Combe Family Vice President For Athletics And Recreation (Athletic Director)

Northwestern University, Evanston, IL

Reports to President

Our Values / Your Values:

Northwestern University is positioned to be a national thought-leader and driver steering college sports through a paradigm shift; a level of change that is both generational and transformational. The modern era of college sports will shape private as well as public institutions. Northwestern resides at the intersection of these issues and has a seat at the table to help guide and advocate for a future for intercollegiate athletics that is inclusive, academically reputable, financially prudent, and sustainable.

Northwestern is a founding member of the Big Ten Conference and is recognized as one of the most prestigious universities in the nation. We know intercollegiate sports is a great way to create the next generation of leaders and we believe in a broad-based approach to athletics, in which women’s sports and Olympic sports are essential. We will not compromise our academic or athletic integrity and we consistently achieve one of the best graduation rates among FBS schools. Few universities have better facilities, and we are doubling down by building a brand new $850 million, privately funded, multi-purpose Ryan Field. And no university cares more about the health, safety, education, student experience, and future opportunities for student-athletes.

If you are aligned and passionate about our values; if you are a self-aware, diplomatic leader who develops talent, makes others better, and loves to see others succeed; if you are a lean-forward, action-oriented change agent and have the record to prove it; if you are the type of person who takes the time to build and keep deep relationships and build consensus – but knows when to make a decision; if you are revenue-oriented, not only as an experienced fundraiser, but as a well-rounded business/commercial leader; if you are forward-thinking, innovative, and entrepreneurial; if you have a good sense of humor; if your integrity is unquestioned; if you are a winner; and if you are a versatile and hard working individual, down-to-earth, willing to get your hands dirty, dig in, and do the heavy lifting of figuring out the next frontier of college sports, please read on.  

About Northwestern University:

Northwestern University is a comprehensive research university, established in 1851, that is deeply interdisciplinary across multiple schools and units. Our rigorous yet empathetic academic environment provides a robust mixture of theory and practice, with an emphasis on top-tier research, new knowledge, creative expression, and practical application. If you are at Northwestern, you are part of an innovative, collaborative and multidimensional community, delivering an impact that is rare in higher education.

The achievements of the University have been financially possible due to generous alumni and the translation of the University’s formidable science enterprise. Northwestern’s endowment stands at approximately $14 billion, placing Northwestern among the best-endowed institutions in the world. The last fundraising campaign, We Will. The Campaign for Northwestern, blew past its original fundraising goal, ending after it raised $6.1 billion.

The University is comprised of 12 schools, which are highly ranked and recognized. Excellence permeates our campus, our culture, and our ambitions. The University has three campuses—in Evanston, on the shores of Lake Michigan; in Chicago; and in Doha, Qatar.

Northwestern is among the highest ranked Universities for undergraduate education and has approximately 8,800 undergrads. The University has emphasized the undergraduate experience, resulting in increased interest. In 2024, the University received more than 50,000 applications.  

Northwestern is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion across the enterprise, and nowhere are those commitments more evident than the composition of our undergraduate student body. Northwestern classes are increasingly diverse: the University expects the enrolled class of 2028 to be a historically diverse class, with record enrollment across historically underrepresented groups, including racial and ethnic, first-generation and rural, as well as record geographic diversity.

About Our Department of Athletics:

Northwestern is a founding member of the Big Ten Athletic Conference and sponsors 19 varsity teams that compete against the best in the nation. Student-athletes at Northwestern have one of the highest graduation rates among schools in the Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). Competing against Big Ten schools many times our size, Northwestern athletics has been incredibly successful: 7 Big Ten Championships in 2023-24,7 Big Ten Coach of the Year Awards in 2023-2024, 13 Conference Championships in the past three seasons, as well as National Championships in Field Hockey (2021) and Women’s Lacrosse (2023). 

In 2023-24 Northwestern was the only Big Ten institution to win both a bowl game and a men’s basketball NCAA tournament game. Our lacrosse and field hockey teams both won their regular conference and tournament Big Ten titles. Our coaches consistently “punch above their weight class,” and do it the right way -- with integrity and sportsmanship. Of our 19 varsity sports, 11 are women’s sports. We are the envy of the Big Ten with one of the most successful all-around women’s programs in the conference. Northwestern’s commitment to women's athletics has not only enhanced the University’s overall reputation but has provided women athletes with platforms to excel, in sports and in academics. Women’s lacrosse has won eight national championships since 2005, most recently 2023 – and narrowly lost the 2024 title to Boston College. Field Hockey has been to three consecutive NCAA championship games, winning in 2021. Our 2023-24 softball team secured its third consecutive Big Ten championship and competed in the NCAA Austin Regionals and sported the Big Ten Pitcher of the Year.  

