The NFL has posted the job description and application for the vacant position of senior vice president of officiating.

SVP, Officiating

The SVP — Officiating will oversee all aspects of the Officiating Department inclusive of crew selection, training, performance assessment, communications and policy development with the primary goal being consistency and accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Manage multiple, competing stakeholders and consistently drive exceptionally high performance standards in officiating.
• Oversee replay decision making team in GameDay Central to ensure accuracy and consistency in all areas inclusive of executing in-game reviews and communication with on-field officiating crew.
• Assign individuals to crews and crews to games to ensure that the highest quality of officiating is always maintained.
• Oversee the evaluation process for officials and crews for all games; ensure that evaluation of crews and officials is accurate and consistent across officiating, and work to help individual officials and crews meet League standards for officiating.
• Oversee the updating and editing of the NFL rule and case books.
• Communicate on a regular basis with the leadership of the NFL Referee’s Association in adhering to the policies set forth in the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• Work diligently to improve the media’s understanding of the rules and points of emphasis (e.g., rules on player safety); serve as the NFL spokesperson on issues related to officiating, rules, and other relevant matters, with support from the league’s game day operations and public relations departments.
• Respond to all questions and inquiries from clubs and work directly with coaches to ensure transparency and understanding of what the League is doing to address issues, as appropriate. In addition develop and maintain personal relationships with the coaching community and solicit coach’s viewpoints while reinforcing the League’s position.
• Develop a weekly training video and distribute the video along with other messages to reinforce accuracy and consistency among officiating crews.
• Work closely with NFL Senior leadership to oversee the expansion of full-time on-field game officials including training and development.
• In the offseason, prepare for and represent the officiating department at the Competition Committee meetings and owners meetings, influencing the discussion as appropriate. In addition, translate the Competition Committee’s identified points of emphasis into on-field officiating practices and ensure transparency with officials, owners, coaches, players, and fans with respect to changes in officiating.
• Represent the NFL officiating department at NCAA rules and coordinators meetings.
• Communicate on a regular basis with the leadership of the NFL Referees Association as per the policies set forth in the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• Prepare for and lead officiating clinics to teach/train, ensure buy-in around the points of emphasis for the upcoming season, and ensure readiness of the officials to conduct games with consistent levels of excellence. In addition, ensure that all teams understand the rules and officiating practices.
• Football Operations game and event duties as assigned by department, including travel to NFL games (preseason, regular season and playoffs, International Series, Pro Bowl and Super Bowl), NFL combines and other development programs, college All Star games, NFL Draft, and in-season and offseason meetings.
• Prepare long-term strategies and contingencies for officiating around a range of potential issues.

Required Education and Experience

• Expert in game rules and related administration and practical application
• College Degree and a minimum of 15 years of related experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Strong operational knowledge of officiating and football operations; experience with the NFLRA collective bargaining agreement is preferred
• Strong (football) business acumen

Other Key Attributes / Characteristics

• Ability to make decisions in situations that are time sensitive and potentially public-facing
• Ability to work well with all levels of management
• Strong knowledge of technology and ability to articulate how advances in technology will enhance the quality of the game and officiating.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Highly organized with the ability to establish priorities and meet strict deadlines

Travel

• Extensive travel, including weekends and holidays, as required

Requirements

• College Degree and a minimum of 15 years of related experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience