Mission of the WCAC
The Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (“WCAC”) is organized exclusively for fostering the spiritual, academic, social, and athletic development of interscholastic high school athletic competition while cultivating the ideals of Christian sportsmanship. Formed in 1993, the WCAC consists of 13 private schools in the Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia area whose membership includes eight co-ed schools: Archbishop Carroll High School, Bishop Ireton High School, Bishop McNamara High School, Bishop O’Connell High School, Our Lady of Good Counsel High School, St. John’s College High School, St. Mary’s Ryken High School, and St. Paul VI Catholic High School; three all-boys schools: DeMatha Catholic High School, Gonzaga College High School, and The Heights, and two all-girls schools: The Academy of the Holy Cross and Elizabeth Seton High School. All member schools participate in interscholastic sport at the Varsity and Junior Varsity level, with some also competing at the Freshman-only level.
Job Overview
The WCAC is seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual to serve as its full-time Commissioner. The Commissioner’s role is pivotal in guiding the conference towards strategic alignment, maintaining financial stability, improving marketing endeavors, and fostering trust among member schools’ leadership. An exemplary candidate should boast a robust background in athletics administration, a fervor for nurturing student-athlete growth, and a steadfast commitment to promoting the principles of sportsmanship and fair play within the conference.
Desired Characteristics
Strategic Visionary and Resolute Leader
- Demonstrate forward-thinking leadership anchored in integrity and financial acumen, envisioning a WCAC where character, sportsmanship, and athletic excellence thrive alongside sound fiscal management.
- Foster a bold vision where member schools and athletes strive for their highest potential, guided by fundamental values of fairness, equity, and genuine respect for opponents.
Catholic Values, Character Building, and Athletic Advocacy
- Uphold Catholic principles, prioritize character growth, and promote sportsmanship among athletes, athletic directors, and coaches.
- Enhance the athlete’s experience through proactive leadership, leaving a lasting impact on the conference’s future.
Fostering a Collaborative Culture
- Prioritize building trust within the WCAC community, becoming an integral part of it by deeply understanding its values and culture.
- Forge strong relationships with member schools while balancing tradition and innovation to engage a new generation of stakeholders effectively.
Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and articulate a visionary strategic plan for the WCAC, aligning with Catholic values and principles while promoting excellence in athletics, academics, and culture.
- Lead efforts to review and reform conference by-laws, rules, and admission criteria to ensure alignment with the WCAC’s mission and values.
Financial Management
- Oversee the financial sustainability of the conference, including budgeting, revenue generation, and expenditure control.
- Formulate and execute strategic financial plans to support the growth and development of WCAC programs and initiatives.
Marketing and Promotion
- Develop and implement comprehensive marketing strategies to enhance the visibility and reputation of the WCAC, attracting talented student-athletes and fostering community engagement.
- Utilize modern marketing tools and platforms to promote WCAC events, programs, and achievements effectively.
Trust-Building and Community Integration
- Build strong relationships and foster trust among member schools, presidents, heads of school, athletic directors, coaches, and other stakeholders within the WCAC community.
- Act as a unifying force within the conference, bridging traditional values with contemporary needs to create a cohesive and inclusive environment.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in sports management, education, business administration, or related field (master’s degree preferred).
- Previous experience in athletics administration, with demonstrated leadership in strategic planning, financial management, and community engagement.
- Strong understanding of Catholic values and principles, with a commitment to fostering character development and sportsmanship among student-athletes.
- Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills, with the ability to build consensus and inspire stakeholders toward a common vision.
- Proven track record of success in leading and managing complex organizations, preferably in an educational or athletic setting.
This position offers the opportunity to lead and shape the future of high school athletics within the WCAC, contributing to the growth and success of student-athletes and member schools. If you are passionate about athletics, driven by strategic vision, and committed to upholding the values of fairness and sportsmanship, we encourage you to apply.
Interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter by no later than 30 April 2024 to Louise O’Berry at Loberry@wbwstrategiesllc.com. In this letter, kindly express your interest in the position itself and in serving the WCAC, and comment as well on how you as a candidate can be differentiated from other talented applicants. Please include your salary range expectations knowing that the compensation for this position will be competitive within the framing of an educational administrator.