Chief Administrative Officer, Athletics

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Vice President of Athletics and Recreation, who reports to the University’s President, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) will be tasked with overseeing departments and units responsible for graduating complete student-athletes. The CAO serves as a member of the Vice President’s Senior Staff and is responsible for developing, establishing and implementing policies, procedures and programs that align the parallel goals of the Department of Athletics and Recreation with those of the University Mission. Namely, this role will work to enhance the quality of the student-athlete experience, safeguard their health and wellness, and support their educational goals. This position will champion a strong collaboration with compliance, academics and admissions as well as internal and external partners. This role will be responsible for delivering quality educational and auxiliary programming to student-athletes, coaches and staff, and developing sound processes to ensure the delivery of holistic support to student-athletes and community education for coaches and staff according to the institutional mission, Conference, NCAA and state requirements. Sport administration duties for one or more men’s and/or women’s intercollegiate athletic teams will be assigned.

Please note:

Willingness and ability to work a non-traditional schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays as required.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Responsible for monitoring Title IX and gender equity issues and concerns at the institutional level and representing the department at the Big Ten Conference by serving, when applicable, as the Senior Woman Administrator.
• Provide Oversight of the department's compliance with Big Ten and NCAA rules and regulations through supervision of the Senior Associate AD for Compliance. As well as offer support relative to the legislative process at the NCAA and conference levels.
• Support the planning and execution of strategies relevant to strengthening and/or maintaining academic support services for our student-athletes, inclusive or but not limited to:
  • Tutorial and learning strategists’ initiatives
  • Advising services and support designated for 19 varsity programs
  • the Academic Integrity Policies and its consistent implementation,
  • student-athlete handbook policies.
• Primary liaison for the Admissions Office.
  • Responsible for the pre-approval process for prospective student-athletes through the Dean of Admissions.
  • Coordinate appeals of the pre-approval process through the Provost.
  • Facilitate communication between NUDAR and the Admissions Office staff.
• In conjunction with the COO, and Financial Aid office, responsible for the allocation and monitoring of financial aid awarded to student-athletes.
  • Responsible for approval of all squad lists.
  • Serve as the Athletic Director's designee in signing Big Ten Tenders.
  • Oversight of the approval of funds requested through the Special Assistance Fund and the Student-Athlete Opportunity Fund.
  • Serve as secondary liaison for the Financial Aid Office.
• Oversight of the certification of eligibility process, serve as a secondary liaison to the registrar's office.
• The CAO will work closely with Northwestern Medicine, the COO and sport administrators to ensure the optimization and functionality of the High Performance Team. The CAO will serve as the primary contact with student affairs and thus have insights as well as have an operational relationship with the Counseling and Psychological Services department, who reports through student Affairs.
• Oversee the University Recreation Department through providing oversight and general guidance to the Associate AD for Recreation. Assist with the strategic direction of all recreational services and responsible for developing and implementing a shared vision that aligns recreational goals with the mission of Athletics.
• Work in conjunction with and provide guidance to the student-Athlete Development team to provide a holistic and comprehensive approach to leadership development, and career readiness through a lens that centers diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Assist in managing the funds and relationships for the student-Athlete Development donor funded initiative and programs
• Serve as the initial point of contact for all issues related to their respective sports program and should exercise proactive leadership to resolve concerns for coaches, student-athletes and/or support staff assigned to the respective sport.
• Responsible for adhering to all Department and University policies and procedures, as well as the rules, regulations, bylaws and interpretations of the Big Ten Conference and the NCAA.
• Responsible for adhering to all Department and University continuing education initiatives and required certifications and trainings.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in developing, establishing and implementing policies, procedures and programs, or equivalent combination of experience and education.
• 5+ years of senior leadership level experience required.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Full knowledge of rules and regulations of the NCAA, Big Ten Conference required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree preferred.
• 5+ years of senior leadership level experience in collegiate or professional athletics preferred.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Ability to work cooperatively with others and effectively interact with diverse populations.
• Ability to establish engaging relationships within and across racialized and other marginalized communities.
• Excellent leadership with a track record of developing and maintaining high-performing teams.

Target hiring range for this position will be between $225,000 to $320,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

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Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern’s . Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View .