Position Summary:

The Northwestern Combe Family Vice President for Athletics and Recreation (athletic director) provides leadership and strategic direction to the University's athletic programs, ensuring the overall success, integrity, and compliance of the department. The athletic director supervises a staff of coaches, professional and support personnel. It also develops and manages operating budgets for intercollegiate athletics and recreation programs, and participates in fundraising activities, while safeguarding the well-being of student-athletes on and off the field.  

Reporting directly to the University President, the athletic director represents the Department of Athletics and Recreation with integrity while ensuring compliance with University, NCAA, and Big Ten Conference rules, regulations, and policies. The athletic director will need to manage the new level of complexity in college sports by strategically driving a new business model in line with Northwestern’s values and commitment to athletics, setting priorities for the department, recruiting and retaining top talent, remaining nimble, and organizing the department to be competitive as the landscape changes over time.

Throughout 2024, we engaged student-athletes, coaches, Athletics staff, faculty, donors, alumni, University leadership as well as external stakeholders in the conference and in the marketplace. We gained clarity about who we are, what we stand for, and where we are going. Northwestern’s next athletic director must be exceptionally good at:

 

• Advocating for Northwestern in the changing landscape while driving a new business model: As financial costs increase along with competition, Northwestern’s athletic director will need to be a champion of Northwestern and create a business model and strategy informed by our values to successfully navigate this changing landscape. This includes strategically managing resources as well as spending and investing in ways that maximize impact.

• Building a program and culture that is a magnet for top talent: The athletic director will need to do an exceptional job at building, developing, supporting and managing an outstanding team. This includes recruiting and retaining top talent in administrative and coaching positions, resolving conflicts, and fostering a collaborative environment to confront the changing landscape.

•  Promoting a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment: The athletic director will need to be committed to attracting and supporting a diverse group of student-athletes, coaches, staff, and administrators and fostering a culture of inclusion that unifies a diverse group that is well integrated into the Northwestern community.

• Dramatically increasing athletics-focused fundraising: The evolving landscape in athletics and revenue sharing will require more fundraising prowess than ever. An institution’s ability to attract and inspire donors to support its athletics program will be a deciding factor in how many sports an institution can support and the level at which it can compete. The athletic director will need to be an expert fundraiser possessing a keen ability to engage with donors and secure funding through various means, including capital campaigns, endowments, and sponsorship deals. The Athletics Department has committed to raising more than $100 million for the Ryan Field project, and millions more to fund NIL and department ambitions.

• Designing a winning athletics portfolio: Myriad factors including revenue sharing, Title IX requirements, and roster size limits, will necessitate an athletic director who can strategically prioritize resources to continue to support a broad portfolio of sports while making the best use of resources available and ensuring the Wildcats are consistently competitive.

• Innovating for excellence: As the landscape changes, technology evolves, and competitors are looking for the next advantage, Northwestern’s athletic director will need to stay on the cutting edge, ensuring the Wildcats are taking full advantage of the latest approaches and opportunities.

•  Living Northwestern’s values: How we win is more important than if we win, and an incoming athletic director will not only bring the utmost integrity, but they will expect it from everyone in the department – coaches and student-athletes alike. Upholding the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct is non-negotiable, and their record should be unassailable. 

• Leveraging Northwestern’s unique value proposition: As described above, Northwestern occupies a unique place in college athletics, combining a highly competitive academic environment and highly competitive athletics program. An athletic director will not only appreciate this position but will be exceptionally good at using it to excite and attract talented athletes.

• Building a culture of excellence and compliance: Northwestern seeks to set a higher standard for excellence which includes abiding by NCAA regulations and ensuring the Athletics program adheres to all rules and standards. This also includes overseeing staff, as well as ensuring that all staff and student-athletes understand the rules, the awareness of reporting steps and requirements, and an environment conducive to open reporting and taking action should issues arise.

• Ensuring student-athlete safety and well-being: An athletic director will continue to promote, encourage and foster Northwestern’s long commitment and tradition of holistically developing student-athletes to ensure they are well equipped for life beyond intercollegiate competition. Maintaining this tradition is an athletic director’s top priority.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership

• Creates a culture that demonstrates a strong affinity for and appreciation of all that is Northwestern University, including our above core values.

• Lives the core value of selfless service while engaging with all, inside and outside of the University.

• Provides opportunities for student-athletes to win conference and national championships by hiring and supporting outstanding coaches, building and maintaining excellent facilities, and creating a conducive atmosphere for success.

• Recruits and retains a talented, highly ethical, inspiring leadership team to run the Athletics Department with integrity, excellence and an innovative spirit that meets the challenges in front of it.

• Assures unit leaders are accountable for high performance and high engagement by articulating expectations, monitoring performance, and providing feedback consistently across areas of responsibility.

• Pursues national leadership positions and endorses other administrative staff in their pursuit of professional leadership positions. Seeks to shape national college athletics and demonstrates a willingness to engage in difficult issues.

