The ad has started appearing in publications and is listed on the University’s website.
Working with Linda Bruno, commissioner of the Atlantic 10 Conference, Robert M. Beagle, vice president of University Advancement and chair of the nine-member search committee, has mailed a letter and the job announcement to all 32 Division I athletic conference commissioners. “We feel this is one major way to get the position availability into the hands of the right people and to stimulate recommendations, nominations and applications,” Beagle said.
Letters have also been sent to key professional organizations.
The search process became public in January when the University announced the members of the committee. So far the committee has met three times, the first session with President Robert L. Carothers, who listed his priorities for a new director. Following that meeting, the committee met with University affirmative action officials to discuss the job description, advertising, application review, interviews and candidate selection. The group has also recast the job description. The committee will hold campus community meetings with the finalists, which will allow faculty, staff, students and alumni to ask questions of the candidates.
The person selected for the post will manage an athletic department with 22 NCAA Division I men’s and women’s teams, with football playing at the Division IA level. There are more than 400 intercollegiate student-athletes at URI, which has established itself as an A10 power in track and field, men’s and women’s soccer, baseball and men’s golf. Men’s basketball just completed a successful campaign that led to the conference title game in Atlantic City.
The position advertisement says candidates must have at least eight years of progressively responsible administrative experience, with intercollegiate athletic experience preferred. Candidates from fields that require comparable skills and successes will also be considered.
The job also requires that candidates:
• Create and implement a strategic plan that meets or exceeds goals;
• Possess a background in complex financial issues with successful experience in overseeing a multi-million dollar budget;
• Have a record of professional achievements in athletic or non-profit fundraising and in generating other kinds of support, including sponsorships and partnerships, affinity relations, sports promotion and ticket sales; and
• Possess experience with the media, including contract negotiations with television and radio outlets.
Intercollegiate coaching collective bargaining experience, and a demonstrated understanding of NCAA rules and regulations, as well as related intercollegiate policies, such as Title IX, are preferred.
The search committee will begin reviewing applications May 15 and will continue the process until the position is filled.
Gregg Burke, who joined the University as deputy director of athletics in September 2004, has been serving as interim director. His term runs until July 1, or until a permanent director has been appointed.