Swarthmore College is a highly selective liberal arts college located in the suburbs of Philadelphia, whose mission combines academic rigor with social responsibility. Swarthmore has a strong institutional commitment to inclusive excellence and nondiscrimination in its educational program and employment practices and encourages candidates who will further advance the goal of fostering a diverse and inclusive community. As one of the nation’s finest institutions of higher learning, Swarthmore College is global in outlook and draws students from around the nation and world. The 425‐acre campus is a designated arboretum, complete with gardens, rolling lawns, a creek, wooded hills, and hiking trails in the Crum Woods.

Who We Are:

The Department of Physical Education & Athletics is a member of the NCAA Division III and the Centennial Conference and actively seeks and welcomes applications from candidates with exceptional qualifications, particularly those with demonstrable commitments to a more inclusive society and world. Swarthmore College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and members of minoritized groups are encouraged to apply.

The opportunity:

The Department of Athletics, Physical Education, and Recreation is currently accepting applications for the full-time position of Assistant Director of Athletics for Compliance and Diversity & Inclusion. The Assistant Director of Athletics for Compliance and Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) is responsible for creating, maintaining, and monitoring a compliant environment that results in clear institutional control of all athletic programs relative to Centennial Conference and NCAA legislation as required by NCAA Division III membership. The Assistant AD will be the department's compliance officer, handle all day-to-day compliance functions, and be the point person for all compliance-related questions. Ongoing education relating to NCAA bylaws and procedures for the department, with a focus on coaches, will be a priority. Additionally, this position will lead the athletic department’s efforts to create and maintain a culture of mutual respect and unity and to combat bias based on gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, race, and other identities. The Assistant AD will lead D&I education and training for student-athletes, coaches, and staff within the athletics department. The position will report to the Associate Athletics Director and will work collaboratively with the Office of Inclusive Excellence, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and others, to develop programming, curricula, support services, and community to foster an inclusive environment. Additionally, this position will assume a leadership role within the department and will engage with various areas of athletic administration.

This is a 12-month full-time, limited-term, benefits-eligible position is partially funded through the NCAA Division III Strategic Alliance Matching Grant. This position has a 5-year term, with a possibility of renewal based on departmental budget and satisfactory performance.

Essential Responsibilities

 Compliance Management

• Serve as the primary contact for NCAA compliance matters, including: annual NCAA requirements; pre-participation forms; D-III Rules Test; transfer portal; RSRO interpretations; waivers and appeals; student-athlete eligibility, declaration of playing seasons; and so forth.
• Coordinates a pro-active, comprehensive, and dynamic NCAA rules education program for the coaches, staff, student-athletes, and other constituents as needed.
• Interpret NCAA and Centennial Conference rules in order to provide coaches, administrators, student-athletes, and other constituents with guidance and information.
• Oversee roster management system, which includes approximately 500 student-athletes.
• Investigate, document, and submit NCAA and Centennial Conference violations
• Research and write NCAA and/or Centennial Conference legislative and/or eligibility relief waivers, as needed.
• Create and maintain the Department's NCAA compliance calendar for all programs
• Complete internal and external NCAA transfer requests and tracers.
• Manage the continuing eligibility certification process for approximately 500 varsity student-athletes by coordinating with the Registrar's Office, the NCAA, and the Centennial Conference Offices, as needed.
• Assist with collection, analysis, and submission of data for various annual NCAA and Centennial Conference reports.
• Adhere to all College, Centennial Conference, and NCAA rules and regulations
• Assist with tracking/communicating NCAA and Conference legislative proposals and changes.

Diversity & Inclusion

• Manage all aspects of D&I education and training for student-athletes, coaches, and staff within the athletics department, and work collaboratively with other areas in the advancement of diversity education and inclusive practices for and in support of student-athletes.
• Stay abreast of recommendations from the NCAA Mental Health Advisory Group, which focuses on the support of the mental health and well-being of diverse student-athletes, particularly those of color, those with disabilities, and those who identify as LGBTQ, as well as international student-athletes.
• Incorporate NCAA Mental Health data, especially as it relates to varying groups and identities, to strategize with College partners (psychologist, Inclusive Excellence, etc.) for educational programming and training for the department.
• Collaborate with campus partners, such as the Office of Inclusive Excellence, Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, General Counsel, and others as appropriate, to facilitate compliance with Title VI.
• Create and implement a robust series of programs and events to emphasize and improve the student-athlete experience and overall welfare of all student-athletes with a focus on D&I topics.
• Meet, one-on-one and in groups, with students to address issues of concern and serve as a resource on issues related to diversity and inclusion
• Provide strategic leadership, resources, and expertise in the areas of diversity & inclusion.
• Assist with the evaluation of departmental operations, policies, procedures, and practices and recommend changes that align with our commitment to diversity and inclusion
• Serve as Department's NCAA athletics diversity and inclusion designee (ADID)
• Serve on the College’s Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion’s leadership team, as assigned.

