ECAC Hockey started in 1961 has become one of the nation’s premier Division I men’s & women’s hockey conferences in the country. With over 60 years of competition, ECAC Hockey has proven to not only be strong on the ice, but an elite academic conference as well. ECAC Hockey is home to 12 of the nation’s most prestigious institutions: Brown University, Clarkson University, Colgate University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Harvard University, Princeton University, Quinnipiac University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, St. Lawrence University, Union College, and Yale University.
ECAC Men’s Hockey has seen consistent dominance on the national stage. Most recently this was highlighted at collegiate hockey’s pinnacle, the NCAA Frozen Four, when two of ECAC Hockey’s member institutions – Yale and Union – claimed college hockey’s top prize in consecutive years (2013 & 2014). ECAC Hockey is also home for some of college hockey’s most significant moments. This includes the only team in NCAA ice hockey history, the 1969-70 Cornell team, that produced a perfect unbeaten season and untied record (29 – 0) en route to a Division I men’s title.
As one of the nation’s most elite and competitive women’s hockey conferences, ECAC Women’s Hockey and all of its member institutions and athletes have enjoyed success on the national stage even before the inception of the NCAA – sanctioned national championship during the 2000 – 2001 season. In the 22 years since the start of the NCAA postseason, ECAC Hockey has made 11 appearances in 10 national title games. This includes an all-ECAC national championship game in 2018 that saw Clarkson defeat Colgate for their third title in overtime.
About the Position
The Commissioner is the Chief Executive Officer of ECAC Hockey. The Commissioner will work with the Executive Committee, Finance Committee, and leadership of each member institution to create and implement initiatives and strategies designed to achieve the mission and vision of ECAC Hockey.
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Provide vision, leadership, and sound decision-making with regard to all Conference matters including fiscal affairs, personnel, strategic planning, marketing, multi-media partnerships, public relations, post season tournament planning, and general operation.
• Maintain and strengthen ECAC Hockey’s positions in Division I Ice Hockey.
• Provide a progressive approach to the student-athlete experience with awareness of issues facing student-athletes today, which include but not limited to, well-being, mental health, DEI, and social justice advocacy.
• Negotiate and manage profitable linear and digital media agreements for regular season, championship, and other special event packages to boost revenue and exposure for the Conference.
• Negotiate and manage sponsorships for regular season, championship, and other special event packages to boost revenue and exposure for the Conference.
• Responsible for the hiring, supervising, and development of all ECAC Hockey employees.
• Have a firm understanding and regularly communicate effectively with membership on national topics and how they impact ECAC Hockey.
• Lead the Conference while enforcing, interpreting, and maintaining the Conference bylaws. This includes reviewing and updating, if needed, Policies and Procedures and all Conference governance documents.
• Along with the Director of Officials, provide leadership, and direction, consistent with the NCAA Ice Hockey Rules committee and ECAC Hockey, to the on and off-ice officials who are scheduled to work the Conference’s hockey competitions.
• Along with the Director of Officials and other Conference leadership, the Commissioner must oversee all gameplay supplemental disciplinary actions and manage all other disciplinary matters within the Conference among student-athletes, coaches, and institutional staff.
• Foster a culture that is committed to diversity and inclusion throughout all levels of the organization and its member institutions while acting as a national leader for these critical priorities within college hockey.
• Facilitate and serve as tournament director for the Conference Championships.
• Effectively plan, organize, and prepare meeting agendas for all Conference meetings with various constituency groups to include Athletic Directors, the Executive Committee, Presidents (if necessary), and coaches.
• Maintain and support an operating budget with inclusive support from sponsorships and corporate partnerships.
• Represent the Conference in a manner that reflects the academic and athletic excellence of its member institutions and the NCAA.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Committee.
Application Process:
ECAC Hockey invites nominations and applications or expressions of interest to be submitted to the search firm assisting the Conference. Applications must include a cover letter, resume or curriculum vitae, and list of references. For full consideration, application materials should be submitted to Parker Executive Search’s website by May 1, 2023. Confidential review of materials will begin immediately and continue until the appointment is made.
For additional information, please contact:
Daniel Parker, Vice President and Managing Director
High degree of integrity and reputation of being ethical.
Ability to articulate the vision and prestigious qualities of ECAC Hockey.
Ability to be an external spokesperson for the Conference that can collaborate, market, and promote the Conference to constituents.
Advanced understanding of the rules and bylaws of the NCAA and the Conference.
Knowledge and experience with the NCAA structure and legislative committees to represent the interest of the Conference at the national level.
Business-minded approach to managing the Conference budget. Maximize revenues in regards to ECAC Hockey playoffs, sponsorship, and media opportunities.
Ability to work with diverse groups of individuals and interest groups.
ECAC Hockey started in 1961 has become one of the nation’s premier Division I men’s & women’s hockey conferences in the country. With over 60 years of competition, ECAC Hockey has proven to not only be strong on the ice, but an elite academic conference as well. ECAC Hockey is home to 12 of the nation’s most prestigious institutions: Brown University, Clarkson University, Colgate University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Harvard University, Princeton University, Quinnipiac University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, St. Lawrence University, Union College, and Yale University.
ECAC Men’s Hockey has seen consistent dominance on the national stage. Most recently this was highlighted at collegiate hockey’s pinnacle, the NCAA Frozen Four, when two of ECAC Hockey’s member institutions – Yale and Union – claimed college hockey’s top prize in consecutive years (2013 & 2014). ECAC Hockey is also home for some of college hockey’s most significant moments. This includes the only tea
