Director of Athletics

Overview

Director of Athletics – Simpson College

Location:

Indianola, IA

Open Date:
Jan 28, 2026

The Director of Athletics provides strategic leadership, vision and oversight for Simpson College's athletics program. Reporting to the president and serving as a member of Cabinet, the Director of Athletics fosters an environment focusing on the holistic development, academic and personal success, and competitive excellence of student athletes. The Director leads all athletic operations, including budget management, compliance with conference and NCAA Division III regulations, recruitment and development of personnel, and facilities.

In addition, the Director collaborates with multiple departments to meet student-athlete recruitment and retention goals; demonstrates a commitment to the student-athlete experience; and serves as the face of Storm athletics to cultivate alumni and donor engagement.

• Create an environment where all student-athletes and staff feel respected, supported and valued.
• Recruit, hire, mentor, motivate, supervise, and evaluate all full and part-time department employees. Meet often with staff to plan and coordinate events, assign and evaluate projects, and resolve problems.
• Assess the athletics program regularly to maintain and enhance competitiveness, identify innovative initiatives, ensure continual improvement, and develop and maximize the student athlete experience.
• Ensure successful recruitment of prospective student-athletes by working with Enrollment to monitor recruitment and roster goals of all coaches and support them in achieving those goals.
• Communicate regularly with key campus personnel and collaborate with campus offices to plan, problem-solve, and promote the student-athlete experience. Collaborate with college stakeholders to foster academic success for student-athletes.
• Effectively allocate available resources to support goals and objectives. Develop, implement, and monitor the annual operating budget.
• Assess and recommend athletic facility improvements.
• Serve as the face of athletics in fundraising activities, supporting Advancement staff in all philanthropic activities involving athletics including increasing alumni engagement, fostering donor relationships, and securing and sustaining sponsor ships from businesses and individuals.
• Strengthen school spirit and community pride at athletic events. Build strong relationships with students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, and community partners and advance the visibility and long-term success of Storm athletics.
• Develop and implement operating policies, procedures, and initiatives that build and maintain healthy, competitive athletic programs; support NCAA and conference rules; and promote good sportsmanship.
• Supervise all regular department operations associated with scheduling, athletic performance, sports information, team travel, equipment purchasing and maintenance, and facility and event management.
• Represent Simpson College at NCAA and conference meetings. Represent and promote the athletic program to alumni, parents, prospective and current student-athletes, and at various public relations and fundraising functions.
• Manage appropriate department records systems. Prepare a variety of administrative and management reports including EADA and various NCAA documents.
• Keep abreast of current developments in higher education athletics programs, including athletic association regulations and guidelines, and ensure Simpson College's compliance with the latter.

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in athletics administration, sports management, or related field preferred.
• At least six years of successful senior-level leadership in athletics administration at the NCAA Division III level (preferred) including personnel management, student-athlete recruitment and retention, budget management, compliance, operations, and policy development.
• Experience in coaching at the college level preferred.
• Personal commitment to, and knowledge of, the NCAA Division III philosophy.
• Demonstrated commitment to creating environments where all student-athletes and staff feel respected, supported…