Big South Conference Commissioner
The Big South Conference, located in Charlotte, North Carolina, invites nominations and applications for the role of Conference Commissioner.
It is a critical time for the Big South Conference and its member institutions. The new Commissioner must be an innovative leader who understands the changing landscape of intercollegiate athletics. The Commissioner should have deep relationships within DI college sports and higher education to keep the league at the forefront of change and its members well positioned for future success. Equally important is that the new Commissioner is a leader of the utmost integrity who treats all stakeholders with respect.
About the Big South Conference
Founded in 1983, the Big South Conference has been an exemplary leader in college athletics, dedicated to developing student-athletes through the pursuit of excellence in the classroom, community, and field of play. The league’s growing presence as an NCAA Division I athletic conference is made evident by its multitude of athletic accomplishments, innovative marketing and media partnerships, increased television packages and, most importantly, its commitment to fostering the academic, personal, social, athletic, and leadership development of its student-athletes. Comprised of 10 member institutions sharing a common geographic region and similar academic values and purposes, the Big South’s remarkable history of achievement is characterized by the league’s 19 championship sports and the profound academic and life successes of its more than 3,800 student-athletes. This has evolved into the conference’s “Where Winners Are Made” mantra as part of a strategic emphasis on becoming the premier non-FBS conference in the Southeast through its six Core Values of Academic Centrality; Athletic Excellence; Equity, Diversity & Inclusion; Integrity; Sportsmanship & Fair Play; and Student-Athlete Welfare.
The conference member institutions include Charleston Southern, Gardner-Webb, High Point, Longwood, Presbyterian, Radford, UNC Asheville, USC Upstate, and Winthrop. Other institutions with Big South sport affiliations include Bryant (football), Robert Morris (football), Furman (women’s lacrosse), Mercer (women’s lacrosse), and Wofford (women’s lacrosse).
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Commissioner will have the authority necessary to serve as the senior executive officer of the conference and is the liaison to the Presidents Council. The BSC constitution and bylaws detail the Commissioner’s job status and responsibilities, which include but are not limited to:
- Develop and implement a plan for the future of the conference, including program development, strategic planning, and opportunities to enhance conference visibility.
- Serve as the primary liaison to presidents and athletic administrators and effectively communicate with the conference leadership and chairs, especially regarding the development, coordination, and implementation of conference policies.
- Update, administer, interpret, and enforce the Conference constitution and bylaws, general administrative regulations and sports guidelines, and other policies and procedures, as well as serve as the BSC liaison for NCAA compliance issues.
- Manage and administer the conference by providing essential services to the membership, primarily in the following areas: scheduling, officiating, compliance, insurance, NIL, and other related matters.
- Serve as the liaison with the NCAA and represent the BSC at NCAA conventions, Commissioners Association meetings, and appropriate state, regional, and national committees and organizations.
- Oversee the conference office and fiscal operations, including preparation and administration of the conference budget, collection of dues, and supervision of conference personnel.
- Compile and distribute to each member of the Presidents Council, Athletics Administrators Committee, and other constituents, appropriate updates on matters such as the constitution, bylaws, sports codes, contact, championship site policies and procedures, logo standards, award guidelines, operating policies, etc.
- Lead conference efforts pertaining to diversity, equity, and inclusion including trainings and educational campaigns.
- Market and promote the conference and build relationships with prospective corporate partners and affiliated organizations.
- Provide leadership and administrative oversight to conference championships, events, and activities.
- Coordinate and provide oversight to the communications, media, and public relations functions of the Big South Conference.
- Serve as ex-officio, non-voting member at Conference meetings and with various committees.
- Identify issues of importance to the Conference and offer strategies for resolving those issues.
- Encourage and promote friendly relations and good sportsmanship among the member institutions, student-athletes, coaches, and alumni.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS and EXPERIENCE:
- Aligns with and embraces the mission and values of the Big South Conference.
- A bachelor’s degree is required with a master’s degree strongly preferred, plus five years of relevant and/or transferable experience.
- Comprehensive knowledge of collegiate athletics, with preference given to individuals with extensive experience in NCAA Division I and/or the administration of an athletics conference.
- Strong organizational and leadership skills with demonstrated experience in strategic planning, organizational development, championship and event management, revenue generation, communications and marketing, office administration, decision-making, public relations, and budget and fiscal administration.
- Aptitude for building trustworthy, collaborative, and effective team relationships with various conference constituents, through a transparent and bridge-building approach.
- Ability to establish productive relationships with presidents and the athletics administrative committee, as well as the ability to strengthen communication between the two.
- Strong demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and a commitment to follow the letter and spirit of NCAA rules and regulations, Title IX policies, and gender equity practices.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of constituents.
- Knowledge and understanding of the importance and use of information technology.
- Unequivocal personal and professional integrity.
- An approach characterized by creativity and innovation.
- Knowledge of the footprint of the Big South Conference digital media market and the ability to build relationships with
media and other external influencers. - Experience in identifying and developing talent, motivating and leading personnel, managing human resources, providing counsel on routine and sensitive personnel matters, and executing applicable solutions.
- Demonstrated knowledge of athletics communications and public relations programs, advertising, marketing, and brand promotion.
APPLICATIONS: The position will remain open until filled; but, for best consideration, applicants are encouraged to submit a letter of application and resume electronically via: www.collegiatesportsassociates.com by March 1, 2023. No hard copy applications will be accepted. Nominations for the position and questions concerning the job requirements or hiring process should be directed to: Jmclaughlin@collegiatesportsassociates.com
SALARY: Commensurate with experience and education. Position includes full benefits package.
The Big South is an equal opportunity employer. The Big South does not discriminate on the basis of sex, ability, age, gender identity and expression, national origin, race and ethnicity, religious beliefs, or sexual orientation.
* Background investigations are required for all new hires as a condition of employment, after the job offer is made. Employment may not begin until the Big South accepts the results of the background investigation
Committed To Excellence
With over thirty years of experience in intercollegiate athletics, CSA delivers a unique level of service that effectively meets the needs of the nation’s leading universities and conferences.
Recent Comments