Commissioner
Horizon League Background
Founded in 1979, the Horizon League, is an NCAA Division I athletics conference comprised of 11 member institutions with a combined enrollment of 140,000, including nine (9) member schools located in top-70 U.S. metropolitan populations. Members include: Cleveland State University, University of Detroit Mercy, IU Indianapolis, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Northern Kentucky University, Oakland University, Purdue University Fort Wayne, Robert Morris University, Wright State University, and Youngstown State University. Northern Illinois University will rejoin the Horizon League as its 12th member starting in the 2026-27 academic year.
The League’s headquarters are in Indianapolis, Indiana and the League is an important part of Indianapolis’ vibrant sports scene. As the co-host of 14 NCAA Men’s and Women’s Final Fours, including 2026 (men’s), 2028 (women’s) and 2029 (men’s), the League’s staff serves in a leadership role on every Local Organizing Committee.
The League recently implemented a brand recharge capturing the primary essence of the League while showcasing core attributes. The League embraces its positioning statement recognizing the powerful opportunity of Division I athletics: “The Horizon League and our member schools develop nearly 4,000 student athletes for life. Through NCAA Division 1 competition and unique opportunities in major metropolitan cities, their athletic, academic, and personal aspirations can be achieved. Because what they learn today will inspire who they become tomorrow.”
Position Summary
The Commissioner is the Chief Executive Officer of the League and reports to the Board of Presidents. The League sponsors 19 intercollegiate sports and has a staff of ten full-time professionals. The Commissioner will work in close consultation with the Chancellors, Presidents and Athletic Directors of each member institution to create innovative initiatives and strategies designed to achieve and advance the mission and vision of the League.
The Commissioner must have the personal attributes and possess the strong interpersonal skills necessary to effectively relate to and resonate with the various League constituencies and engage the membership in dialogue and effective decision-making. The Commissioner will serve as the public face and official representative of the League with a variety of external groups. This role blends leadership, diplomacy, innovation, and change management skills to maximize League value and serve as the primary liaison to presidents, chancellors, athletics directors, coaches and student-athletes.
The primary duties of the Commissioner are both strategic and operational in nature, and include the following specific areas of responsibility.
Key Responsibilities
· Competition
o Oversee regular season and championships’ competition for 19 sports
o In partnership with member schools, enhance the overall student-athlete experience, to include conducting first-class events and championships as well as sustaining a League environment that supports student-athlete development and well-being.
· Media, Content & Distribution
o Provide strategic thinking and leadership that will inspire people with new ideas to plan and execute marketing strategies that maintain and elevate brand presence in the local, regional, and national market both as a League and for affiliated member institutions.
o Be the public-facing representative of the League across media, broadcast, and digital platforms.
o Champion strategies to grow League audience across all broadcasting and social media platforms.
o Oversee content strategy to drive storytelling and fan connection.
o Lead and execute all logistical planning, advertising and marketing, contract negotiations, and management of regional and national linear and digital media agreements for regular-season and League championships to boost revenue and exposure.
o Maintain a positive working relationship with all segments of the active media.
· National Advocacy and League Governance
o Possess high political acumen and astuteness to effectively navigate and manage the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics. This will include, but is not be limited to: new legislation, the monetization of sports, regulatory industries, state and federal mandates, and distinct differences between member institutions.
o Champion strategic growth for the League as it relates to emerging sports and/or expansion of league membership.
o Lead as national advocate of the League on key NCAA issues.
o Lead membership decision-making efforts and ensure adherence to League operating regulations, bylaws, and policies.
· League Operations & Staff Leadership
o Lead and manage change initiatives for the League, ensuring seamless adaptation to new regulations, policies, and industry trends.
o Oversee League financial assets, ensure compliance with the League’s investment policy and consider strategic distributions to assist membership on League-wide initiatives.
o Demonstrate a commitment to impact and belonging that creates a welcoming environment for all League members and League office staff.
o Enhance current sponsorships and corporate partnerships.
Qualifications
· A bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree is highly desirable.
· Strategic planning and revenue generation experience is preferred.
· Substantial experience in collegiate athletics administration or equivalent experience in a related field.
· Demonstrated commitment to the holistic student-athlete experience.
· Ability to serve as the public face and continually represent the brand of the League.
· Working knowledge of branding, social media, television and multimedia platforms – experience in related contract negotiations.
· Knowledge of and commitment to the rules and bylaws of the NCAA and the Horizon League.
· Strong public relations, oral and written communication skills.
· Strategic vision and an ability to mobilize support behind organizational goals, which requires essential change management skills.
· Demonstrated leadership and strong work ethic.
· Proven ability to select, recruit, motivate, inspire, mentor, and retain high performing League staff, regardless of backgrounds and experiences.
· Strong skills in financial management.
· Strong moral character and unwavering integrity.
Location & Travel
The Horizon League is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana with members across a six-state (soon to be seven) footprint. Regular travel is expected for events and in-person meetings.
Compensation
Compensation will be commensurate with experience and includes a competitive compensation and benefits package.
Application Process
The Horizon League invites nominations and applications or expressions of interest to be submitted to the search firm assisting the League. Applications must include a cover letter, resume or curriculum vitae, and list of references. For full consideration, application materials should be submitted to Parker Executive Search’s website by January 12th, 2025. Confidential review of materials will begin immediately and continue until the appointment is made.
For additional information please contact:
Daniel Parker, Vice President and Managing Director
Grant Higgison, Principal
Gray McGee, Executive Recruiting Coordinator
danielparker@parkersearch.com |ghiggison@parkersearch.com | gmcgee@parkersearch.com
Parker Executive Search
770-804-1996 ext. 118 | 770-804-1996 ext. 132
The Horizon League is an equal opportunity employer.