intramural programs, as competition and physical fitness are important to a healthy and well-balanced lifestyle. The department is committed to providing equitable facilities and programs to support the needs of all members of the Lasell community.

Statement of Philosophy

It is the philosophy of the Lasell University athletic program to prioritize the quality of the overall educational experience. The athletic department is committed to the following.

• Athletics are conducted as a part of the student-athletes’ educational experience and are meant to complement the overall educational program.
• The athletic department will strive to encourage participation by maximizing the number and variety of opportunities offered in varsity and intramural programs.
• Participants in the athletic program receive the same treatment as all other students in admission, financial aid, advising, grading, and living accommodations.
• The emphasis of the program is placed on the welfare of the participants and not on the spectators or the entertainment value of sport.
• The athletic department’s goal is to foster the development of sportsmanship, community, positive societal values, and physical well-being in all participants.
• All programs will be conducted ethically and equitably by the NCAA. 

Student-Athlete Advisory Committee

The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) comprises representatives from every intercollegiate athletic team on Lasell’s campus. It is designed to provide an avenue for student-athletes to advocate for their needs while also working in connection with other institutions within the Great Northeast Athletic Conference and the NCAA Division III population to improve the student-athlete experience and to facilitate communication among student-athletes within an institution, conference, and on the national scale.

Organizational Chart for Athletics

The Great Northeast Athletic Conference

The Great Northeast Athletic Conference is an NCAA Division III association comprising 16 member institutions and over 4,000 student-athletes across New England. Founded in 1995, the GNAC annually sponsors and administers 22 championships while balancing academic integrity, athletic opportunity, and community involvement to enhance the student-athlete experience.

Member Institutions

• Albertus Magnus College
• Anna Maria College
• Colby-Sawyer College
• Dean College
• Elms College
• Emmanuel College
• Johnson & Wales University
• Lasell University
• Mitchell College
• New England College
• Norwich University
• Regis College
• Rivier University
• Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
• Simmons University
• University of Saint Joseph (Connecticut)

Great Northeast Athletic Conference

Athletic Facilities

More Information on Athletics

Intramurals and Recreation

Overview of the Division of Student Affairs

Student Affairs Organizational Structure

Associate Vice President and Dean of Student Affairs

• Athletics
• Counseling Center
• Health Services
• International Student Services and Study Abroad

Associate Dean of Student Affairs

• Residential Life
• Student Activities and Orientation
• Student Conduct

The Student Body

Total Enrollment: 1,541

Undergraduate: 1,152 

Graduate: 389

Men: 34.8%

Women: 64.1 %

Transgender or Nonbinary: 1.1%

White: 62.54%

African American: 10.6%

Hispanic: 13.83%

Asian: 3.16%

Two or More Races: 3.24%

Race Unknown: 4.85%

International: 1.7%

Diversity Statement

“Lasell has made an institutional, community-wide commitment to acknowledge, respect, and celebrate differences in our multiple perspectives, identities, social positions, and cultural lenses. We affirm that Lasell’s mission of social responsibility and effective, engaged learning requires our demonstrable commitment to an inclusive campus environment. 

Furthermore, we believe that these ongoing processes require us to act with integrity and empathy, and a willingness to engage in self-reflection. As a means of evaluating the community’s progress towards these goals, we will develop comprehensive measures of accountability and regularly analyze and report on all collected data.

We are dedicated to the creation and maintenance of an inclusive campus environment in which all members of the Lasell community can thrive. We need and ask for the active contributions of every community member to achieve this goal.”

Application and Nomination

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. A resume with an accompanying cover letter may be submitted via the Spelman Johnson website at https://spelmanandjohnson.com/search-open-positions/.Nominations for this position may be emailed to Dell Robinson at ddr@spelmanjohnson.com or Anne-Marie Kenney at amk@spelmanjohnson.com. Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895.

The anticipated hiring range is $120,000 to $130,000 annually.

Visit the Lasell University website at https://www.lasell.edu/

Visit the Lasell University Athletics website at https://www.lasell.edu/athletics.html

Lasell University is committed to equal opportunity in every aspect of hiring and employment. Lasell proactively reviews its policies and practices to assure that decisions with respect to every dimension of employment are made without regard to age, color of skin, disability, gender expression and identity, genetic predisposition, marital status, national origin, race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran’s status, status as a victim of domestic violence, and all other protected groups and classes under Federal and State Laws and executive orders.

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