The NIRSA Sports Network (NSN) provides leadership and governance for collegiate club and intramural sport, aligning NIRSA’s values with student-centered, high-quality, and educational competition.
NSN is a new entity within NIRSA. Currently it’s operating in a startup phase, with focus on governance, flag football, and soccer leagues. The skill sets and qualifications for NSN Board members are specific to this startup and early growth phase.
Through partnership, communication, and strategic oversight, NSN advances the professional development of collegiate recreation staff and student leaders while supporting the sustainable growth of the NIRSA Championship Series and affiliated leagues.
The NSN Board is purpose-driven, applying an intentional, considerate and transparent approach to recruitment. This is an approach that will ensure the Board is representative and inclusive of the community it serves.
NSN Board Member Expectations
Board members act as the primary ambassadors for the NIRSA Sports Network, fulfilling all duties and obligations with the utmost professionalism while upholding the mission, goals, objectives, and ideals of the NSN Board.
NSC Board Member Qualifications
- Strong knowledge of partnership and sponsorship development, building new programs, change management, and the sports landscape
- Brings curiosity, strong communication, entrepreneurial thinking, credibility within NIRSA, and the ability to leverage professional networks to advance strategic priorities and grow new programs
- Has entrepreneurial experience in either a public or private sector
- Communicates clearly, listens actively, builds consensus, and represents NSC effectively with diverse audiences
- Thinks strategically and critically; analyzes complex issues, identifies trends and risks, weighs options, and connects decisions to long-term organizational priorities
- Provides collaborative, values-based leadership marked by integrity, accountability, inclusiveness, sound judgment, and a commitment to what is best for NSC, sport participants, and NIRSA members
- Understands fiduciary duties, and the legal, financial, and regulatory considerations affecting corporations and non-profit subsidiaries and boards
- Maintains current knowledge of sport, sponsorship, recreation and higher education trends and practices; recognizes limitations, seeks expertise when needed
- Supports a strong working relationship with the Executive Director and NIRSA staff team
Preferred areas of expertise
- Strategic sport experience, with priority for the sports NSN operates
- Strong skill in building new programs strategically and sustainably
- Marketing and branding knowledge
- Comfort with ambiguity and change
NSC Board Member Duties and Functions
All members of the NSC Board of Directors have the following duties and functions to:
- Contribute to development, oversee implementation, and steward advancement of the NSC’s goals, strategies, and programs
- Participate in future focused, generative discussions that position NSC to leverage opportunities and mitigate threats
- Use professional networks to connect businesses and organizations to NSC that have potential for partnership or sponsorship programs
- Positively and proactively represent NSC and NIRSA (parent organization) among internal and external stakeholders through variety of mediums
- Attend and participate in all meetings of the Board of Directors, regardless of type and medium
- Manage the requirements of a volunteer leader with the expectations associated with one’s primary job responsibilities
- Approve all new or revised proposed policies for compliance with the Bylaws and impact on sustainable, long-term growth
- Approve the proposed annual operating budget; monitor financial and program performance
- Maintain current NIRSA membership in the Professional, Professional Life, or Emeritus category throughout the term
Appropriate funding within the NSN annual operating budget will be available to support directors in accomplishing their duties and functions.
For questions about NIRSA Sports Network board positions, please contact Erik Jaeke, NSN President. If you have any questions or difficulties completing this form, please contact Elishea Borin, NIRSA Executive Office & Operations Manager.