Vice President of Athletics | Baker University

Baldwin City, Kansas, BAKER UNIVERSITY Vice President of Athletics Baldwin City, Kansas | NAIA | Reports to the President About Baker University Baker University was chartered on February 12, 1858 — named for Osmon Cleander Baker, a distinguished bishop of what is now the United Methodist Church — and holds the distinction of being the first four-year university in Kansas. For more than 165 years, Baker has championed a practical application of the liberal arts, developing graduates who are lifelong learners and meaningful contributors to their professions and communities. Baker enrolls approximately 2,050 students and is guided by core values of excellence, integrity, respect, community, service, growth, innovation, and spirituality. The residential campus in Baldwin City is home to approximately 815 undergraduate students, with a 12-to-1 student-faculty ratio that defines the personalized Baker experience. The institution's academic distinction is reflected in four Rhodes Scholars and a Pulitzer Prize winner among its graduates, and three buildings on the Baldwin City campus are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Located 45 miles west of Kansas City and 12 miles south of Lawrence, Baldwin City offers a close-knit, community-centered environment with convenient access to regional metro amenities. Department at a Glance 27 varsity sports | 500+ student-athletes | NAIA | Heart of America Athletic Conference (Heart) Position Overview Baker University seeks a transformational and entrepreneurial leader to serve as Vice President for Athletics and elevate one of the premier athletics programs in the NAIA. This is not a traditional maintenance role. The University is seeking a visionary executive who sees athletics as a strategic driver of institutional growth, enrollment expansion, philanthropic engagement, brand visibility, and long-term financial sustainability. The next Athletic Director will bring the ambition, creativity, energy, and operational discipline required to build championship-caliber programs while positioning Baker University for regional and national prominence. This leader will understand athletics as both a competitive enterprise and a transformational student experience — one that fosters belonging, retention, and a lifelong connection to Baker. The successful candidate will possess a growth mindset, exceptional fundraising and revenue-generation capabilities, and the ability to unite coaches, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, students, and university leadership around a bold vision for the future of Wildcat Athletics. Strategic Leadership Expectations The successful candidate will: •Develop and execute a comprehensive strategic vision for athletics aligned with the University's enrollment, financial, and brand objectives. •Position athletics as a key institutional growth engine through enrollment expansion, enhanced student-athlete recruitment, and increased community engagement. •Lead the department with urgency, optimism, competitiveness, and measurable accountability — building a culture where every program and every staff member is valued. •Foster student success in the classroom and in co-curricular experiences that empower student-athletes to persist, graduate, and thrive beyond competition. •Assess and prepare the department for long-term advancement opportunities. •Serve as a visible ambassador for the University locally, regionally, and nationally — embodying Baker's mission and values in every external relationship. Revenue Generation & Growth A core priority of this role is identifying and executing revenue opportunities that materially strengthen both the University and the athletics department. The Athletic Director will: •Lead aggressive fundraising initiatives focused on annual giving, major gifts, capital projects, endowments, and sport-specific support. •Cultivate transformational donor relationships and engage alumni, corporate partners, and community leaders in collaboration with University Advancement. •Create innovative revenue strategies through sponsorships, camps, clinics, events, facility utilization, media partnerships, licensing, and strategic alliances. •Partner with enrollment and student affairs leadership to maximize the financial impact of athletics on undergraduate enrollment growth, retention, and the overall student experience. •Develop long-term capital and facilities plans that support championship performance and institutional advancement. •Build a modern athletics business model grounded in sustainability, growth, and measurable return on investment. Competitive Excellence The Athletic Director will oversee and elevate all aspects of the athletics program, including: •Recruitment and retention of elite coaching talent. •Championship-level competitiveness across all sports programs. •Student-athlete academic success, leadership development, holistic wellbeing, and preparation for meaningful lives and careers beyond Baker. •Compliance with all NAIA, conference, and institutional regulations. •Operational excellence in budgeting, staffing, scheduling, facilities, and game operations. •Data-informed decision-making and performance accountability across the department. Candidate Profile Baker University seeks candidates who combine strategic sophistication with relentless execution. Preferred attributes include: •Demonstrated success leading growth-oriented athletics programs or comparable organizations. •Proven experience in fundraising, external relations, and revenue generation. •Strong business acumen and a clear understanding of athletics as an enrollment and financial driver. •Evidence of visionary leadership and successful organizational transformation. •Experience navigating institutional change, expansion, or competitive reclassification is highly desirable. •Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and public-facing leadership skills. •A high-energy leadership style that inspires both ambition and accountability across the department. •Deep commitment to student-athlete success and mission-centered leadership aligned with Baker's values as a faith-based institution. Qualifications Preferred qualifications include: •Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred. •Significant leadership experience in collegiate athletics administration or a comparable growth-oriented environment. •Track record of successful fundraising and external partnership development. •Experience managing complex budgets and multi-sport operations. •Knowledge of NAIA and/or NCAA governance and compliance structures. •Previous collegiate coaching experience is highly desirable. Compensation & Benefits Baker University offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience and qualifications. The salary range for this position is: Compensation: Baker University offers a competitive compensation package, including relocation assistance, and a salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. Candidates are encouraged to discuss compensation expectations early in the search process. Salary information will be shared with candidates who advance in the search. Application & Nomination Process Baker University has retained a national search firm to assist in this process. Candidates are encouraged to submit a letter of interest and a current resume or curriculum vitae in confidence. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Baker University welcomes candidates from all professional backgrounds who are energized by its mission, inspired by the opportunity ahead, and committed to the holistic success of every student-athlete who wears the Wildcat name. Baker University is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women, minorities, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and members of other underrepresented groups. For more information or to submit materials, please contact: Collegiate Resource Management BOSCA Consulting Jeremy Capo | Associate jcapo.crm@gmail.com