ABOUT THE OHIO ATHLETIC CONFERENCE:

The Ohio Athletic Conference, the third oldest conference in college athletics which began in 1902 and sponsors championships in 12 men’s and 11 women’s sports, is committed to the NCAA Division III philosophy with each institution placing a high priority on athletics as an integral part of the total educational experience with proper balance between athletics and the scholastic work of the institutions.  Also, each of the conference members has committed to broad-based athletics programs supporting fair, open, and honest relationships with the other member institutions and has established high standards of sportsmanship and competition.

Conference members encourage student-athletes to fully realize their athletic potential and to aspire to conference and national tournament championship competition.  Historically the conference members have had highly successful programs within the NCAA Division III and a commitment to excellence on and off the field of play.  OAC athletics teams and athletes have consistently enjoyed great success on a regional and national level including 20 Division III national championships and ten runner-up finishes. OAC has over the years also produced hundreds of individual champions and all-Americans.

The ten members of the conference enjoy outstanding academic reputations. They include Baldwin Wallace University, Capital University, Heidelberg University, John Carroll University, Marietta College, University of Mount Union, Muskingum University, Ohio Northern University, Otterbein University, and Wilmington College.

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 the importance and use of information technology.
• Unequivocal personal and professional integrity.
• Creativity and innovation.

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 identifying and developing 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.
• 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.
• 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/provide oversight to the communications and media and public relations functions of the OAC.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

The OAC Presidents Council invites applications for the position of Commissioner. The review of applications and nominations will begin in mid-February and continue until the position is filled. Applications received by Sunday, February 7, will receive the fullest consideration.  Interested applicants must send a letter of application, resume, and three references with appropriate contact information to OACcommissionersearch@gmail.com. For questions and inquiries, contact Dr. Kurt Patberg, Senior VP of Athletics Staffing and Consulting at kpatberg.asc@gmail.com.

The start date for the successful candidate is negotiable, but the preferable start time is mid-June.  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.