Asst Ath Dir Student Success & Operations

Bethany College

Lindsborg, Kansas

Bethany College

A resume and cover letter are required for consideration for this position.

ASSISTANT ATHLETIC DIRECTOR FOR STUDENT SUCCESS AND OPERATIONS

FLSA Status:

SALARY, EXEMPT - salary commensurate with experience

As an exempt employee, the employee may occasionally work beyond standard business hours (40 hours), including evenings and weekends, to fulfill the responsibilities of the role.

Department: Athletics

Reports to: Dean of Athletics

Positions Managed: TBD

Why Bethany:

Rooted in our Lutheran heritage and the transformative power of the liberal arts, Bethany prepares students to lead lives of purpose, leadership, creativity, and service in a complex and changing world. Located in Lindsborg, Kansas-affectionately known as "Little Sweden" and celebrated for its vibrant arts community-Bethany offers a close-knit environment where faculty and staff know students by name and mentor them in a highly personalized setting.

Education at Bethany is rooted in intellectual discovery and a deep sense of belonging, equipping students to think critically, lead ethically, and serve with purpose. As a small, private, rural college, Bethany plays an essential role in renewing civic life, expanding opportunity, and fostering community revitalization. We believe in the value of personalized liberal arts education, the power of community, and the promise of rural America.

At Bethany, you'll have the opportunity to inspire the next generation while contributing to the cultural and academic life of our campus and region as we prepare students to make meaningful contributions to the world.

About Bethany College:

Founded in 1881, Bethany College is a dynamic liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas-known as "Little Sweden U.S.A." Bethany provides a transformative educational experience grounded in faith, learning, and community. The College is dedicated to cultivating leaders who serve and inspire through integrity, creativity, and purpose.

Position Overview:

The Assistant Athletic Director for Student Success and Operations provides operational leadership for student-athlete success, compliance coordination, eligibility processes, game and event management, athletics logistics, and student experience. The Assistant Athletic Director implements department priorities established by the Dean and works closely with coaches, the Student Success Center, FAR, Facilities, Admissions, and other campus partners to support retention, academic progress, compliance, and a positive student-athlete experience.

Essential Functions:

Athletic Administration

• Assist the Dean of Athletics in the daily management of the Athletic Department.
• Support coaches and Admissions with roster goals, recruiting process discipline, deposit tracking, visit days, and communication expectations.
• Conduct Recruitment and Retention meetings with each sport every other week, tracking recruitment progress and retention concerns; discuss best practices, growth ideas, and risk analysis. Prepare notes each meeting, share with the Dean of Athletics, and flag concerns.
• Specifically work to develop the assistant coaching staff. Provide professional development opportunities, mentorship, advanced training opportunities, etc. Establish a monthly Assistant Coaches meeting.
• Work with coaches to identify operational efficiencies and cost-saving opportunities.
• Partner with the Dean of Athletics to create an environment supporting personal and professional growth of the coaching staff, both individually and collectively, as well as departmental culture formation and constructive feedback.
• Represent Athletics on key college-wide committees as assigned. Represent the Dean of Athletics in meetings and events as designated.

Game and Event Management

• Ensure that all athletic contests held at Bethany College are administered effectively and in alignment with the College's core values as well as KCAC and NAIA standards.
• Oversee game management, sports information administration, referees/officials, opponent contracts/agreements, and a safe, positive game environment.
• Serve as a game manager for home contests as assigned.
• Manage and coordinate concession stands for the stadium and gym.
• Plan and execute game day promos, giveaways, mid-event entertainment, etc.

Facilities/Grounds

• Coordinate scheduling for shared facilities, including the turf, track, and Stroble Gibson Gym. Refer outside entity rental opportunities to the Dean of Athletics; maintain an outside events spreadsheet for documentation.
• Conduct periodic inspection of the College's athletic facilities, advocating for repairs, preventive maintenance, and improvements.
• Collaborate with the College Director of Facilities to ensure the maintenance of all Athletics grounds and facilities. Submit maintenance requests to the Facilities/Maintenance Department.
• Work with the Director of Facilities to establish a three-to-five-year maintenance plan.
• Work with the Dean of Student Affairs to review facility use agreements and facility pricing structure.

Conference (KCAC) and National (NAIA) Compliance and Eligibility

• Assist the Dean of Athletics, Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR), and Registrar with completing eligibility certification of student-athletes, including printing transcripts and reviewing eligibility certificates.
• Collect and review the 20 Hour Per Week and 24 Week Schedule forms for each sport. Provide documents to the Dean of Athletics to ensure appropriate schedules for both practice and games, and to ensure the department meets institutional and conference/national requirements.
• Compile and complete the annual NAIA Return on Athletics report and the annual Equity in Athletics Act report.