• Fosters a culture of academic and athletics excellence in the student-athletes' development and performance, while promoting sportsmanship and ethical conduct.

• Works collaboratively to foster a strong connection between the Department of Athletics and Recreation and the University faculty.

Communications and External Relations

• Provides clarity and direction in alignment with University administration when engaging internally and externally.

• Strives to enhance relationships and communication with all parties that have an association with or interest in the Northwestern University Department of Athletics and Recreation.

• Maintains an effective communication link with alumni and donors of the Northwestern University Department of Athletics and Recreation.

• Oversees public relations, speaks to civic groups, works with media, and interacts with spectators at-large on behalf of Northwestern University, affirming an appreciation of all that is Northwestern.

• Serves on committees in the Big Ten and NCAA.

• Informs and advises University administration staff on matters related to athletics and represents the President as needed.

• Coordinates with the NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative in representing Northwestern University at Big Ten Conference, NCAA, and other national meetings. Communicates with the University’s Committee on Athletics and Recreation and other representative faculty groups on a regular basis.

Fiscal Management and Human Resources

• Ensures the fiscal integrity of the Athletics program.

• Provides strategic vision and guidance in the development and implementation of fundraising initiatives and other related fund-generating activities.

• Provides leadership and management for Athletics facility projects to meet Athletics program needs within desired time frames and budgets.

• Monitors the expenditure of all funds consistent with law, University policies, and NCAA regulations.

• Creates and maintains a culture of respect for all and a supportive environment in which individual opportunity for all can thrive.

• Establishes and maintains policies and programs that demonstrate a commitment to a positive, team-building environment in recruiting, retaining, and supporting all student-athletes, coaches, and staff.

New Ryan Field

• Northwestern University has embarked on building a new state of the art $850 million multi-purpose stadium and entertainment complex – the new Ryan Field. Because of the scale of the stadium and its year-round use as a community asset for the broader Northwestern and Evanston communities, the University is creating a separate entity within Northwestern to oversee the new stadium. The board of this new entity will select and oversee third-party partners who will operate the facility and its programming. All net cash flow from the stadium entity will fund the Department’s budget. The athletic director shall serve as a key partner for the new Ryan Field and will work closely with its board and the third-party operator to maximize the success of the new stadium overall with a strong focus on its core mission to support Northwestern Athletics. 

• The athletic director will need to be personally involved in raising more than $100 million for the Department’s portion of Ryan Field funding. Working closely with the Office of Alumni Relations and Development, the athletic director shall lead the campaign community-wide.

Administration

• Directs the intercollegiate Athletics program in a manner that promotes the mission, values, and aspirations of Northwestern University.

• Maintains administrative, operational, and business functions of the department in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.

• Plans and develops policies, procedures, programs, and methods to implement the Athletic Department philosophy and supports the goals of Northwestern University outlined by the University President.

• Ensures institutional control of the Athletics program through adherence to Federal and State laws and compliance with the NCAA, Big Ten Conference and University rules, regulations, policies, and procedures as well as Title IX guidelines and requirements.

• Interacts with, understands, and relates to student-athletes, Athletics administrators, presidents, commissioners, coaches, media, and all stakeholders.

• Performs other such duties as directed by the University.

Compliance

• Oversees and assures compliance in all aspects of the Athletics organization.

• Delegates compliance administration and monitoring, as required or needed, while understanding the ultimate responsibility rests with the athletic director.

• Authors and interprets policies and procedures, as needed.

Required Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree with an emphasis on business, liberal arts, sports administration, and/or other applicable course of study.

• A proven managerial leader with a minimum of 10 years of hands-on management experience managing complex organizations and complex marketplace dynamics.

• Education and experience that may include a background in sports or sport-related administration and leadership.

• A deep understanding of intercollegiate athletics and current issues facing Division I Intercollegiate athletics, including Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) and collectives, the potential impact of student-athletes being reclassified as employees, and issues arising from the NCAA Transformation Committee and how they will impact the strength and viability of the institution.

• Exceptional leadership and collaboration skills.

• Excellent organizational and communication skills.

• Demonstrated experience and commitment to the core values of Northwestern.

• High emotional intelligence, self-awareness and humility. 

Desired Qualifications:

• A post-graduate degree with an emphasis on business, sports administration, and/or other applicable course of study is a plus.

• A transformative vision and innovative approach to address opportunities and challenges in college athletics, including NIL and collectives.

• Previous experience in finance, facilities management, compliance, marketing, student services, human resources, fundraising, investment, and/or sports supervision.

• A proven record of establishing and meeting ambitious goals.

• A strategic thinker who adapts to dynamic environments.

Northwestern University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

TurnkeyZRG’S Commitment: 

At TurnkeyZRG, we do not just accept differences—we celebrate and support it. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, genetic information, marital or partnership status, military or veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. TurnkeyZRG is an equal opportunity employer and workplace, and we encourage applicants of all backgrounds & communities to apply.