Details

Posted: 03-Sep-25

Location: Durango, Colorado

Type: Full-time

Categories:

Executive Executive - Athletics Director

Sector:

Collegiate Sports The Opportunity: The Director of Athletics at Fort Lewis College (FLC) provides leadership, vision, and direction for the Skyhawk Athletics Program to ensure program effectiveness, continuous improvement, and positive experience for student-athletes on and off the field. The program has experienced significant momentum, emphasizing a 3.25 GPA, 5,000 hours of service, and enhanced collaboration on campus and in the community, resulting in record-breaking fundraising and sponsorship revenue and cutting-edge new training facilities with plans for more. We are seeking a leader to continue this exciting momentum and build on this culture of excellence while continuing to compete for championships. The Director of Athletics maintains the integrity of the program, promoting and upholding the principles of sportsmanship and developing ethical virtues in our student-athletes. The Director of Athletics will strengthen and build the athletic program, developing relationships with the RMAC conference, NCAA Division II, and external constituents. The Director of Athletics reports to the President and serves as an active member of the President’s Cabinet.

Fort Lewis College fields 16 varsity athletics programs, which compete in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) of the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division II. In addition, there are 15 club sports, and an intramural sports program, including a reputable USA Cycling program that is attracts students from across the country. Cycling is the only club sport that reports to Athletics. Fort Lewis College has committed to over $25 million in new recreational and athletic facilities that will have a major impact on Skyhawk Athletics and recreational services moving forward. Part of the $25 million commitment has already been allocated to the new $6 million CommonSpirit Sports Performance Center, a 10,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility designed to enhance the student-athlete experience and serve the entire campus community. The new facility includes 24 weight racks, six treadmills, three rowing machines, three bikes, two stair steppers, ten weight machines, and a 250-square-foot fuel station. It also includes a turf area and an Academic Achievement wall recognizing student-athletes who achieve a 3.5 GPA. A key feature of the design is its flexible training layout—divided into quadrants that can accommodate multiple teams simultaneously or host full-squad sessions for programs like football, which has up to 140 student-athletes. The new facility has been remarked upon by many as a “game changer” for a DII athletics program. Remaining financial resources from the $25 million campaign are earmarked for additional projected recreational and athletic facility upgrades, including an indoor practice facility, to be designed and managed in partnership with multiple campus departments.

Additional Momentum to Note: FLC ranked in the Top 15 nationally for winter sport attendance and placed in the Top 35 in the Division II Learfield Cup Standings. Men’s Soccer reached the NCAA Elite 8, Women’s Cross Country finished in the Top 20 nationally, and Women’s Soccer competed in the RMAC Tournament Championship. We also celebrated our first men’s Indoor Track conference champion and a No. 3 national finish in the Women’s 5,000m. These milestones, along with five All-American honors and multiple cycling national titles, are supported by fans and donor-funded scholarships, facility upgrades, sponsorships, and grassroots crowdfunding led by coaches and student-athletes.

The Institution: Fort Lewis College, a public institution located in beautiful Durango, Colorado, offers degree programs in arts, business, education, health fields, humanities, social and natural sciences, and teacher education. Our inspiring mountain campus is located atop a scenic mesa overlooking historic Durango and situated between the San Juan Mountains and the desert Southwest. We are committed to accessible and high-quality baccalaureate education, and our hallmarks are remarkably close relationships between students and faculty, the freedom of intellectual exploration, and the challenge of experiential learning. Our 3,300 students come from 48 states, 17 countries, with 36% Native American and Alaska Native backgrounds, and 11% Hispanic backgrounds. Durango is a thriving multicultural community of 18,500 set along the beautiful Animas River Valley. Averaging 300 sunny days per year, the community is known for its outdoor lifestyle and friendly, festive atmosphere. Durango is also the cultural and economic hub of the Four Corners region, rich in dining, shopping, and entertainment, and linked with airline service to hubs in Denver, Phoenix, and Dallas.

Essential Functions and Duties of the Position:Provides strategic and visionary leadership for the Skyhawk Athletic Department. Leads and maintains an athletic department that is committed to the College’s strategic plan, and student success on and off the field. Recruits, mentors, and develops the dynamic team of athletic staff. Ensures the athletic department remains in compliance with applicable Title IX, NCAA, RMAC, and College rules and regulations governing all facets of intercollegiate athletic programs. Leads an active program to develop new revenue streams for the support of student-athletes and the athletics program. Collaborates and partners with the Office of Advancement and FLC Foundation to execute major gift fundraising, manage a portfolio of donors and donor prospects, and comprehensive fundraising communications. Leads and oversees promotions and marketing activities to support program and sponsorships in collaboration with the FLC Marketing & Communications team. Manages athletic operating budgets to sustain healthy operations and activities while adhering to budget parameters. Develop and maintain excellent public relations to support and promote athletics within the College and the broader community, including leading and inspiring the volunteer Skyhawk Booster Club. Work effectively with faculty, administrators, students, and other constituent groups to promote a positive experience for student athletes. The ability and desire to establish positive relationships with persons of diverse backgrounds and strengths. A professional demeanor and personal presentation in dealing with people and the ability to relate well to students, staff, faculty, and administration, both personally and professionally within an organizational structure. Serves as an active and engaged member of the President’s Cabinet. Maintains knowledge and awareness of digital accessibility including the American with Disabilities Act and Section 508. Produces and remediates digitally accessible materials in accordance with FLC standards. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:                                                                                                                 

