| DEPARTMENT: | Athletics |
| REPORTS TO: | MLC President |
| LOCATION: | New Ulm, Minnesota |
| EMPLOYMENT TYPE: | Exempt (Salary) | 1.00 FTE – Regular Full-time |
| RANGE: | $63,000 – $73,000 |
SUMMARY
Martin Luther College (MLC) is seeking a visionary Athletic Director to provide leadership for its NCAA Division III athletics program, ensuring alignment with the college’s mission and the Athletic Department Philosophy. This position leads and develops a Christ-centered athletics program that pursues excellence in competition while preparing student-athletes for lives of Christian service and leadership in public ministry.
An individual energized by leadership, who enjoys developing coaches and student-athletes, and values the unique role of athletics within ministry preparation, will find this position deeply meaningful and impactful.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop and implement a strategic plan for MLC athletics that strengthens the Athletic Department Philosophy and supports the college’s mission of preparing leaders for public ministry.
- Guided by the MLC Athletic Department Philosophy, seek to strengthen and maintain an athletic program for men and women that forms student-athletes as Christ-centered servant leaders.
- Foster strong partnerships between coaches and Recruitment to connect students’ desire for ministry with participation in college athletics.
- Guide coaches in understanding how their roles and programs align with MLC’s mission, supporting leadership, excellence, and professional growth.
- Provide oversight and encouragement to the Assistant Athletic Director and athletic staff, equipping them to lead daily operations in alignment with MLC’s mission and Athletic Department Philosophy.
- Supervise athletic department administrators, staff and student workers, promoting growth and development.
- Manage the athletic department budget and guide sport-specific budgets to ensure responsible stewardship of resources within established limits.
- Support development of mission-aligned sponsorships and fundraising efforts that fit MLC’s mission.
- Oversee sports information, social media, and event coverage including college-level quality streaming, to promote and share MLC athletics.
- Inspire coaches and staff to engage the campus and broader community, strengthening MLC’s fan base and enhancing gameday experience.
- Oversee scheduling and use of athletic facilities, fields, and equipment, partnering with Events to ensure coordinated and seamless scheduling.
- Ensure care, maintenance, and event preparation of athletic facilities, fields, and equipment through coordinated planning with Facilities.
- Supervise planning and logistics for tournaments, sports camps, and home contests.
- Provide oversight of transportation and team travel, including meals and event logistics.
- Represent MLC in athletic conferences, NCAA matters, and other external meetings.
- Ensure department compliance with conference and NCAA rules and regulations.
- Provide oversight of intramural programs and other student-athlete engagement initiatives.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
- An active member of the WELS or church body in fellowship with the WELS.
- A deep commitment to the mission and core values of WELS and MLC, and an ability to apply that commitment in the performance of daily responsibilities on and off campus.
- Articulates athletics’ integral role in training public ministers and highlights how MLC athletics is unique.
- Bachelor’s degree in education or pre-seminary studies.
- Willingness to enroll in the Teaching Ministry Certification Program.
Preferred:
- Master’s degree in applicable field, or willingness to pursue.
- Knowledge of and support for the undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education programs offered.
- Experience with social media marketing and social media platforms.
- Three years of supervisory and administrative experience.
- Prior experience in coaching, recruiting, or higher education.
- Proficiency with Google programs and Microsoft Office Suite, or a willingness to gain skills.
ATTRIBUTES FOR SUCCESS
- Model integrity, humility, and Christ-centered leadership in competitive environments reflecting the mission and MLC Athletic Department Philosophy.
- Skilled at planning and executing initiatives that grow programs, and enhance the student-athlete experience.
- Leads and develops a high-performing passionate team, encouraging excellence and supporting the growth of the team.
- Receptive to feedback and engages constructively to address challenges to advance the mission.
- Discerns potential in prospective student-athletes and connects athletics with ministry formation.
- Skilled at establishing meaningful rapport with prospective students, current students, faculty, and staff.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Organizes athletic-related events involving lifting and moving materials, equipment, tables, tents, etc.
- Operate fitness center and training hall equipment, mounting and dismounting.
- Mobility across campus, athletic facilities and fields; present for long or multi-day events.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & BENEFITS
- This position is full-time, primarily on-site in office and athletic facilities, with some travel, irregular hours, evening, and weekend hours.
- Exposure to noise, inclement weather, heat and cold, dust and debris.
- This position is Full-time Benefit Eligible. A comprehensive schedule of benefits is available here.
ABOUT US
Martin Luther College (MLC) is the WELS College of Ministry, preparing pastors, teachers, and staff ministers to proclaim the truth of the Holy Scriptures in churches, schools, and other institutions. MLC serves about 600 on-campus students and almost 1,000 online students. Located on a beautiful wooded hill, the 100-acre campus overlooks the city of New Ulm, Minnesota. MLC offers the charm of a small town with easy access to larger cities—just 25 miles from Mankato and 90 miles from Minneapolis/St. Paul.
APPLY ONLINE
Click this link to apply online
Applications are accepted until the position is filled.
Direct all inquiries to Human Resources
507-354-8221
hr@mlc-wels.edu