Community Engagement

• Lead the organization and planning of the Athletics Hall of Honor event. The Dean of Athletics will lead the selection process; the Assistant AD will lead the event planning.
• Support community outreach programs and service-learning projects involving athletic teams and students. Work with coaches on creating service partnerships with outside entities.
• Set annual, measurable community engagement goals and provide frequent reports to document progress.

Student-Athlete Success

• Serve as the primary contact for the Student Success Center and Faculty regarding grade and attendance reports, academic concerns, and academic success. Share weekly grade and attendance reports with each coaching staff.
• Collaborate with campus departments to provide academic support and student development opportunities.
• Meet regularly with coaches on retention risks, student concerns, team dynamics, and intervention plans. Escalate major concerns to the Dean.
• Develop standards and measure success on a regular basis to ensure continual improvement in retention and persistence to graduation.
• Promote a student-centered environment that prioritizes academic achievement, retention, wellness, and graduation.

Swede Athlete Leadership Team (SALT)

• Assist with the leadership and development of SALT, in conjunction with additional assigned SALT advisors.
• Lead and coordinate the annual All Swede Awards.
• Foster leadership, sportsmanship, and personal growth among student-athletes.

The statements contained herein describe the scope of responsibility and essential functions of this position, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other areas to cover absences or provide relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree required, preferably in sport management, education, recreation, business, athletics administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of three years of relevant experience in collegiate athletics, coaching, student-athlete support, compliance, enrollment, student success, or athletics operations.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with students, coaches, faculty, staff, and campus and community partners.
• Experience supporting and assessing initiatives in student success, retention, team culture, compliance, event operations, or recruiting processes.
• Experience in budget and/or logistics management.
• Strong organizational, communication, problem-solving, and follow-through skills.
• Commitment to the mission of a small, private liberal arts college and to the academic, personal, and athletic development of student-athletes.
• The candidate must actively support the mission of the college by working with faculty, staff, and students to share in the Bethany College core values - integrity, hospitality, community, servant leadership, sustainability, and excellence.
• Excellent grammar, spelling, and writing abilities
• Microsoft Office, computer knowledge, and knowledge of office equipment
• Ability to communicate effectively to a variety of audiences, including students, parents, faculty, staff, alumni, administration, and the community-at-large
• Ability to handle multiple projects/assignments concurrently and be very results-oriented
• Highly motivated and works well both independently and in a team environment

Preferred:

• Master's degree in sport management, higher education, student affairs, business, education, or a related field.
• Experience in NAIA, NCAA Division III, junior college, or small-college athletics.
• Knowledge of athletics compliance, eligibility, Title IX expectations, student conduct, academic progress, and retention strategies.
• Experience as a coach, athletics administrator, student-athlete success professional, or campus partner working closely with athletics.
• Familiarity with the needs of first-generation, rural, Pell-eligible, and underrepresented students.
• Experience using data to track retention, academic progress, participation, recruiting activity, budgets, or student-athlete outcomes.
• Bilingual in Spanish is a plus, or some knowledge of the Spanish language is a plus

Working Conditions:

• Regular and satisfactory attendance and punctuality.
• Work environment involves minimal exposure to physical risks, such as operating dangerous equipment or working with chemicals, but includes exposure to biological hazards, bacteria, and communicable diseases.
• Work outside involves considerable exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and loud noises.
• Work performed indoors is generally with ambient room temperatures, lighting, and traditional office equipment found in a typical office environment.
• Frequent conference-wide travel is required.
• Frequent, prolonged, and irregular hours are required.
• Travel is required by team schedule, as determined by coaching staff, the Dean of Athletics, KCAC, and NAIA.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, and retirement plans
• Generous vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Tuition remission benefits
• Professional Development Funds
• Possible Relocation Assistance
• Opportunities for professional development and leadership growth
• Supportive, mission-driven community and a beautiful campus environment

How to Apply:

• Apply online at Employment
• Submit resume and cover letter

EEO:

Bethany College, an institution of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

This policy reflects Bethany College's mission to educate, develop, and challenge individuals to reach for truth and excellence as they lead lives of faith, learning, and service. This commitment to equal employment opportunities strengthens our community and enhances our ability to fulfill our educational mission.