Bachelor's degree and at least four years' experience in higher education athletics program administration Deep experience with intercollegiate programs with an understanding of administrative, financial, and personnel-related responsibilities of an athletic department. Demonstrated ability to supervise, mentor, and grow coaches and student athletes. Successful experience in fundraising and a commitment to the development of donor/alumni relationships. Demonstrated ability to foster and maintain a climate of commitment, a culture of respect, diversity, belief in service before self, sportsmanship, and professionalism on all levels. Knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations governing recruitment and student-athlete eligibility. Appreciation of the role of non-NCAA II sports (e.g., cycling) in a comprehensive vision for athletics. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively. Demonstrated success building relationships with internal & external constituents. Strong listening and communication skills; a presence that earns trust, confidence, and respect; and the ability to lead by influence and example. Valid driver's license

Preferred Qualifications:        

Master’s Degree Direct experience in NCAA II Successful major gift fundraising experience

 Compensation:                                                                                                      

Salary range is $126,000 - $140,000, commensurate with experience and consistent with similarly sized Division II schools. Full benefits package.

The Application Process:                                                   

Interested candidates should submit a completed application in one PDF file to opportunity@mammothconsulted.com and include the following: 

A cover letter addressed to Dr. Heather Shotton (Fort Lewis College President), setting forth one’s interest in the opportunity and how the candidate’s skills/experiences align with the position description; A professional resumé; and  Names, contact information, and an explanation of the relationship for four professional references.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For earliest and full consideration, complete applications should be submitted by Sunday, September 28, 2025. For questions, inquiries, or nominations, contact Dr. Kurt Patberg, Vice President of Mammoth Sports Consulting at: kurt.patberg@mammothconsulted.com. 

Notice to Prospective Employees:

The Fort Lewis College is required by the Clery Act of 1990 to notify prospective employees, current employees, students and applicants where to access our Campus Security Report.  The report is updated and published annually in accordance with the Higher Education Amendments of 1998, Federal Student Right-to-Know, the Federal Drug-free Schools and Campuses Act of 1989. This report contains information about:

Fort Lewis College's alcohol and other drug policy Sexual assault policy Campus security policies Campus/community resources The Colorado Riot Offense Statute restriction on enrollment Where to find registered sex offender information Crime statistics for the previous three calendar years Reporting crimes

The Campus Security Report can be accessed by going to the internet website at   www.fortlewis.edu/AnnualSecurityReport FLC Student Affairs Office will also provide a paper copy of the annual security report upon request. They can also be reached at 970-247-7331.

 Equal Opportunity

Fort Lewis College does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, religion, national origin, sex*, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, family or domestic status, political beliefs, veteran status, pregnancy, or genetic information. Accordingly, equal opportunity for employment shall be extended to all persons. The College shall promote equal opportunity, equal treatment, and affirmative action efforts to increase the diversity of students, faculty, and staff. The College is dedicated to building a culturally diverse and pluralistic faculty and staff committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment. To file a report, get resources, read policies, or make an appointment, visit www.fortlewis.edu/CARE.

 Discrimination Questions?

Office of Compliance and Community Standards
David Pirrone, Director of Compliance
165 Education Business Hall
1000 Rim Drive
Durango, Colorado 81301
970-247-7182 or djpirrone@fortlewis.edu

 Questions about Title IX sex discrimination?   
Office of the Title IX Coordinator
Madeleine Gillman, Assistant Director of Compliance and Title IX Coordinator
230 Skyhawk Station
1000 Rim Drive
Durango, Colorado 81301
970-247-7049 or mgillman@fortlewis.edu

Information about Fort Lewis College’s alcohol and drug policy, sexual assault policy, campus security policies, campus crime statistics, fire safety procedures and fire statistics, and campus/community resources can be found in the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. Hard copies are available upon request.

* Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Part 106 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, including in admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and CFR 106 to Fort Lewis College may be directed to FLC's Title IX Coordinator and/or to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights of the Department of Education.

 

 

Create a Job Match for Similar Jobs About Fort Lewis College Fort Lewis College, a public institution located in Durango, Colorado, offers degree programs in arts, business, education, health fields, engineering and physics, humanities, social and natural sciences, and teacher education. Our inspiring mountain campus is located atop a scenic mesa overlooking historic Durango and situated between the San Juan Mountains and the desert Southwest. We are committed to accessible and high-quality baccalaureate education, and our hallmarks are remarkably close relationships between students and faculty, the freedom of intellectual exploration, and the challenge of experiential learning. Connections working at Fort Lewis College https://ncaamarket.ncaa.org/jobs/21636817/director-of-athletics Return to Search Results