Southern Conference Commissioner
The Southern Conference, located in Spartanburg, South Carolina, invites nominations and applications for the role of Conference Commissioner.
The Southern Conference takes considerable pride in its reputation for academic and athletic excellence and has enjoyed a consistent membership during a time of conference realignment due to its competitive history, academic reputation and culture of collegiality. Its next Commissioner must honor these traditions, remain committed to providing a positive athletics experience for SoCon student-athletes, and be able to develop a strategic vision that will ensure the Conference’s competitive success and position as a leader among NCAA Division I conferences.
About the Southern Conference
Established in 1921, the Southern Conference is the fifth-oldest Division I conference. Its membership includes ten public, private, and military institutions in six states throughout the Southeast: UT Chattanooga, The Citadel, East Tennessee State, Furman, Mercer, Samford, UNC Greensboro, Virginia Military Institute, Western Carolina, and Wofford.
The SoCon sponsors 20 varsity sports and championships that produce participants for NCAA Division I Championships. The Conference added rifle in 2016-17, becoming just the second Division I conference to sponsor the sport. UAB, Georgia Southern and University of North Georgia are associate members in rifle; Presbyterian College, Gardner-Webb, Davidson College, Campbell, Bellarmine and Appalachian State are associate members in wrestling.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Commissioner serves as the senior executive officer of the Conference and reports to the Council of Presidents, which is the final decision-making authority within the SoCon governance structure. As such, the Commissioner is expected 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 the Athletic Directors Association and Senior Woman Administrators Association while effectively communicating with conference leadership and staff, 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 SoCon liaison for NCAA compliance issues.
- Manage and administer the conference by providing essential services to the membership, primarily in the following areas: scheduling, officiating, championships administration, compliance, insurance, NIL, and other related matters.
- Serve as the liaison with the NCAA and represent the SoCon at NCAA conventions, Collegiate 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 appropriate updates on matters such as the constitution, bylaws, sports codes, contracts, championship site policies and procedures, logo standards, licensing, award guidelines, operating policies, corporate sponsorships, media rights, etc., to each member of the Council of Presidents, Athletic Directors Association, Senior Woman Administrators Association, Faculty Athletics Representatives Association, and other constituents.
- Lead conference efforts pertaining to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including training 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 SoCon with the goal of enhancing the conference profile on the national stage.
- Identify issues of importance to the Conference and offer creative and innovative strategies for addressing those issues.
- Encourage and promote friendly relations and good sportsmanship among member institutions, student-athletes, coaches, and alumni.
- Develop a strategic vision to maintain stable conference membership while remaining nimble regarding future opportunities for expansion.
- Demonstrate a commitment to enhancing the student-athlete educational experience and work in collaboration with the Faculty Athletics Representative Association.
- Monitor and respond to changing dynamics and opportunities that improve the competitive success of all SoCon sports with an emphasis on Football and Basketball.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- A Bachelor’s Degree is required with a Master’s Degree strongly preferred.
- Seven years of relevant and/or transferable experience, preferably in collegiate athletics administration.
- Aligns with and embraces the mission and values of the Southern Conference and its member institutions.
- Comprehensive knowledge of collegiate athletics, with preference given to individuals with extensive on-campus senior level experience in athletics administration, and/or the administration of an athletics conference or governing body such as the NCAA.
- Demonstrated commitment to supporting student-athlete health and safety as well as their academic, athletic, and personal success.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Experience working with the structural differences of institutions within the Conference, including public, private, and military institutions.
- Strong demonstrated experience at the NCAA, conference and institutional level and ability to leverage relationships to position the SoCon at the forefront of change.
- Aptitude for consensus-building and developing trustworthy, collaborative, and effective team relationships with various conference constituents, through a transparent and bridge-building approach.
- Ability to establish productive relationships with Council of Presidents and the Athletics Directors Association, as well as the ability to strengthen communication between the two.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of constituents.
- 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.
- 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.
- Knowledge and understanding of how to leverage technology to advance the Conference.
- Unequivocal personal and professional integrity as well as sound business acumen and a commitment to fiscal responsibility and stewardship.
- An approach to Division I basketball characterized by creativity and innovation and a strategic vision to improve the competitive success of SoCon basketball programs.
- Knowledge of the traditional and digital media markets 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 and experience of athletics communications, content strategy and public relations programs, including 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 May 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 Southern Conference is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.
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.
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