WCHA Commissioner Position Announcement

Job Opportunity

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Position Description
The WCHA Commissioner provides vision and strategic direction to its membership and will work to advance the sport of women’s hockey within our region and nationally. The commissioner oversees and manages all facets of the WCHA and ensures the efficient and fiscally sound administration of all activities.
 
The commissioner serves at the pleasure of the Association and has specific delegated responsibilities and authority as defined in the Association’s Constitution/Bylaws; Code of Regulations; Annual Meeting minutes; Committee actions; and the normal dictates of conducting the business of a conference office. The commissioner reports directly to the WCHA Board of Directors. The Commissioner will work annually the Advisory Committee to identify strategic goals and objectives for the league.
Specific assigned duties for the WCHA Commissioner include, but are not limited to, the following:

WCHA Commissioner Administrative Responsibilities:
  1. Responsible for the conduct of all business of the WCHA, including internal and external affairs, business practices, and financial management.
  2. Responsibility for the hiring, supervision, and evaluation of all employees, including those independently employed by the League and contracted out, to foster a collaborative and productive work environment.
  3. Provide a strong student-athlete experience by enhancing the quality of regular and post-season operations, tournament operations, and special events (alumni engagement, clinics, etc).
  4. Facilitate strong relationships with membership to ensure advocacy and support for women’s hockey on each campus, including regular meetings/teleconferences with the Advisory Council, Board of Directors, FARs, Athletics Directors, and Head Coaches.
  5. Develop and implement a dynamic strategic plan in conjunction with the membership, complete with annual goals, and quarterly and annual reports; engage in annual review process with Advisory Council and Board of Directors.
  6. Develop and execute the annual budget, including approval by the membership. Provide regular updates to the membership outlining revenues and expenses.
    1. Market and promote the WCHA to external constituencies
    2. Develops unique value propositions and business/media partnerships
    3. Explore platforms to maximize sponsorship revenue, marketing partnerships, fund raising and packaging of events
    4. Pursue programming outlets such as the WCHA digital network, and any other strategies which serve to maximize exposure opportunities for the WCHA postseason tournament
  7. Develop and oversee conference awards programs to recognize institutions and student-athletes.
  8. Represent the WCHA as the primary liaison and provides advocacy for women’s hockey interests with ice hockey organizations such as:
  • National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
  • Ice Hockey Commissioner’s Association
  • NCAA Ice Hockey Championship Committee
  • NCAA Ice Hockey Rules Committee
  • American Hockey Coaches Association
  • USA Hockey
  • Hockey Canada
  • International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF)
  1. Serve as the Compliance Director for the Association, including oversight of all NCAA and WCHA compliance initiatives such as rules education, investigation of alleged violations, and reporting.
    1. Assists with NCAA and conference rules interpretations, and related education
    2. Provides appropriate processes and forms as it relates to monitoring initial and continuing eligibility of student-athletes.
    3. Outlines policies and procedures for any conference-specific rules and regulations
  2. Serve as member, ex-officio member, or advisor on all standing WCHA committees; Ensure proper recording and distribution of meeting materials, and that orders and resolutions of the Board and other Committees are carried into effect.
  3. Serve as the permanent chair of the WCHA Postseason Tournament Committee.
  4. Foster a commitment to diversity and inclusiveness throughout all levels of the organization.
  5. Perform other duties as prescribed by the Board.

Officiating Responsibilities
  1. Provide leadership and direction consistent with the philosophy of the NCAA and the WCHA, to the on- and off- ice officials retained by the WCHA.
    1. Conduct and supervise all WCHA business in regard to the officiating of Association games.
    2. Enhance officiating through education and hiring practices.
  2. Serve as primary liaison with membership (coaches and athletics directors) regarding interpretation and implementation of ice hockey playing rules.
  3. Oversee and adjudicate all on-ice disciplinary conduct for players, coaches, and officials in collaboration with the Supervisor of Officials, including supplementary discipline, as prescribed by WCHA rules and regulations.
 
Tournament Administration Responsibilities:
  1. Responsible for the execution of the WCHA Final Faceoff championship tournament in collaboration with the Tournament Committee. Oversee decisions related to format, playing sites, financial arrangements, contracts, conduct of the games, and distribution of monies.
  2. Supervise and assist in the promotion and marketing of the WCHA tournament.
  3. Give support to the operating budget by soliciting and securing corporate financing for appropriate consideration.
  4. Prepare and execute contracts as necessary support tournament operations.
 
Additional Responsibilities:
  1. Increase awareness, participation and attendance at conference and institutional women’s hockey events through public relations, marketing, sponsorships and programs. 
  2. Advance the growth of collegiate women’s hockey through advocacy and strategic communication.
  3. Represent the WCHA in a manner consistent with the educational and competitive goals of the member institutions, the WCHA as an organization, and the NCAA.
  4. Serve as a recognized advocate for women’s hockey at the regional, national, and international level as appropriate.
 
 
Qualifications and experience
Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to collegiate women’s hockey and an understanding of NCAA compliance issues.
Required
  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Progressive administrative experience, including at least three years in a management, supervisory or leadership position
  • Evidence of ability to manage all aspects of a single sport NCAA Division I hockey conference, including strategic planning, fiscal management, and marketing/sponsorship sales
  • Familiarity with NCAA compliance regulations and ability to understand and execute related policies and procedures
  • Evidence of strong organizational and communication skills, including the ability to work collaboratively in a small office environment
  • Evidence of ability to work and communicate with diverse constituents, including student-athletes, coaches, faculty, athletics administrators, officials, sponsors, media personnel
  • Evidence of a valid driver’s license, or ability to acquire a legal driver’s license or qualify for a reasonable accommodation
 
Preferred
  • Advanced degree
  • Experience in collegiate athletics as player, coach, and/or administrator
  • Familiarity with public relations practices and multi-media platforms
  • Experience with event management
Other
Appointment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.  Salary is competitive and will be commensurate with selected candidate’s experience.

Application Process
Interested candidates should send their resume, letter of interest, and the names of at least three references to Holly Schreiner, Director of Athletics, St. Cloud State University / Chair of WCHA Commissioner Search, at athletics@stcloudstate.edu. Nominations are encouraged and should be sent to the same email address.  Requests for confidentiality will be honored. For full consideration, candidates should submit their materials no later than July 17, 2024.  Only fully completed applications will be considered. The WCHA is committed to equal opportunity employment and encourages candidates with diverse backgrounds to apply. The appointment is slated to begin August 15, 2024. This position does have the ability to work remotely however the board would request that the Commissioner live within the footprint of the WCHA. The Conference will assist with relocation expenses if it is necessary.

Application materials should be sent electronically to: athletics@stcloudstate.edu