Small colleges face unique challenges in building and sustaining competitive athletic departments. With limited budgets and growing pressure to use athletics as a driver for enrollment and campus vibrancy, finding the right staffing solutions is critical. Fortunately, flexible and scalable staffing models are helping smaller institutions compete with larger programs, maximize resources, and achieve big results.

The Enrollment Imperative

For many small colleges, athletics is more than just competition—it’s a vital strategy for enrollment and revenue. As traditional enrollment declines, schools are launching new sports programs to attract student-athletes and diversify their student body. For example, Calvin University’s investment in a new football program resulted in a 15% increase in first-time enrollment, with student-athletes accounting for half of that growth. Similarly, Fontbonne University’s new sprint football team helped narrow gender and racial gaps on campus, demonstrating the broader impact of athletic staffing and programming on institutional goals.

Flexible Staffing: A Strategic Advantage

Temporary staffing provides small colleges with the flexibility to quickly fill gaps during peak seasons, address staff absences, or search for full-time hires. This approach is cost-effective, as temporary employees typically do not require benefits, and it allows for the rapid deployment of athletic trainers, coaches, or support staff when demand spikes.

Benefits: 

  • Quick turnaround for urgent needs
  • Cost savings on benefits and long-term commitments
  • Opportunity to evaluate staff before offering permanent roles
  • Adaptability to fluctuating program sizes or seasonal sports

Case Example: 

A small liberal arts college used temporary athletic trainers during the busy fall sports season. This allowed them to maintain high-quality care for student-athletes without overextending their budget. After a successful season, the college converted the top-performing temporary trainer to a permanent position using a 90-day evaluation period, minimizing hiring risk and transition costs.

Leveraging Staffing Consultants

Staffing consultants bring expertise and expanded candidate pools to small colleges, which often lack the internal resources for extensive searches. Consultants can identify candidates who might not apply independently, conduct thorough vetting, and manage the hiring process from job posting to finalist selection. This saves time for campus leadership and increases the chances of finding candidates who are a strong fit for both the athletic program and the campus culture.

Scalable Solutions for Growing Programs

As small colleges add new sports or expand existing ones, scalable staffing models become essential. These models allow institutions to:

  • Add or reduce staff based on enrollment and program growth
  • Use part-time or shared positions to cover multiple roles
  • Outsource specialized functions (e.g., compliance, athletic training) to external providers

Case Example: 

Fontbonne University’s addition of a sprint football program required hiring new coaching staff and recruiting dozens of athletes from across the country. By leveraging contract staff and targeted recruitment, the university quickly built a competitive team that contributed to both enrollment and campus diversity.

Tips for Small Colleges

  • Assess Needs Regularly: Review staffing needs before each season to anticipate gaps and plan accordingly.
  • Adopt a Hybrid Approach: Combine temporary and permanent hires to strike a balance between flexibility and continuity.
  • Partner with Experts: Use staffing consultants or agencies with experience in small college athletics for specialized searches.
  • Invest in Staff Development: Provide training and professional growth opportunities to retain top talent.
  • Monitor ROI: Track the impact of athletic staffing on enrollment, retention, and student success to justify continued investment.

Small colleges can achieve big outcomes by leveraging flexible, scalable staffing solutions. Whether through temporary hires, staffing consultants, or hybrid models, these strategies enable institutions to optimize their limited resources, adapt to changing demands, and maintain the vitality of their athletic departments and campuses. Contact GSI Collegiate Staffing Services today to discover how our flexible, scalable staffing solutions can help your small college compete and thrive. Whether you need temporary support for the busy season, expert recruitment for key roles, or a customized staffing strategy, our team is here to help you build a winning program.