Assistant Director of Division III Governance

This position is responsible for the daily management of the division’s communication outreach, both internal and external, and serves as a liaison to the NCAA communications staff to ensure a unified communication strategy across the division and the Association. Additionally, this position is responsible for various strategic initiatives for the division, including Division III branding, national media presence, and outreach to associations and groups in the membership and in the NCAA national office.

Job Responsibilities

Assist the vice president, managing director and director of Division III in the development and implementation of strategic initiatives and policies designed to fulfill the mission, philosophy and strategic position of Division III.

Serve as the daily coordinator of Division III communications, including web, digital, social, member and other communications. This will include both proactive and reactive communications within the strategic communications environment and framework at the national office.

Serve as the primary liaison with NCAA Communications and represent the interests of Division III related to web, digital and social media initiatives; video/content; and media relations as needed.

Function as regular editor for the Division III landing page on NCAA.org and related divisional online resources, in conjunction with NCAA Communications.

Manage all Division III social media pages and create and maintain the Division III social media strategy and the championships social media plans.

Oversee the Division III Communication plans/kits – develop, implement and update (Division III Week, Special Olympics, etc.). Assist with CoSIDA initiatives and coordinate outreach to other key constituents (e.g., high school constituents – coaches, prospective student-athletes, parents, guidance and admissions counselors).

Write and distribute the Division III monthly update, Presidents Quarterly Update, the Diversity Quarterly Update and additional membership communications, as needed.

Serve as the primary liaison for the Division III Identity team and coordinate identity promotion.

Support and promote the Division III Identity Initiative with key constituencies (e.g., Division III governance bodies and committees, educational associations, professional organizations) that have a vested interest in the portrayal of the Division III philosophy and attributes.

Assist in the coordination of special projects that impact/involve membership communication and education.

Serve as the primary liaison for the annual Division III Day at the CoSIDA Convention and the Emerging Elite Program. Responsibilities include agenda planning; securing speakers; ordering gifts and publicizing the event.

Serve as secondary liaison to the Division III Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, and contribute to agenda building, supplement preparation and report writing.

Assist with the Division III Convention planning process, including the coordination of educational sessions, Issues Forum and Business Session.

Provide oversight to the Special Olympics partnership and oversee coordination of Special Olympics activities and reports. Oversee the Special Olympics website maintenance (photos, stories, links, talking points, resources); Special Olympics Spotlight Poll (selection of stories, outreach to institutions/conferences). Compile the monthly activity report; and manage the inbox.

Act as the primary liaison between Special Olympics-North America communications director and Division III (share stories and relevant information, plan for future events, etc.).

Other governance duties as assigned and determined by the candidate’s skills, interest and abilities.

Job Requirements

Bachelor’s or advanced/professional degree(s) preferred.

A minimum of two to four years' experience in intercollegiate athletics communications or sports information.

Understanding of and interest in the governance structure and process for the NCAA and Division III.

Strong interpersonal, organizational and computer skills required. Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally.

Candidate must demonstrate the interest and ability to adapt to a changing environment in which innovation, customer service and improved processes are constantly at the forefront of all work.

This position will require some travel and weekend work. Estimated travel required, <10%.

This position will be based out of the national office in Indianapolis, Indiana. Current work environment is hybrid; three days in the office and two days are remote.

All national office staff are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment.

Key Competencies

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION Can exchange ideas, thoughts, opinions, knowledge, and data so that the message is understood with clarity and purpose.

RESOURCEFULNESS The ability to creatively cope with difficult situations, or unusual problems. It is about problem-solving and getting things done in the face of obstacles and constraints.

SELF-MANAGEMENT Takes responsibility of one’s behavior, work, priorities, and time management accordingly.

STAKEHOLDER FOCUS Is dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external stakeholders, gets first-hand stakeholder information and uses it for improvements in products and services, acts with stakeholders in mind, establishes and maintains effective relationships with stakeholders and gains their trust and respect through honesty, integrity, authenticity, and inclusivity.

TEAMWORK Can effectively work together with other people and collaborate to achieve a common goal or to complete a task in the most effective and efficient way.

Core Values

LEADERSHIP We actively listen and continually strive to provide vital solutions, counsel and advocacy for student-athletes and intercollegiate athletics.

INCLUSION We seek and incorporate different perspectives and experiences to drive innovation and impact.

COMMUNICATION We commit to an environment of openness to build trust and make timely decisions.

COLLABORATION We work together, based on mutual respect, to lead and serve our stakeholders.

ACCOUNTABILITY We take ownership for our actions and results to add value every day.