General Administration & Leadership

• Serve as event/game manager for sporting events.
• Actively support and promote the values and mission of the Department and College
• Serve as the department/staff liaison to student-athlete groups/clubs, such as the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and Swarthmore’s Athletes for Diversity & Inclusion (ADI).
• Contribute to overall leadership of the department; development and management of policies, procedures, and general operations.
• Represent the department on campus committees, as well as on regional, national, and/or NCAA committees, as appropriate.
• Chair the department’s D&I-focused committee: Swat Athletics for Inclusive Excellence (SAIE), consisting of staff and coaches.
• Future opportunities for growth and development include:
  • • Sport Supervision
• Continue professional development to develop and enhance relevant skills and knowledge.
• Prioritize the health, safety, and well being of all parties at all times.
• Assist Associate AD, and administration, with various projects as needed.

Who you are:

The successful candidate will understand the mission of Swarthmore College, and the role that intercollegiate athletics plays to support it, and will possess relevant experience as an athletic administrator. The Assistant Director of Athletics will assume a leadership role within the department, overseeing all NCAA compliance matters as well as diversity and inclusion-related efforts. The Assistant Director of Athletics will serve as a valuable member of the athletic administration and will have direct input on various department policies and operations. Additionally, the Assistant Director of Athletics will represent the department on various committees and will interact with various constituencies across campus.

Must work as a team and collaborate on ideas for the good of the Department and the College. Ability to work with a high degree of flexibility in a highly collaborative, fast-paced, goal-oriented environment. Comfortable with and able to manage difficult conversations in trainings and workshops. Demonstrated understanding of customer service to a wide range of constituents.

What you bring:

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• Minimum of 3 years of professional work experience with NCAA compliance or in a similar role.
• Demonstrated experience with and understanding of NCAA compliance materials, preferably at the Division III level.
• Knowledge of diversity & inclusion-related topics, strategies, and best practices.
• Ability to effectively engage with individuals of various backgrounds and identities and to articulate a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• Excellent communication (verbal, written, etc.) and organizational skills.
• Basic familiarity with computer programs, i.e., Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

 Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s or advanced degree preferred.
• Relevant experience developing and facilitating training on a wide range of diversity and inclusion topics, concepts, social constructs, etc.
• Experience with curricula/content development and delivery.
• More than 3 years of work experience in compliance-related or similar role/s.
• Demonstrated experience with and understanding of D&I best practices, resources, and relevant topics within and outside of the NCAA/higher education.

Physical Demands

• This position requires the ability to perform office work (sitting or standing at a desk/in an office for extended periods) and conduct presentations, training, and educational sessions for individuals and groups.
• This position will serve as the event administrator at various sporting events and may be required to move about athletic facilities as needed.

 Working Conditions

• The Assistant Athletics Director must be able and willing to at times work extended, unconventional hours, including evenings, weekends, and sometimes holidays.
• The majority of work takes place in an office setting, with some duties taking place throughout athletic facilities and occasional travel.

 What You Will Get:

You’ll work at one of the world's most renowned liberal arts Colleges, with incredible benefits, a stunning 420-acre campus, and a hybrid work environment. You’ll join an award-winning team of passionate, creative, and supportive people who work hard and have fun telling the College’s story to the world.

We want to hear from you if you are excited about this role! Submit your resume and cover letter for full consideration. We anticipate the selected candidate to start by July 15, 2024.

PA Criminal Required

Swarthmore College requires a PA Criminal background check for all staff positions prior to the start of employment.

Act 153 Required by Position 

This position may regularly interact with minors. Under Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Law, (23 Pa. Cons. Stat. §§6301, et seq.) employees who have direct contact with minors are required to obtain the following background clearances prior to the start of employment:

• Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) through the Pennsylvania State Police
• Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance (PACA) through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
• FBI Criminal History Background Check (FBI Fingerprint).

Education Verification Required by Position

An education verification is required for this position because a college degree is a required qualification for this position.

Review the 2024 Benefits Flyer. We offer benefit plans starting at zero cost! Upon benefit eligibility, the College contributes 10% of an employee’s salary to their retirement account. Employees are 100% vested in their accounts on the date participation begins.

Swarthmore Benefits Guidebook

Retirement Plans

Tuition Grant Program

Tuition Reimbursement Program

Paid Time Off (Staff)

Holiday Schedule

Swarthmore College actively seeks and welcomes applications from candidates with exceptional qualifications, particularly those with demonstrable commitments to a more inclusive society and world. Swarthmore College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.