Details

The Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) invites applications and nominations for the position of Executive Director.

About NWAC: The NWAC includes 37 community colleges across Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia. Member institutions compete for conference championships in men’s and women’s cross country, soccer, basketball, golf, and outdoor track, as well as volleyball, baseball, and softball. NWAC student-athletes regularly continue their academic and athletic careers at four-year institutions, with some advancing to professional competition.

NWAC is a partnership of student-centered community colleges with strong athletic traditions and a shared commitment to academic achievement, community service, and character development through athletics. The conference governs intercollegiate athletic programs for its member institutions and supports meaningful competitive opportunities for student-athletes.

What you'll do: The NWAC Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of the Northwest Athletic Conference. This position provides steady administrative leadership, oversees daily operations and staff, and implements the conference’s vision and strategic plan. The NWAC team consists of three full-time and one part-time staff. The Executive Director also ensures consistent application of conference bylaws, facilitates communication among member institutions, and oversees the planning and delivery of all NWAC-sponsored activities.

The next Executive Director will be committed to balancing academic and athletic excellence, promoting character development and community service, and strengthening the student-athlete experience. This leader will also bring a strategic vision that positions the NWAC as a strong, collaborative, and forward-looking conference for years to come.

The Executive Director’s impact on the NWAC and its member institutions will focus on four key priorities: increasing the visibility of the conference and its members; strengthening the NWAC brand and reinforcing the positive reputation of member institutions; expanding engagement with alumni, media, and external partners; and supporting member institutions in achieving their strategic program goals by serving as the central coordinating force for intercollegiate competition across the conference.

The Executive Director position is 40 hours per week and ineligible for overtime under FLSA. This position reports directly to the NWAC Executive Board. The salary range for this position is $160,000 to $175,000 and is not negotiable beyond this range. Salary and benefits are competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Check out the NWAC website to learn more about NWAC!

Applications will be reviewed after the posting closes on August 11, 2026. We anticipate a start date of December 1, 2026.

Example of Duties & Responsibilities

• Provides leadership for the NWAC including strategic planning, development, implementation and evaluation of programs, and all functions of the organization.
• Provides the NWAC Executive Board and commission accurate, timely, and relevant information necessary to promote the goals and objectives of the Conference and NWAC athletics.
• Works with the NWAC executive board in the development of goals for the Conference and the Executive Director.
• Consistently and effectively communicates with internal and external stakeholders including, but not limited to the NWAC Executive Board, NWAC Commission, Oregon and Washington Community College State Education Boards, Oregon and Washington Community College presidents, and vice presidents of student services.
• Selects, supervises, and evaluates NWAC staff.
• Develops financial support for NWAC championships, events, and activities.
• Represents the NWAC at national and regional meetings and appropriate events.
• Maintains professional relationships, ensuring accurate accounting and audit of all NWAC funds, and working collaboratively with the business and foundation offices of Lower Columbia College.
• Recommends, maintains, and disseminates accurate and timely revisions of the Constitution and NWAC policies affecting its member institutions.
• Assures member compliance with the NWAC Constitution, bylaws, operating procedures, and policies.
• Maintains and distributes meeting minutes of the NWAC Executive Board.
• Serves as a liaison for, and between, the Conference, NWAC Executive Board, NWAC commission and representatives of the media.
• Serves as an ex-officio member of all Conference committees.
• Submits annual budget to the NWAC Commission for review and approval.
• Contracts and coordinates officials for all NWAC championships.
• Seeks external funding through the solicitation of sponsorships, submissions of grants, and philanthropic giving.
• Recruits and mentors potential new NWAC Conference members.

Position Relationships:

• Membership: Has significant and frequent involvement with Conference members and stakeholders.
• Institutional: The NWAC Executive Director and its staff are Washington state employees of Lower Columbia College.
• Boards: Reports directly to the NWAC Executive Board.
• Government: Communicates with elected officials and may testify on legislation affecting community college athletics.
• Public: Communication with members of the public, and/or with individuals and groups affecting NWAC college athletics.
• Other Organizations: Involvement with associations and individuals concerned with community college athletics.
• Association Staff: Works closely with NWAC staff and Conference region chairs and sports committees.

This description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, effort, work conditions, and benefits associated with the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Typical Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Residence within the states of Oregon and Washington
• A bachelor’s degree in business, communications, physical education, social sciences, sports administration, sports management, or other relevant field
• Five or more years of experience in a leadership position as a Director of Athletics, Dean of Athletics, or similar role in a business organization
• Ability to create consensus, build trustworthy relationships, and develop a collaborative environment with various conference constituents
• Strong work ethic and organization skills, including planning, delegating, program development and task facilitation, with diligence and a high level of accuracy
• Proven oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to oversee and collaborate with staff
• Ability to envision and communicate the Conference’s vision and strategic future to the staff, executive board, member institutions, and NWAC stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications, Skills, and Experiences

• Masters degree in business, social sciences, sports administration, sports management, or other relevant field
• Transparent and high-integrity leadership
• Leadership skills with demonstrated experience in strategic planning, organization development, and athletic event management
• Demonstrated success in establishing relationships and contacts with individuals and/or organizations of influence, including peer organizations, partners, sponsors, and stakeholders to expand athletics sponsorships that benefit programs and the Conference
• Strong financial management skills, including budget preparations, analysis, decision making, and reporting
• Strong understanding and familiarity of social media and the ability to advance the brand of the NWAC
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in athletics communications, public relations, advertising, marketing, and brand promotion
• Experience in collegiate athletic administration and a thorough working knowledge of NWAC, NAIA and NCAA rules, and regulations
• A strong business aptitude and an enterprising spirit

Physical Requirements: Ability to lift and move boxes of weight not exceeding 25 pounds.

The minimum qualifications may seem specific and limiting, but we do consider candidates with relatable education, experience, and skills. We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet exactly what's listed. With questions about qualifications, feel free to reach out to our HR team.

Supplemental Information

• Letter of Interest (cover letter) - describing your interest in Lower Columbia College and this position, how your experience, knowledge/skills, education, abilities etc. meet the qualifications for this position
• Resume
• References - please provide at least three professional references including one current or former supervisor
• Unofficial transcripts (if applicable)

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• The college is compliant with Title IX best practices. For more information, visit About Title IX.
• The college encourages qualified members of protected classes to apply.