Commissioner of Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC)

Details

Posted: 22-May-26

Location: St. Paul, Minnesota

Type: Full-time

Categories

Executive

Executive - Commissioner

Sector

Collegiate Sports

Preferred Education

Masters

The Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) Commissioner serves as the Conference’s chief executive and administrative officer, providing strategic leadership to advance the mission, values, and long-term vision of the conference. The Commissioner oversees all conference operations, governance, championships, strategic initiatives, and planning efforts while fostering collaboration and support amongst member institutions. The position is responsible for promoting the continued growth, sustainability, and visibility of the conference through proactive leadership, relationship-building, and representation at the regional and national levels. The Commissioner serves as the primary advocate for the UMAC and its membership, working to enhance the student-athlete experience and strengthen the overall success of the conference. See additional information in detailed job posting on conference website, including specific duties and responsibilities.

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 Pateburg at Mammoth Sport Consulting.

• Cover Letter
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• 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

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About Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC)

The UMAC is an NCAA Division III member conference comprised of seven full-time member schools from Minnesota and Wisconsin: Bethany Lutheran College, Crown College, Martin Luther College, North Central University, University of Minnesota Morris, University of Northwestern, and University of Wisconsin-Superior.

Connections working at Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC)

https://ncaamarket.ncaa.org/jobs/22295597/commissioner-of-upper-midwest-athletic-conference-umac