Assistant Commissioner for Administration and Finance

Southern Conference Assistant Commissioner for Administration and Finance

The Southern Conference (SoCon) is seeking a hard-working, team-oriented professional to serve as Assistant/Associate Commissioner for Administration and Finance. This leadership position reports directly to the Commissioner. The successful candidate will oversee the SoCon's financial operations and have sport administration responsibilities including select championships. Specific title to be dependent on the experience of selected candidate.

Primary Responsibilities:

Financial Leadership:

• Comprehensive management of day-to-day fiscal operations for the conference

• Develop and manage annual budgets

• Manage championship financial operations including staff payments, venue contracts, and reconciliations

• Oversee accounts payable/receivable including vendor payments, officials’ payments, sponsorship management, member dues and revenue distributions

• Reconcile staff expenses and monthly financial statements

• Prepare for and coordinate annual financial audits

• Serve as primary liaison to banking institutions and endowment managers

• Manage SoCon staff payroll processing, tax documentation, and benefits administration

• Utilize data to identify revenue opportunities and expense savings

Sport Administration:

• Serve as primary staff liaison for designated sports (coaches and administrators)

• Act as Officials' Liaison for assigned sports

• Attend SoCon competitions and represent the conference at NCAA post-season events

• Represent the conference at national meetings related to assigned sports

Championship Event Management:

• Serve as Championship Director for designated sport championships

• Coordinate all aspects of assigned championships, including venue selection, site visits, event planning and execution, marketing, officials’ coordination, volunteer management, post-event assessment, and budgets

• Maintain championship manuals and sport regulations

• Manage relationships with host sites, officials, and participating schools

• Support the Conference's efforts when hosting NCAA Championship events

• Ensure a healthy and safe Championship environment for all participants

• Process pre- and post-championship paperwork for officials and paid staff

• Oversee equipment and logistics for championship events

• Coordinate seeding and brackets for tournaments in accordance with Conference policies

• Assist with fulfillment of multimedia rights agreements and other partner obligations

Administrative Leadership:

• Oversee human resources functions

• Manage conference insurance (medical/liability) and retirement programs

• Provide coordination of office operations including IT systems

• Collaboration on planning and execution of conference meetings

• Drive implementation of SoCon's strategic priorities

• Assist with special events, conference meetings, and revenue generating initiatives

• Contribute to marketing and branding efforts for championships

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree

• Minimum 3 years of experience in collegiate athletics administration or similar role

• Industrious and creative problem solver with high self-motivation and work ethic. Must have a motor.

• High attention to detail

• Excellent project management and organizational skills

• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work independently

• Sense of humor and creativity

• Willingness and ability to drive strategic priorities

• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills

• Experience with budget creation, management and financial reconciliation

• Confidence to professionally address coaches and administrators in stressful situations

• Travel and irregular work hours, including weekends and evenings, are a requirement of this salaried position

• Familiarity with NCAA rules and regulations

• Ability to lift at least 40 lbs. as necessary

• Valid driver's license and a clean personal record Desirable Qualifications

• Master's degree or commensurate experience

• Advanced financial credentials

• Experience with data analytics, data management and data interpretation

The Southern Conference offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. A comprehensive benefits package includes health insurance, retirement contributions, paid vacation, and professional development opportunities.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and list of three professional references. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, with initial review of applications beginning immediately. Applications should be submitted via email to creese@socon.org and will be held in strict confidence. References will not be contacted without the candidate's approval.

The Southern Conference was established in 1921 and competes at the NCAA FCS Division I level. As one of the nation's fifth oldest athletics conferences, the SoCon is committed to excellence in academics, athletics, and personal development. Our member institutions share a rich tradition, compact geographic footprint, and dedication to providing student-athletes with exceptional competitive experiences while maintaining the highest standards of integrity and sportsmanship. The Southern Conference is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to excellence and inclusion throughout our culture. Candidates from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply