Commissioner

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Provide strategic leadership and vision to advance the mission, values, and long-term sustainability of the conference.

2. Serve as the chief administrative officer of the Conference, overseeing daily operations, governance, and implementation of Conference policies and initiatives.

3. Administer, interpret, and enforce the Conference Constitution, Bylaws, sport manuals, and NCAA legislation. Investigate, arbitrate, and address violations of UMAC governing documents, NCAA rules, and conference standards of conduct, including administering disciplinary actions or sanctions involving member institutions, student-athletes, coaches, and administrators when necessary.

4. Support member institutions through proactive communication, relationship-building, and collaborative problem-solving on issues impacting the Conference and NCAA.

5. Lead and facilitate strategic planning initiatives that position the Conference for continued growth, operational effectiveness, and success in a changing athletics environment.

6. Coordinate and manage all Conference meetings, including preparation of agendas, supporting materials, records, and logistical arrangements for the Presidents Council, Athletics Directors, Faculty Athletics Representatives, Senior Woman Administrators, sport committees, and other Conference groups.

7. Oversee Conference championships and scheduling operations to ensure a high-quality student-athlete experience and adherence to Conference and NCAA policies. Create and distribute conference schedules, subject to review and approval through conference governance structure.

8. Provide leadership and oversight for the Coordinator of Official positions, including annual evaluations, expectations, and operational support. Provide oversight in the recruitment, hiring, assignment, training, evaluation, and retention of game officials in coordination with Coordinators and conference membership.

9. Develop and administer officiating policies, procedures, compensation recommendations, and disciplinary protocols to ensure consistency and quality across the Conference.

10. Develop and manage the Conference office budget, member assessments, financial reporting, and other fiscal operations in alignment with Conference priorities and financial sustainability goals.

11. Identify and pursue revenue generation, partnership, sponsorship, and operational efficiency opportunities that support the long-term success of the Conference.

12. Represent the UMAC in regional and national organizations, including serving as the Conference’s voting delegate at NCAA Conventions and participating in NCAA governance and professional associations.

13. Administer NCAA eligibility and waiver processes for the Conference, including reviewing, investigating, and ruling on hardship waiver requests submitted by member institutions.

14. Promote and enhance the visibility, branding, and public image of the Conference through strategic communications, brand management, digital engagement, and marketing initiatives.

15. Foster initiatives and programming that support student-athlete well-being, academic success, leadership development, special Olympics, and institutional collaboration.

16. Recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate Conference office personnel while fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.

17. Conduct regular outreach and visits with member institutions to strengthen relationships, provide support, and maintain awareness of institutional priorities and Conference needs.

18. Assist with membership development, onboarding, and retention efforts, including evaluating potential expansion or affiliate membership opportunities.

19. Maintain effective working relationships with campus administrators, coaches, officials, NCAA representatives, media partners, and external stakeholders.

20. Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the UMAC Presidents Council. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of NCAA Division III philosophy, rules, governance, and intercollegiate athletics administration.

• Demonstrated leadership, organizational, and strategic planning skills with the ability to manage complex operations and multiple priorities.

• Ability to build collaborative relationships and effectively communicate with presidents/chancellors, athletics administrators, coaches, faculty, student-athletes, officials, and external partners.

• Strong decision-making, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills with the ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion.

• Knowledge of conference operations, championship administration, budgeting, compliance, eligibility, and officiating oversight.

• Ability to interpret and apply NCAA legislation, conference bylaws, and institutional policies consistently and effectively.

• Strong written, verbal, and public communication skills, including the ability to represent the Conference in professional and public settings. 

• Ability to lead strategic initiatives, support organizational change, and advance the visibility and reputation of the Conference. 

• Commitment to student-athlete welfare, sportsmanship, academic excellence, and inclusive practices within intercollegiate athletics.

• Proficiency with technology platforms, database systems, scheduling tools, and communication software relevant to conference administration.

• Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and ability to maintain confidentiality in sensitive matters.

Minimum and Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.

• Progressive leadership experience in collegiate athletics administration, conference administration, higher education leadership, or a related field.

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience working within NCAA Division III athletics preferred.

• Experience with strategic planning, budget oversight, governance processes, and organizational leadership.

• Experience administering athletic events, conference championships, or NCAA-related operations preferred.

• Experience supervising personnel and leading collaborative teams.

• Familiarity with NCAA eligibility, compliance, and waiver processes preferred.

• Demonstrated ability to foster strong professional relationships and work collaboratively with diverse constituencies.

• Strong commitment to the educational mission of Division III athletics and the holistic development of student-athletes.

Application Process

The Upper Midwest Athletic Conference invites applications for its Commissioner. For full consideration, application materials must be submitted by June 15 at 9:00 a.m. Applications received after this date and time may still be considered until the position is filled.
 

Applicants should submit the following materials electronically to Kurt Patberg at Mammoth Sport Consulting.

1. Cover Letter

2. Resume or Curriculum Vitae

3. List of Professional References
 

For additional information, please contact:

Dr. Kurt Patberg 
VP, Mammoth Sport Consulting
404-434-5146
kurt.patberg@mmth.co
 

Nick Bursik

Search Committee Chair

Director of Athletics, University of Wisconsin-Superior

715-395-4619

nbursik@uwsuper.edu