The Pacific West Conference (PacWest) is an NCAA Division II collegiate athletic conference formed in 1992 when the Great Northwest Conference merged with the Continental Divide Conference. Today, the PacWest aspires to become the premier NCAA Division II conference with member institutions that champion the highest levels of student-athlete excellence in academics, competition, and the community. The conference sponsors 15 sports programs in baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s tennis, men’s and women’s track & field, softball, and women’s volleyball. The PacWest is the most geographically diverse conference in Division II, comprised of 11 universities in northern and southern California and Hawai’i with expansion plans to increase to 14 schools by 2024-2025. Current institutional members are the Academy of Art University, Azusa Pacific University, Biola University, Chaminade University of Honolulu, Concordia University Irvine, Dominican University of California, Fresno Pacific University, University of Hawai’i Hilo, Hawai’i Pacific University, Point Loma Nazarene University, and Westmont College.

The PacWest supports the educational mission of college athletics by fostering a balanced approach in which student-athletes learn and develop through their desired academic pursuits, civic engagement with their communities, and athletics competition. PacWest athletics programs also are committed to establishing an inclusive culture in which persons of all backgrounds are respected and encouraged to provide input and participate.

The PacWest seeks a strategic, collaborative, and enthusiastic leader to serve as the next commissioner. As the chief administrative officer of the conference and an ex-officio member, without a vote, of the executive board, the commissioner provides general and active management of the affairs of the conference and manages all operational, financial, and legal matters. The commissioner will provide leadership to the conference to ensure that intercollegiate athletic activity on the campuses of member institutions is consistent with the philosophy, rules, and regulations of the PacWest and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II. The next commissioner will promote positive, balanced student-athlete experiences, foster excellence for student-athletes, teams, institutions, and the conference, embrace diversity and inclusivity, and lead, work, and compete with integrity and sportsmanship all times.

Reporting directly to the executive board chair, the next commissioner will work collaboratively with conference member presidents, faculty athletics representatives, directors of athletics, coaches, and staff members. The commissioner will provide visionary leadership, strategic development, management, and scheduling of a comprehensive NCAA Division II intercollegiate athletics conference with 11 member institutions, four associate members, and 15 sports programs. Additionally, the commissioner will supervise, evaluate, and mentor all conference staff; manage a comprehensive operating budget of approximately $1 million; and maintain relations with the NCAA and other external organizations, serving as a primary resource to member institutions regarding NCAA Division II compliance and championship issues, and conference constitution and bylaws issues.

The new commissioner will oversee conference meetings, legislation, budgeting, marketing, education, eligibility, sportsmanship, championships, scheduling, awards, and staff management. The commissioner will provide leadership and support for conference standing committees, including those of the executive board (institution CEOs) and advisory board, which consists of athletic directors, faculty athletic representatives (FAR), compliance administrators, student-athlete advisory committee (SAAC), certified athletic trainers (ATC), sports information directors (SID), sports committees, and other administrative groups. The ideal candidate will continue to enhance the competitiveness of the PacWest; oversee the development, implementation, and progress of the conference’s strategic plan and regularly report to the executive board on its progress; and maintain ethical and sound fiscal responsibility for the annual budget, membership dues, sponsorship, revenue generation, and audits. The commissioner will develop and market the conference brand, distinguishing and championing the conference’s mission, vision, strategic plan, and continued enhancement of the student-athlete experience to strengthen membership. The next commissioner serves as the primary conference liaison to the NCAA, is a member of the Division II Commissioners’ Committees, and promotes the various NCAA committees throughout the PacWest.

The conference maintains a mailing address in Irvine, California; however, all conference employees currently work remotely. The selected candidate will be expected to work remotely within the conference footprint of California or Hawai’i. The conference commissioner is expected to travel frequently.

A bachelor’s degree as well as significant, progressive professional experience related to NCAA athletics or a similar field and a commitment to the values, standards, and expectations of Division II athletics are required. An extensive and accomplished background in collegiate athletics; collegiate-level coaching; conference management experience; experience with senior leaders, executives, and/or boards; and a master’s degree in athletics administration or a related field are preferred. The successful candidate will comprehensively understand intercollegiate athletics administration, the dynamic current landscape of higher education, conference marketing and membership development, and NCAA compliance within a Division II environment. The next commissioner should have the ability to mentor and inspire the professional development of conference staff, a commitment to upholding the quality of academics and academic integrity, and demonstrated strategic planning acumen. A collaborative management approach; superior communication and relationship-building skills; a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social responsibility; strong planning and fiscal competencies; familiarity with technology, program development, and assessment; and excellent problem-solving abilities are also desired.

Review of applications will begin on April 27, 2023, and continue until the position is filled. A resume with an accompanying cover letter may be submitted via the Spelman Johnson website at www.spelmanjohnson.com/open-positions. Nominations for this position may be emailed to Dell Robinson at ddr@spelmanjohnson.com or Anne-Marie Kenney at amk@spelmanjohnson.com. Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895.

The anticipated hiring range is $140,000 - $150,000 annually, commensurate with education and experience. PacWest offers its employees a comprehensive benefits package.

Visit the Pacific West Conference website at https://thepacwest.com/index.aspx

The PacWest Conference is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is committed to creating a community in which a diverse population can learn, live, and work in an atmosphere of tolerance, civility, and respect for the rights and sensibilities of each individual without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religious creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, medical condition, age, military service status, or any other status.