OAC Commissioner

OAC Commissioner

THE POSITION

The Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC), a 10-member NCAA Division III Conference, seeks a dynamic and strategic leader as its next commissioner. This full-time, 12-month appointment reports to the Presidents Council with a direct report to the Chair of the Presidents Council.

LOCATION

The Ohio Athletic Conference is headquartered in Westerville, Ohio. The commissioner, along with Presidents Council, will assess whether the conference office continues to reside in the Columbus area.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The new 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 job status of the Commissioner is detailed in the OAC bylaws as are the responsibilities which include, but are not limited to:

• Develop and implement a plan for the future of the conference including program development, strategic and long-range planning, and identify and develop opportunities to enhance conference visibility.

• Serve as the primary liaison to presidents and athletic administrators and be responsible for adequately communicating to the conference leadership and chairs and for directing the development, coordination, and implementation of the conference’s 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 administrative officer for the OAC 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, NCAA conference grant program, membership, player and team awards and honors, surveys, and research.

• Monitor ongoing national trends, changes in federal and state law and relevant Congressional decisions to ensure OAC institutions are informed and prepared to navigate the changing landscape in college athletics.

• Serve as the liaison with the NCAA and represent the OAC at NCAA conventions, Division III Commissioners Association meetings, and appropriate state, regional, and national committees and organizations.

• Regularly travel to each OAC campus as necessary to build and maintain relationships.

• Ensure, to whatever extent possible, an OAC staff presence at OAC Championship sites.

• Oversee office and fiscal operations, including preparation and administration of the conference’s budget, and conference personnel.

• Compile and distribute to each member of the Presidents Council, Athletics Council, and other constituents, appropriate updates on such things as the constitution, bylaws, sports codes, contact, championship site policies and procedures, logo standards, award guidelines, operating policies, etc.

• 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 and media and public relations functions of the OAC.

QUALIFICATIONS

A bachelor’s degree is required with a master’s degree strongly preferred, plus five years of relevant and transferable experience. Other qualifications include:

• Comprehensive knowledge of collegiate athletics, with preference given to individuals with extensive experience in NCAA Division III and/or the administration of an athletics conference.

• Demonstrated commitment to the DIII student-athlete philosophy with its focus on academic and athletic excellence.

• Strong organizational and leadership skills with demonstrated experience in strategic thinking and planning, organizational development, championship and event management, revenue generation, communications and marketing, office administration, decision-making, public relations, and budget/fiscal administration.

• Aptitude for building trustworthy, collaborative, and effective team relationships with various conference constituents by utilizing a transparent and bridge-building management approach.

• Ability to establish productive relationships with presidents and athletics councils as well as strengthening communication between the two.

• Strong commitment to diversity and inclusion and to follow the letter and spirit of NCAA rules and regulations and Title IX policies and gender equity practices.

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate.

• Knowledge and understanding of the importance and use of information technology.

• Unequivocal personal and professional integrity.

• Creativity and innovation.

APPLICATION PROCESS

The review of applications and nominations will begin in mid-July and continue until the position is filled. Applications received by July 14, 2024 will receive the fullest consideration. Interested applicants must send a letter of application, resume, and three references with appropriate contact information to search@oac.org.

For questions and inquiries, contact:

University of Mount Union President Gregory King

Chair of the OAC Presidents Council

330-823-6050 or kinggl@mountunion.edu

The preferable start time is September 3, 2024. Office location is flexible within Ohio. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. An excellent benefits package is included.

The Ohio Athletic Conference is an Affirmative Action Equal Opportunity organization that values and is committed to inclusion and to expanding the diversity of its staff. It invites members of protected classes, including minorities and persons with disabilities, to apply. The OAC leadership actively engages in recruiting a diverse team and strives to build and sustain a welcoming and supportive environment.

ABOUT THE OAC

Founded in 1902, the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) is the nation’s third-oldest collegiate athletic conference, and competes in the NCAA’s Division III.

In 2024-25 academic year, the conference will consist of 10 members: Baldwin Wallace University, Capital University, Heidelberg University, John Carroll University, Marietta College, the University of Mount Union, Muskingum University, Ohio Northern University, Otterbein University and Wilmington College.

The OAC provides structure and executive leadership to members as they prepare student-athletes for success in the classroom, competition, and life. The OAC embodies the values of an extraordinary student athlete experience with high-caliber academic offerings and coaching, while fostering a healthy and diverse environment.

The OAC currently sponsors championships in 21 sports, 11 men’s and 10 women’s. While maintaining high academic standards and a commitment to sportsmanship, OAC teams and athletes consistently have a great deal of success on a regional and national level.

Learn more at www.oac.org.