The United States Coast Guard Academy, located in New London, CT, invites nominations and applications for the position of Executive Director of the Coast Guard Academy Athletic Corporation.
POSITION SUMMARY
The CGAAC is looking for an Executive Director to lead our start-up non-profit; to manage all operational, financial, and programmatic requirements of the organization. As this new organization launches, competitive applicants will demonstrate an entrepreneurial skillset, passion for college athletics, prior experience with non-profit organizations, and/or experience with start-up organizations.
The CGAAC is a newly registered 501(C)(3) designed to support the Athletics Division at the United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) in New London, CT. The USCGA is one of five federal service Academies nationwide and falls under the Department of Homeland Security. The mission of the USCGA is to graduate service ready Ensigns within four years, who have earned a Bachelor of Science Degree and a Commission to serve as Officers in the United States Coast Guard.
As part of the co-curricular approach to education, the USCGA Athletics program consists of twenty-three (23), NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) Division III, men’s, and women’s varsity sports, and six (6) chartered club teams. The CGAAC will exclusively support the Academy, the Athletic Director, and its Athletics program in the execution of its mission.
The Executive Director will report to a Board of Directors and be responsible for the CGAAC’s core functions to include revenue generation, directing financial support to the Athletics program, supporting the Academy’s recruiting mission, and raising the visibility of the Coast Guard Academy. The primary efforts of the Executive Director will include establishing the process and procedures to manage the rental of USCGA properties for camps, clinics, and community events; identify and pursue new revenue opportunities, develop protocols for the procurement of goods and services for USCGA Athletics; applying for appropriate NCAA grants and soliciting for sponsorship contracts and/or donors in conjunction with the USCGA Alumni Association.
Inherent in this position is the ability to prepare a four-year strategic plan and annual plan; interface closely with the CGAAC Board of Directors and the USCGA Division of Athletics on all matters related to the operation of the non-profit; oversee finances, prepare budgets/budget reviews and financial reports; manage events, interface with the media and the public at large, and to represent the organization to stakeholders.
ABOUT THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD ACADEMY
The United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) is the U.S. service academy specifically for the United States Coast Guard, providing education to future Coast Guard officers in one of nine engineering or professional major fields of study. Students, referred to as cadets, are officers-in-training and upon graduation receive a Bachelor of Science degree and commission in the U.S. Coast Guard as an ensign. Cadets are required to adhere to the academy’s Honor Concept: “Who lives here reveres honor, honors duty.”
Coast Guard Athletics (the Bears) sponsors 23 varsity teams which compete in Division III as members of the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference and the New England Intercollegiate Sailing Association. Over 62% of cadets play on varsity teams. The Athletics Division supports the Coast Guard Academy mission through the physical domain of cadet development, as participation in athletic, intramural and physical education programs affords each cadet co-curricular experiences which promote leadership, foster teamwork and install a commitment to lifelong wellness. The Athletics Division promotes the values of sportsmanship and ethical conduct through broad based participation in amateur athletics, placing the highest priority on the overall educational experience of each cadet-athlete.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Planning: Work closely with the USCGA Division of Athletics to create goals for the CGAAC related to purchasing, hiring, and fundraising specifically. Drive the organization’s success and make a positive impact on the USCGA Athletics community.
Staffing: Work with USCGA Athletics staff to hire appropriate full-time, part-time, and contracted service providers. Manage staff professionally providing consistent expectations and evaluations, creating fiscally responsible staff budgets, and establishing proper plans and schedules.
Organizing: Work with a wide-range of USCGA’s stakeholders (Academic Division, Cadet Division, Admissions, Legal, Public Works, etc.), the CGAAC Board of Directors, facility renters, vendors, media, alumni, parents, and cadet-athletes as required.
Fundraising: The USCGA Alumni Association will serve as the primary fundraising organization for the CGAAC and the Coast Guard Academy in general. The Executive Director will coordinate, plan, define and implement fundraising and promotional activities with the USCGA Division of Athletics and the USCGA Alumni Association. The Executive Director will meet one on one with major donors.
Budgeting: Oversee a department budget that is fiscally responsible and in line with the CGAAC mission, and the USCGA Division of Athletics goals and needs. Supervise the development of operations-based financial modeling. Develop and implement consistent inventory and cost accounting policies, procedures, and operational reporting/metrics. Coordinate and lead the annual budget reviews, monthly and quarterly reviews, and periodic forecast updates with all stakeholders. Ensure that services and funding relationships are robust enough to meet or exceed strategic goals and objectives.
Other responsibilities and duties as determined by the USCGA Division of Athletics and/or the CGAAC Board of Directors.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Demonstrated leadership skills
Excellent problem-solving and team management skills
Demonstrated long-range planning, and strategic thinking abilities
Proven record of accomplishment within business development or fundraising and financial management
Proven ability to build relationships and communicate effectively
Knowledge of non-profit operations and regulations
Marketing knowledge and social media skills
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s Degree
Minimum of five-years experience in business development/operations
Managerial experience
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
MBA or Masters in Sports Management or related field
Strong Knowledge of College Athletics
Non-Profit Leadership
Higher Education Experience
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Candidates must be able to successfully pass a background check.
This position may require some travel, with occasional overnight trips related to fundraising, team travel, and/or professional development.
CGAAC is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We strive to lead with our values that enable all team members to develop their potential, bring their full self to the workplace, and engage in a world of inclusion. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business need.
DISCLAIMER
Incumbent must perform the essential duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work. Final employment offers are contingent upon a final candidate’s successful completion of a background verification, and a determination by the CGAAC Board of Directors that the information derived from the background verification does not disqualify the individual. In addition, a financial history check and motor vehicle record (MVR) check may be required.
APPLICATIONS: The position will remain open until filled; however, for best consideration, applicants are encouraged to submit a letter of interest, resume, and any additional materials electronically on this page by October 28, 2024. Nominations for the position and questions concerning the job requirements or hiring process should be directed to steph@collegiatesportsassociates.com.