Details

Posted: 15-Sep-25

Location: Birmingham , Alabama

Type: Full-time

Categories:

Executive Executive - Commissioner

Sector:

Collegiate Sports POSITION SUMMARY

The Associate Commissioner for Football will provide leadership and oversight for football operations, policy, and stakeholder engagement within the Southeastern Conference. This role serves as the Conference’s primary liaison to head football coaches, football administrators, and national organizations, ensuring alignment with the SEC’s mission and responsiveness to the evolving collegiate athletics landscape. Key areas of responsibility include football competition standards, policy advisement on national governance issues (NIL, transfer policies, College Football Playoff, employment models), enhancement of officiating and scheduling practices, and advancing student-athlete welfare and program integrity.

REPORTING LINE The Associate Commissioner for Football reports directly to the Commissioner.

RESPONSIBILITIES •Provide strategic leadership for football within the SEC, ensuring alignment with the Conference’s broader mission and industry trends. •Serve as a credible and trusted leader, leveraging football experience (coaching and/or operations) to inform decisions among head coaches, administrators, and stakeholders. •Demonstrate a deep understanding of the technical, strategic, and cultural dimensions of the game, earning the confidence of head coaches, athletic directors, and institutional personnel through authentic leadership and lived experience within the sport. •Advise the Commissioner and Conference staff on national governance issues impacting the sport, including the House Settlement, Name Image and Likeness (NIL), transfer portal policies, employment models, and College Football Playoff expansion. •Coordinate football-specific operations, including competitive standards, game management, technology integration, and analytics. •Lead all head football coach meetings by setting agendas, facilitating strategic dialogue, and driving alignment among some of the sport’s most accomplished and high-profile leaders; while serving as a trusted connector and relationship builder who can guide the room, foster collaboration, and uphold the SEC’s football culture. •Serve as the SEC’s primary liaison to: oHead Football Coaches, Directors of Football Operations, and campus sport administrators. oExternal partners such as the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), NCAA, Bowl organizations, and national governance bodies. •Serve the Coordinator of Football Officials to manage and further enhance the Conferences' officiating and replay programs. •Work and assist the Assistant Commissioner for Competition to manage the SEC Football Championship Game, including team logistics, game presentation, operations, and media engagement. •Coordinate within the established procedures communication with the CFP Selection Committee and serve, as needed, within the CFP structure. •Collaborate with the Assistant Commissioner for Network Relations to manage the SEC Football schedule and release of game times. •Conduct regular visits to SEC member institutions during spring football, preseason, and regular-season play to maintain engagement, alignment, and proactive communication. •Cultivate and manage strong relationships with campus stakeholders including athletic directors, compliance officers, and support staff to ensure collaboration on key football matters. •Identify and implement innovative practices across football operations—particularly in areas such as scheduling, officiating development, health and safety protocols, data usage, and athlete performance enhancement. •Support strategic alignment with media partners by advising on scheduling, storylines, production needs, and national narrative opportunities that elevate SEC Football. •Represent the SEC in national working groups, committees, and policy discussions related to football governance, postseason models, regulatory shifts, and athlete experience. •Lead football-specific initiatives that support student-athlete welfare, competitive equity, and holistic development, ensuring alignment with SEC values and priorities. •Assist in managing crisis communication, reputational risk, and high-stakes decision-making involving SEC football programs.

This position description is not, and is not intended to be, an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position and may be updated and revised at any time at the discretion of the Commissioner or his designee.

QUALIFICATIONS

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is required; an advanced degree is preferred. Progressive experience in football administration, coaching, or executive-level leadership within collegiate or professional football is required, with demonstrated leadership in high-profile or high-stakes environments preferred. Demonstrated success managing football-specific operations and strategy at the highest levels with a track record of leading complex initiatives and contributing to the strategic advancement of the sport, is preferred. Deep understanding of the current and emerging structure, governance, and cultural dynamics of college football—including issues related to athlete employment models, NIL, expanded CFP, health and safety protocols, and roster management in the transfer portal era. Hands-on experience with football operations, including scheduling models, officiating oversight, game day management, and policy development. Ability to lead with clarity on matters that influence competitive equity, media exposure, and postseason access. Proven ability to build and sustain relationships with athletic directors, head coaches, game officials, campus leaders, bowl executives, TV partners, and media. Adept at aligning stakeholders around common objectives while navigating high-pressure dynamics. Skilled at building consensus among diverse constituents—including university presidents, athletic directors, head coaches, television partners, student-athletes, and national governing bodies. Political acumen and a collaborative spirit are essential. Exceptional communicator with the ability to convey complex ideas with precision, diplomacy, and presence. Must be adept at navigating high-pressure situations and representing the SEC with credibility on national platforms. Strong grasp of the evolving landscape of college football—particularly in relation to athlete compensation, the transfer portal, roster management, and employment models. Ability to think long-term and advocate for solutions that protect and advance the SEC’s interests. A forward-looking leader who anticipates the evolving needs of the sport and proactively contributes to the SEC’s strategic direction. Must be adaptable, solutions-oriented, and committed to advancing football within a rapidly shifting landscape. High emotional intelligence and demonstrated commitment to fostering inclusive and respectful environments. Embodies the SEC’s core values of integrity, excellence, and innovation in all interactions. Willingness and ability to travel frequently across the Conference’s footprint and to national events as a visible and influential representative of the Southeastern Conference. Ability to delegate effectively and serve as both a leader and as a team member. Proven ability to provide a strategic vision and demonstrated success in managing strategy to action. Ability to exercise judgment, decision-making and problem-solving skills. Ability to deal with ambiguity and resolve conflict with diverse

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