Appalachian Athletic Conference Commissioner

Executive Leadership & Governance

• Serve as the chief executive and administrative officer of the Conference.

• Implement the policies and directives of the Council of Presidents.

• Lead the development and implementation of the Conference's strategic priorities in partnership with the Council of Presidents, establishing both short- and long-term goals that advance the Conference's mission and strengthen its future.

• Serve as an ex officio, non-voting member of the Council of Presidents and other committees as directed.

• Chair the Council of Athletics Administrators and Faculty Athletics Representatives (CAA/FAR).

• Exercise administrative authority to interpret Conference bylaws and resolve matters not otherwise addressed.

• Promote collaboration, sound governance, and the long-term success of the Conference.

Conference Administration

• Maintain and update all Conference governing documents, including the Constitution and Bylaws, Operational Policies for Sports, Sportsmanship Policy, and Event Management Policies and Procedures.

• Plan, coordinate, and facilitate meetings of the Council of Presidents, CAA/FAR, and Conference committees.

• Prepare meeting agendas, maintain official records, distribute minutes, and implement Conference actions.

• Maintain official interpretations and precedents related to Conference and NAIA policies.

• Prepare and distribute Conference reports, forms, and required documentation.

Member Services & Institutional Support

• Serve as the primary resource for member presidents, athletics administrators, faculty athletics representatives, coaches, sport chairs, raters, officials' assignors, and other Conference leaders.

• Advise and assist new athletics administrators in Conference operations and governance.

• Provide guidance regarding scheduling, Conference policies, governance, and operational matters.

• Foster strong communication and collaboration among member institutions.

• Maintain a visible presence throughout the Conference by regularly visiting member institutions and cultivating strong relationships with presidents, athletics administrators, coaches, faculty athletics representatives, and other campus leaders.

NAIA Relations & Compliance

• Serve as the Conference's primary liaison to the NAIA.

• Represent the Conference at the NAIA National Convention and all required national meetings.

• Complete and submit all required NAIA reports, surveys, and information requests.

• Ensure member institutions remain informed regarding changes to NAIA policies and regulations.

• Serve as the Conference's chief enforcement officer by investigating potential Conference or NAIA violations when appropriate.

• Promote scholarship, sportsmanship, ethical conduct, and the NAIA Champions of Character program.

Financial Management

• Develop and administer the annual Conference budget.

• Present annual financial statements and proposed budgets to the Council of Presidents.

• Authorize payment of Conference expenses, championships, awards, and approved activities.

• Provide regular operational and financial reports for Conference leadership.

Championships & Competitive Administration

• Coordinate Conference scheduling in all sponsored sports.

• Work collaboratively with coaches, athletics administrators, and sport committees to develop schedules and resolve conflicts.

• Schedule and supervise Conference championships in partnership with host institutions.

• Negotiate and execute contracts for championship venues.

• Recruit, negotiate, and administer agreements with officials' assignors.

• Oversee Conference awards, student-athlete recognition programs, and championship presentations.

Communications, Marketing & External Relations

• Serve as the Conference's chief spokesperson.

• Manage Conference communications, branding, website strategy, and media relations.

• Oversee livestreaming, broadcasting, television, radio, and related media initiatives.

• Maintain Conference historical records, statistics, and sports information services.

• Represent the Conference with organizations that promote intercollegiate athletics.

Strategic Growth & Advancement

• Recruit prospective member institutions.

• Develop partnerships with corporate sponsors, chambers of commerce, civic organizations, foundations, and community partners.

• Secure sponsorships, grants, philanthropic support, and strategic partnerships that strengthen Conference programs and benefit member institutions.

• Identify opportunities to strengthen the Conference's visibility, financial sustainability, and long-term competitiveness.

Personnel Leadership

• Appoint, supervise, and evaluate Conference staff and appointed leadership positions, including the Assistant Commissioner, Treasurer, Eligibility Chair, Faculty Athletics Representative, Sport Chairs, Raters, and Conference committees.

• Conduct annual performance evaluations in collaboration with the Council of Presidents and Executive Committee.

• Evaluate the effectiveness of Conference committees and recommend organizational improvements.

Other Responsibilities

• Coordinate Executive Committee leadership transitions and appointments.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Council of Presidents or its designee.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.

• Significant leadership or administrative experience in intercollegiate athletics, higher education, or a related field.

• Demonstrated knowledge of NAIA governance, compliance, championships, and Conference operations.

• Experience managing organizational budgets, contracts, and operations.

• Excellent written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.