Description
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.
Requirements
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
How to apply:
An online application must be completed for consideration. Click “Apply” at the top of the page to get started. Paper submissions or emailed materials will not be accepted. A complete application must also include the following documents (attached or in the online application itself):
Letter of Interest (cover letter) - describing your interest in NWAC 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)
Upon request, accommodations are available for persons with disabilities for the Lower Columbia College hiring process. Please contact Human Resources to request an accommodation. The Human Resources Office is accessible to persons with disabilities.
Residency Requirement
To be employed at Lower Columbia College, applicants must currently reside in Washington or Oregon, or be willing to relocate to one of these states. This is a condition of employment for all positions at the College. Please ensure your application reflects your current residency or intent to relocate if selected for the role.
Lower Columbia College Human Resources
For any questions regarding this job advertisement and/or department or campus culture, please call our Human Resources office at (360) 442-2120, or email us directly at hr@lowercolumbia.edu.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Lower Columbia College provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act and ADA Amendment Act, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act and Washington State's Law Against Discrimination, Chapter 49.60 RCW and their implementing regulations. All Inquiries regarding compliance with Title IX, access, equal opportunity and/or grievance procedures should be directed to Jason Arrowsmith, Director of Security, 1600 Maple Street, PO Box 3010, Longview, WA 98632, title9@lowercolumbia.edu, Phone number, (360) 442-2270, Phone number/TTY (800) 833-6388.
Learn more on our Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment page.
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.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
LCC celebrates and embraces diversity of all kinds, including differing beliefs, cultures, people, and experiences. We commit to institutional and individual changes that recognize, understand, and challenge patterns of social inequity and systemic disparities within our ever-changing world. For more information, see Diversity & Equity.
Jeanne Clery Statement: Notice of Availability of Annual Security and Fire Safety Report:
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act of 1998, and as a part of the College's commitment to safety and security on campus, Lower Columbia College reports the mandated information about current campus policies concerning safety and security issues, the required statistics, and other related information for the past three (3) calendar years. Lower Columbia College's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at lowercolumbia.edu/CleryASFR.
Declaration Regarding Sexual Misconduct
Pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080, applicants must declare whether they are the subject of any substantiated findings of sexual misconduct in any current or former employment or professional association or is currently being investigated for, or have left a position during an investigation into, a violation of any sexual misconduct policy at the applicant’s current or past employers or professional association. By law, post-secondary education institutions cannot hire an applicant who does not complete this form.
Conditions of Employment
If you are hired, you will need to provide proof of identity and documentation of U.S. citizenship or appropriate legal authorization to work for the duration of this position as required by the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1995.
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
The College is committed to maintain an environment for teaching and learning which is free of drugs and alcohol.
Anticipated Start Date
LCC offers two start dates for new employees - the 1st and 16th or the closest working day.
