THE OPPORTUNITY

Following the successful tenure of retiring commissioner Penny Allen Cook, the next commissioner of the MIAA will have the opportunity to work in partnership with an engaged and committed council of member presidents and experienced athletic
administrators to advance a recently launched strategic vision and plan. With a rich history as the oldest athletic conference in the nation and a membership of nine strong and vibrant institutions, the MIAA is well positioned to capitalize on its strong identity and rich history to enhance prospective student-athlete recruitment and retention, develop and grow its membership, provide excellent service and value to its members, and provide rewarding student-athlete experiences and competitive excellence.

The Commissioner is a full-time, executive position with a competitive compensation package. The conference maintains a virtual office, allowing the commissioner to flexibly reside anywhere within the boundaries of the MIAA membership.

THE POSITION

The commissioner is the chief executive officer and reports directly to and works alongside the Presidents’ Council to advance the mission of the Conference and ensure activity on member institution campuses is consistent with the philosophy of the MIAA and NCAA Division III. Equally important is the commissioner’s relationship with member schools’ directors of athletics, faculty athletic representatives, senior woman administrators, athletics administrators, coaches and student-athletes serving on the MIAA Student Athlete Advisory Council.

The commissioner is responsible for all aspects of the conference “office” and directly supervises the assistant commissioner, a full-time position.

Key responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Engage the league in a regular strategic planning process and lead the Conference toward achieving articulated objectives;
• Monitor the league for potential risk exposures and advise the Presidents’ Council of recommended action;
• Maintain strategic relationships with other conferences and the NCAA, informing league stakeholders of trends and key issues across the Division III landscape.

Administration

• Provide leadership to ensure that intercollegiate activity on the campuses of MIAA member institutions is consistent with the philosophy, rules and regulations of the league and NCAA Division III;
• Oversee all operational, financial and legal affairs associated with the Conference;
• Hire, train and supervise Conference staff to ensure effective administration and promotion of the league’s sponsored sports;
• Maintain the Conference’s annual business calendar, including planning, preparing materials for and conducting bi-annual meetings of the Coaches Committee, Committee on Athletics, Board of Control, and Presidents’ Councils.

Fiscal Management

• Prepare and submit for approval an annual budget for Conference operations;
• Assess dues and fees invoices to member institutions;
• Receive and hold all Conference funds and be responsible for the payment of all budgeted expenses and any other expenses upon proper authorization;
• Submit bi-annual financial reports to the Presidents’ Council;
• Administer the NCAA DIII Conference Grant and secure supplemental NCAA funding for diversity initiatives.

Compliance and Education

• Serve as the Conference’s chief rules compliance and enforcement officer;
• Educate the membership, monitor compliance with, and, when appropriate, impose sanctions for violations of MIAA and NCAA legislation;
• Monitor and promote a culture of sportsmanship and fair play;
• Oversee the hardship waiver process with the Faculty Athletic Representatives.

NCAA and Professional Association Relations

• Serve as the MIAA delegate to the NCAA and represent the league within the DIII Commissioners’ Association;
• Attend NCAA educational programs and encourage membership participation;
• Seek opportunities to formally engage with the NCAA and professional organizations through committee work and related leadership roles;
• Promote the involvement of individuals at member institutions on NCAA committees and within professional organizations.

THE MICHIGAN INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) is America’s first collegiate athletic conference.

The 2021-22 academic year marks the 134th consecutive year of operation for the NCAA Division III-affiliated conference. The MIAA was founded March 24, 1888. From the very beginning, the MIAA has conducted full- season championships in multiple sports.

There have been changes in some of the sports (bicycle racing and Indian club swing have long since disappeared, and basketball did not even exist in 1888), but these changes have served to develop the MIAA into one of America’s finest NCAA Division III conferences, today offering 23 sports for men and women.

The MIAA’s continuity is noteworthy. Of the 13 schools that have had full membership, nine are still members — Adrian, Albion, Alma, Calvin, Hope, Kalamazoo, Olivet, Saint Mary’s, and Trine. Albion and Olivet were charter members, although Albion is the only member to hold continuous membership. Ex- members are Michigan State University (1888-1907), Eastern Michigan University (1892-1926), Hillsdale College (1888-1960) and Defiance College (1997-2000).

The MIAA’s membership list went unchanged from 1954 until 1997 when Defiance College of Ohio and Saint Mary’s College of Indiana were invited to join. It also marked the first time that the league added members outside the state of Michigan. The league stipulated, however, that the name of the conference would not change. The inaugural year of current members are: Adrian (1908), Albion (1888), Alma (1902), Calvin (1953), Hope (1926), Kalamazoo (1896), Olivet (1888), Saint Mary’s (1997), and Trine (2004).

The MIAA marked a historic note in 2002 when the league accepted Wisconsin Lutheran College of Milwaukee, WI as an associate member for the purpose of competing only in football. Wisconsin Lutheran left after the 2007 season. In 2018 the MIAA added only its second associate member for football competition.

Tri-State University became a conference member in 2004-05 upon its acceptance as a provisional NCAA member. Tri-State became a full member of the NCAA on August 1, 2007. On August 1, 2008, Tri-State changed its name to Trine University.

The MIAA on the National Stage

MIAA member schools are active in Division III of the NCAA, both as participants and tournament hosts, as well as being involved in the governance of the Association, serving on the Presidents Council, Management Council, National SAAC, and other bodies.

Since 1990, MIAA member colleges have won 23 national Division III championships. NCAA Division III history was made in 1991-92 when the MIAA claimed two national championships in basketball — Calvin the men’s title and Alma the women’s. The league has had 103 individual NCAA national championship performances since 1978. On March 19, Hope won the 2022 Division III national championship in women’s basketball (pictured above).

MIAA members have hosted NCAA national championship events in baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s golf, women’s golf, volleyball, men’s and women’s swimming/diving, men’s and women’s tennis and men’s track.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Confidential applications are now being accepted. Consideration of candidates will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For best consideration, materials should be submitted by May 13, 2022.

To be fully considered, submit your profile, cover letter, CV or resume here: MIAA Career Center.

The cover letter should address the candidate’s specific interest in the position and the skills and experience that directly relates to this position, as described above. References will be required of finalists.

All application materials, including references, will be maintained in confidence until the later stages of the search process and with permission of the candidate.

Confidential nominations or other inquiries should be directed to:
Steven M. Corey, Ph.D.
Chair, MIAA Commissioner Search Committee
President, The University of Olivet
presidentsoffice@uolivet.edu.

Committed to Diversity

The MIAA actively seeks diversity in its conference-level and member staff, faculty, and students. Women and members of historically underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. The MIAA is an equal opportunity employer and does take affirmative steps to employ women and minorities.