"Chair of the Department of Physical Education and Director of Athletics"

Pomona-Pitzer Sagehens, the Division III National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) joint athletics program for Pomona College and Pitzer College, located 35 miles east of Los Angeles in Claremont, California, invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for the chair of the Department of Physical Education and Director of Athletics. This is an on-site leadership role.

Sagehen Athletics is a member of the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC), which was formed in 1915, when five Southern California institutions combined to promote and govern competition in intercollegiate sports, with the fundamental principle of the conference being to encourage the highest ideals of amateur sports in an environment of high academic standards.

Reporting to the vice president for academic affairs and dean of Pomona College, the chair of physical education and director of athletics (chair/director) provides vision, strategic direction, and administrative leadership to the department. The chair/director will also have dotted line reporting to the vice president and chief of staff at Pitzer College. This position oversees varsity athletics, physical education curriculum, intramural programs, recreation and club sports, faculty and staff wellness programs, athletics facilities management, sports medicine, strength and conditioning, sports information, and athletic administration. The chair/director is responsible for a department comprising 21 varsity sports, over 75 full-time and part-time coaches and staff, including 15 full-time head coaches with faculty status that teach within the physical education program, over 600 intercollegiate scholar-athletes, a robust and highly engaged club sport and intramurals program engaging over 750 students, oversight of over 100 physical activity courses taught annually, and a budget of approximately $3 million.

The salary is $215,000 - $235,000, and commensurate with experience.

Qualifications

The successful candidate should have an advanced degree and significant, progressive professional experience leading a complex, dynamic, and diverse department. Experience within a liberal arts institution, collegiate-level coaching, and capital planning and fundraising experience are preferred. The successful candidate will possess a comprehensive understanding of intercollegiate athletics administration, scholar-athlete development, and NCAA compliance within a Division III environment.

Application and Nomination

Pomona College has selected Spelman Johnson, a leading executive search firm, to assist with leading this search. Review of applications will begin September 26, 2025, and continue until the position is filled. Submit a resume and cover letter via https://spelmanandjohnson.com/position/chair-of-the-department-of-physical-education-and-director-of-athletics/.

Contact Kelly Brooks at dkb@spelmanjohnson.com for confidential inquiries. Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895 or email info@spelmanjohnson.com.

Visit the Pomona College website at www.pomona.edu, Pitzer College website at www.pitzer.edu, and the Sagehens Athletics website at www.sagehens.com.

Pomona College complies with all applicable state and federal civil rights laws prohibiting discrimination in education and the workplace. This policy of nondiscrimination covers admission, access, and service in Pomona College programs and activities, as well as hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, and all other terms and conditions of employment at Pomona College.