As a university founded to be a place where “…any person can find instruction in any study,” diversity and inclusion are at the core of our values and mission. We strive to be a welcoming, caring, healthy, and equitable community where students, faculty, and staff with different backgrounds, perspectives, abilities, and experiences can learn, innovate, and work in an environment of respect, and feel empowered to engage in any community conversation. As a member of the Cornell University community, it is important to recognize our shared responsibility to each other to cultivate a culture of inclusion for all.

As a people manager and university leader you will model and support a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and wellbeing by fostering an environment where everyone has the ability to thrive and navigate work and life’s challenges because they feel like they belong and have the tools and support they need.

Student and Campus Life (SCL) inspires transformation in all Cornell students on their journey of individual, academic and personal evolution. Our division is comprised of leading student affairs experts who support our campus on pressing student life matters including public service, health, wellness, social justice, residential living, food services, sports, recreation, career services, and student activities and organizations including sorority and fraternity life. We provide support and services to roughly 25,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students on multiple campuses in the U.S. and abroad.

Cornell University is an NCAA Division I institution and a member of the Ivy League. The university fields teams in 37 intercollegiate sports and provides a comprehensive physical education program. The university is committed to excellence in academics and athletics, gender equity and diversity in its programs, and a well-balanced, broad-based intercollegiate athletics program. Athletics and Physical Education offers a diverse program of physical and outdoor education, recreational services, intramural sports and intercollegiate athletic competition, plus Wellness programs for faculty and staff and fitness centers for the entire Cornell community.

Reporting to the Meakem Smith Director of Athletics & Physical Education (AD), the Senior Deputy Athletics Director, Director of Strategy and Operations serves as the organizational advisor to the AD, providing high-level counsel to the AD and working closely and collaboratively with the Athletics & PE leadership team to develop and reinforce organizational rhythms that drive the department to a high level of success. This newly created senior administrator level position serves as thought partner to the AD, acts as the strategic brand manager for the department, leads/oversees day-to-day operations, creates connections across the department and university, and enables coaches and staff to work together to drive results. With broad knowledge of the organization and operational insights, the Director advises executive level decision-making, facilitates priorities through teamwork, drives the brand, and champions optimal organizational culture. In addition, this role facilitates the flow of information to and from the AD in an effort to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of the AD and their office, managing outreach to key stakeholders on behalf of the AD including institutional colleagues, faculty, coaches, staff, students, parents, alumni, members of the community, and others.

This position collaborates with SCL Human Resources to facilitate surveys, assessments, and analysis of organizational trends, and supports other personnel management activities, such as employee relations, compensation processes, and professional development initiatives within the department. Additionally, the Director leads special projects for the AD, and consults with other senior-level leaders in and outside of the department to accomplish priority goals. This role provides leadership and supervision of the Athletics Communications unit and the Physical Education unit, and serves as a primary or secondary sport administrator for Football and/or other assigned sports.

Success Factors

• A high degree of emotional intelligence, political savvy, personal awareness, exceptional tact and discretion with confidential information. Possesses a balance of organization skills and flexibility, growth mindset and the ability to connect dots between seemingly disparate activities or teams in the organization.
• Forward thinking and understanding where the industry, organization and leadership are going with a strong knack for anticipating the needs of senior leadership.
• Understanding formal and informal power in the organization and how to use these to further your vision or get work done
• Willingness to question assumptions or challenge the status quo, and to ask powerful questions that expand others’ thinking or feelings. Understanding of reasons for resistance to change in an organization and helping individuals and teams work through it.
• The ability to shift gears rapidly from one subject to another, multiple times a day; to weather change; to tolerate and successfully navigate ambiguity; and to demonstrate resourcefulness.

While position responsibilities vary, all people leaders are expected to foster a culture of belonging and a psychologically healthy work environment by being trustworthy; respecting all individuals; being flexible; supporting work/life integration as well as healthy boundaries; inviting new ideas, alternatives, and perspectives; speaking up and taking action if others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and recognizing the contributions of others.

 

Please note: Applications must be submitted by September 11, 2023 for full consideration. There is no visa sponsorship available for this position.

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law. 

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

 

Required Qualifications

Master’s degree with 3 or more years’ experience in senior athletics administration roles, or equivalent number of years of related experience and education. Superb communication skills and experience, with the ability to take in a large volume of information and sophisticated data, translate it into options, proposals, and recommendations. Demonstrated success in translating high-level thought processes into action in an effective way. Results oriented, with a drive to get things done. Skilled at assessment of programs/initiatives and understanding how to measure success, as well as identify areas of opportunity and facilitate adjustments to improve future work. Utilizes systems and process thinking to manage and measure work; understanding of organizational dynamics and structure and the systemic advantages and disadvantages inherent in them. The ability to balance the positional power and personal influence in the organization to reach the desired outcomes. Strong leadership skills and the ability to inspire and motivate team members to support collaboration and excellence, as well as create an engaging work environment for all levels of the organization. Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing. Demonstrated skill in understanding of cultural differences. Proven experience connecting diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing practices to business goals.

Preferred Qualifications

• Sport administration experience, particularly at a similarly selective academic institution with Division I Athletics
• Knowledge of the Athletics industry, including its unique characteristics, trends, and audience preferences.
• An understanding of brand positioning, target audience identification, and differentiation. Able to develop and articulate a clear and compelling brand strategy that aligns with the values and goals of the Department and University.
• Strong marketing and communication skills, along with experience in creating and executing marketing campaigns, developing messaging and brand communication guidelines, and leveraging various channels to effectively reach target audiences.
• Familiarity with strategies for conducting market research, analyzing data, and gather insights to inform branding decisions
• Demonstrated ability to align brand strategy across departments, working with designers, marketers, and other stakeholders to ensure consistent brand messaging and execution.

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