Deputy Commissioner & COO

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

The Summit League seeks a strategic, collaborative, and experienced collegiate athletics leader to serve as Deputy Commissioner & Chief Operating Officer (COO). This role partners with the Commissioner to provide executive leadership across all conference operations and strategic priorities, including student-athlete success, revenue growth, brand development, and member services. The COO ensures effective communication and collaboration across functional areas and drives organizational alignment to achieve conference-wide goals. The COO will lead and provide guidance to advance the profile and success of men’s and women’s basketball.

This position provides an opportunity for a person to expand their experience, leading as a true collegiate sports executive in an NCAA Division I conference. The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership skills, a proactive mindset, an ability to collaborate with and inspire team members, and a true passion for providing exceptional experiences within collegiate athletics.

DETAILS OF RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee all internal office operations and act on behalf of the Commissioner when needed

• Lead day-to-day operations of the conference office, ensuring effective execution of strategic priorities, governance directives, and member institution services

• Provide leadership, evaluation, and professional development for conference office personnel and key functional areas while promoting communication, collaboration, and a high-performing workplace culture

• Assist the Commissioner in oversight and leadership of the compliance and governance functional area, including helping to interpret and enforce policies and procedures

• Manage relationships with member institutions and coordinate Joint Council activities (Athletic Director, SWA, and Senior Admin)

• Assist and support with the Presidents Council & Executive Committee

• Lead conference-wide initiatives and special projects related to membership services, championships, student-athlete welfare, technology, data management, and organizational growth

• Support risk management strategies with legal counsel and insurance providers

• Assist or lead with negotiations and administration of agreements with media partners, consultants, technology providers, and other third-party service organizations

• Ability to foster an inclusive environment and build relationships with constituents across all member campuses while maintaining a standard of excellence

• Serve on NCAA Committee appointments, as assigned or approved by the Commissioner

• Provide strategic leadership for men’s and women’s basketball, including:

  • Building strategies to maximize competitiveness, enhance student-athlete experiences, and grow overall exposure for the Summit League brand

  • Managing conference-wide officiating programs for both genders

  • Overseeing the Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships, ensuring they remain "best-in-class" events that maximize revenue and student-athlete impact

  • Managing facets of media partners related to basketball, including scheduling and storytelling to amplify a consistent message and brand development

  • Working with all external business partnerships that connect to the sport of basketball

  • Serving as the administrative liaison to the Head Coaches, Joint Council members, and Sport Administrators, including organizing and managing all communication

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred

• 6-10 years of relevant experience working in college athletics administration (campus or conference) or another sports-related field

• Ability to build consensus through effective communication with multiple stakeholders

• Experience managing multiple projects and oversight of various organizational functional areas

• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills 

• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively to advance Summit League objectives.

• Knowledge of NCAA regulations and governance

• Preferred knowledge and experience with the sport of basketball at the college level

• Experience working with technology, video conferencing, and Microsoft Office

• The position is expected to work outside traditional business hours and travel will be required

• This position is expected to work in the Summit League offices in Sioux Falls, SD

JOB CLASSIFICATION & COMPENSATION

Full-time, exempt employment with a salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. A robust benefits package that includes medical & dental insurance, life insurance, cell phone stipend, travel reimbursement, and an employer contribution to a retirement plan.