The Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) is seeking
a dynamic and strategic leader as its Commissioner.
The Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) is an intercollegiate athletic conference affiliated with the NCAA's Division III. Member institutions are located in New England in the states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.
Current member institutions include Curry College, Endicott College, Gordon College, Nichols College, Roger Williams University, Salve Regina University, Suffolk University, University of New England, Wentworth University, and Western New England University. The University of Hartford will be joining the CCC in 2023 following the departure of Salve Regina University. In addition, Johnson and Wales University will be joining in 2024.
The mission of the CCC is to provide an organization and structure for colleges and universities with similar educational and athletic philosophies to have organized intercollegiate athletic competitions.
The multi-dimensional mission is to create environments that are characterized by opportunities to learn, compete, and engage in activities for all institutions involved. Each member institution agrees to abide by policies that enhance the mission and purpose of the CCC, as well as share a commitment to quality academic standards and educational experiences. In addition, the welfare of students who participate in intercollegiate athletics is a central priority of the membership, and members must create and abide by policies and procedures that ensure student-athlete welfare. Traditional standards of ethical conduct and fair-play are respected and expected to guarantee the integrity of the conference led by the college presidents of these institutions, while adhering to the policies of the CCC and the NCAA and embracing the Division III philosophy.
This full-time, 12-month appointment reports to the President's Council with a direct report to the Chair of the President's Council. Deadline to apply is March 31, 2023.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Commissioner will have the authority necessary to serve as the senior executive officer of the conference and is the liaison to the President's Council. The job responsibilities of the Commissioner include but are not limited to:
Develop and implement a plan for the future of the conference, including membership growth and alignment, strategic planning, and opportunities to enhance conference visibility.
Serve as the primary liaison to presidents and athletic administrators and effectively communicate with the conference leadership and chairs, especially regarding the development, coordination, and implementation of conference policies.
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 CCC at NCAA conventions, DIII Commissioners Association meetings, and appropriate state, regional, and national committees and organizations.
Oversee the conference office and fiscal operations, including preparation and administration of the conference budget, collection of dues, and supervision of conference personnel.
Compile and distribute to each member of the President's Council, Athletic Directors, and other constituents, appropriate updates on matters such as the constitution, bylaws, sports codes, contact, championship site policies and procedures, logo standards, award guidelines, operating policies, etc.
Lead conference efforts pertaining to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
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 CCC.
Serve as ex-officio, non-voting member at Conference meetings.
Encourage and promote friendly relations and good sportsmanship among the member institutions, student-athletes, coaches, and alumni.
Make regular visits to member campuses to meet with athletic directors, presidents and athletic administrators such as Faculty Athletic Representatives (FARs).
Provide in-person engagement with athletic directors, coaches and athletes during conference championship play.
QUALIFICATIONS:
A bachelor's degree is required with a master's degree strongly preferred, plus five years of relevant and/or transferable experience.
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 planning, organizational development, championship and event management, revenue generation, communications and marketing, office administration, decision-making, public relations, and budget and fiscal administration.
Aptitude for building trustworthy, collaborative, and effective team relationships with various conference constituents, through a transparent and bridge-building approach.
Ability to establish productive relationships with presidents and the athletics administrative committee, as well the ability to strengthen communication between the two.
Strong demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and a commitment to follow NCAA rules and regulations, Title IX policies, and gender equity practices.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of constituents.
Knowledge and understanding of the importance and use of information technology, including, but not limited to demonstrated in Google/Microsoft Office Suite (including Google Sheets and/or Microsoft Excel).