The establishment of an executive director for CoSIDA has long been a topic of discussion among our members. Over the past 18 months, the CoSIDA Board has discussed and researched the potential merits of such a position. The Board feels at this time that a CoSIDA executive director would greatly benefit our organization and its members. The Board, therefore, puts forth the following constitutional article proposal to all CoSIDA members for their consideration. This constitutional proposal will be up for vote by the membership at the CoSIDA Business Meeting on July 3, 2007 in San Diego.
Constitutional Article Proposal Business Meeting July 3, 2007
Article 20 Executive Director
Section 1: The Executive Director, a full-time salaried employee, shall serve as the chief administrative officer of the Association, reporting to the Board of Directors. The Executive Director will serve as an ex-officio member of the Board of Directors.
Section 2: The Executive Director shall be hired by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors will conduct an annual performance review to determine continued employment.
Section 3: In the case of a vacancy in the position of Executive Director, the Board of Directors will name an interim director during the hiring process for a replacement.
Section 4: The Executive Director shall have the following responsibilities:
- Serve as Associations spokesperson,
- Responsible for Associations strategic planning,
- Secure positive publicity of the sports information profession,
- Oversee fund-raising efforts for Association,
- Maintain a working knowledge of significant industry developments and trends that affect the membership,
- Represent Association at selected intercollegiate athletics events,
- Serve as liaison to national governing bodies,
- Assist with planning of the annual workshop,
- Oversee the Associations communication mediums the Association website and Association publications,
- Other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors.
Section 5: The Executive Director shall be paid an annual salary as determined by the Board of Directors.
Rationale
In order for CoSIDA to not only maintain its presence on the collegiate athletics landscape, but to enhance that presence and move forward, the organization needs leadership that is working for CoSIDA and thinking about CoSIDA on a full-time basis.
CoSIDA needs an individual who can represent the organization and interact full-time with national governing bodies, so that CoSIDAs voice is heard and the CoSIDA membership is kept abreast of issues that affect it. An executive director would also play a major role in the annual CoSIDA Workshop, leading planning and implementation of the program, social opportunities and other aspects of the Workshop. In addition, the executive director would be someone who can lead fundraising efforts, oversee development of the CoSIDA Web site and manage the organizations Academic All-America activities. The executive director would provide consistent leadership to CoSIDA, as well as year-to-year continuity.
CoSIDA has existed for 50 years based on the tireless, volunteer efforts of already-overworked SIDs. Its time the organization move forward and create a leadership position whose only responsibilities are to enhance CoSIDA both externally and internally. The responsibilities that SIDs have with their schools are not decreasing. That means that for those who are willing to get involved in leadership roles in CoSIDA, the organization will always come second to the SIDs duties with their school. An executive director would be working for CoSIDA all the time. Our organization needs that at this point in its development.