Senior Associate Commissioner for Institutional Services

Reporting to the Commissioner, the Senior Associate Commissioner leads the MAC’s Institutional Services Department and serves as a senior advisor on matters affecting Conference governance, NCAA legislation, compliance, governmental relations, name, image and likeness (NIL), academics, research collaboration, sports medicine, mental health, Title IX, sports wagering integrity, and student-athlete development.

The successful candidate will bring sound judgment, strong leadership and organizational skills, and the ability to translate complex policy issues and strategic priorities into practical programs and results. The position requires an understanding of the shared responsibilities of a conference office and its member institutions, the ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders, and a commitment to institutional service, accountability, and continuous improvement.

The individual selected for this position may also be designated as the Conference’s Senior Woman Administrator, consistent with applicable NCAA requirements and the Conference’s leadership structure. This designation is not a condition of employment.

The Senior Associate Commissioner provides leadership and oversight for a diverse portfolio of Conference responsibilities and initiatives. The position works directly with institutional presidents and chancellors, directors of athletics, senior administrators, faculty representatives, coaches, student-athletes, legal counsel, governmental representatives, and external partners.

The successful candidate must be comfortable navigating complex and sometimes sensitive issues, balancing competing priorities, leading personnel, and working collaboratively to advance the interests of the Conference and its member institutions.

Primary Responsibilities

Conference Leadership and Governance

• Lead the Institutional Services Department, including staff supervision, resource management, program priorities, and assessment.

• Oversee Conference governance documents, policies, legislative processes, and related education and implementation.

• Advise the Commissioner on emerging institutional, legal, legislative, compliance, and policy issues.

• Coordinate with member institutions, Conference committees, and legal counsel on matters affecting Conference governance and operations.

Governmental Relations, Compliance, and Policy

• Monitor NCAA, FBS, federal, and state legislative and regulatory developments affecting intercollegiate athletics.

• Coordinate governmental relations, institutional engagement, and Conference advocacy initiatives.

• Lead Conference compliance education and services, including eligibility, NIL, and related policy matters within Conference authority.

• Coordinate Title IX education, gender equity policy review, and related collaboration among member institutions.

Academic Leadership and Institutional Collaboration

• Direct the MAC Academic Consortium and Academic Leadership Development Program.

• Coordinate initiatives with the Council of Faculty Athletics Representatives and support academic integrity and student-athlete achievement.

• Facilitate collaborative research among member institutions, including the identification of shared priorities, funding opportunities, and grant development.

• Oversee Conference Academic Awards and related recognition programs.

Student-Athlete Health, Well-Being, and Development

• Lead Conference programming and institutional collaboration in sports medicine, health and safety, mental health education, and student-athlete well-being.

• Coordinate the work of the Health and Safety Committee, 1-MAC Committee, and Student-Athlete Well-Being Committee.

• Support student-athlete representation and leadership through the Council of Student-Athletes.

• Direct student-athlete development and education initiatives, including the Taking MACtion Summit and core guarantees programming.

• Manage coach and administrator development initiatives, including the Impact & Excellence Program.

Strategic Partnerships and Integrity

• Manage relationships with designated Conference partners.

• Lead sports wagering integrity education and coordinate applicable Conference monitoring, reporting, and response protocols.

• Coordinate designated community, educational, and philanthropic partnerships, including initiatives involving the College Football Playoff Foundation and the Cleveland Metropolitan School District.

Sport Administration and Conference Events

• Oversee assigned sports, including field hockey and women’s rowing, and coordinate applicable policies, coaches’ meetings, and championship administration.

• Manage the Wednesday is for Women event during the MAC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament.

• Coordinate team ingress and egress operations during the basketball tournaments.

• Represent the Conference at institutional meetings, championships, and other events as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree and significant, progressively responsible experience in intercollegiate athletics, higher education administration, conference administration, or a related field. Candidates should have a demonstrated record of leadership, managing complex programs, and collaborating effectively with diverse stakeholders.

An advanced degree and senior-level experience in a collegiate athletics department, conference office, the NCAA, or a related organization are preferred. Familiarity with athletics governance, NCAA legislation, compliance, eligibility, NIL, governmental relations, academic initiatives, student-athlete health and well-being, and institutional collaboration is desirable.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• The ability to provide strategic leadership while managing detailed operational responsibilities.

• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and critical thinking skills.

• The judgment, discretion, and credibility required to advise senior leaders and address sensitive institutional matters.

• The ability to build productive relationships, facilitate collaboration, navigate complex issues, and build consensus among diverse stakeholders.

• Experience leading personnel, establishing priorities, managing resources, and assessing program effectiveness.

• A commitment to academic achievement, student-athlete health and safety, leadership development, and equitable opportunities.

• The ability to translate emerging issues and strategic priorities into practical initiatives and measurable results.

Travel and occasional evening and weekend responsibilities are required.

About the Mid-American Conference

The Mid-American Conference is a longstanding member of the NCAA Division I and Football Bowl Subdivision athletics community. The Conference brings together its member institutions through competition, collaboration, and a shared commitment to developing student-athletes and strengthening the communities its members serve.

The MAC’s mission is to create transformational opportunities to develop leaders of character to strengthen its member institutions and the communities we serve.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a résumé, a cover letter outlining their qualifications for the position, and contact information for professional references. Résumé and cover letter should be submitted as PDF documents via email to careers@mac-sports.com.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

The Mid-American Conference is committed to equal employment opportunity and encourages qualified candidates to apply.