General Summary:
The Associate Athletics Director, Student-Athlete Support Services is responsible for organizing, directing and implementing a comprehensive program of athletics academic advising, academic support services and student development for approximately 500 student-athletes, representing 18 NCAA Division I sport programs, while promoting and fostering an environment of academic excellence, integrity and student success and retention.
Principle Duties and Responsibilities:
Adhere to any and all NCAA, Mid-American Conference and Eastern Michigan University policies, rules, regulations, and operational procedures.
Provide day-to-day leadership, oversight and supervision of assigned staff to ensure effective performance.
Supervise the academic advising processes of all student-athletes, but assigned to specific team(s), including: assessing academic skills and needs, assisting them each semester in developing class schedules consistent with graduation requirements and taking special athletic needs, such as travel and practice times, into consideration.
Interview, hire, train, direct, and evaluate the professional and student support staff engaged in academic advising, tutoring activities and study table monitoring.
Prepare and monitor the budget of the Student-Athlete Support Services department.
Oversee the coordination of appropriate support services (e.g., tutorial, career planning) to stimulate and reinforce progress according to the specific academic and personal development needs of student-athletes.
Work collaboratively with sport coaches to support their prospective student-athlete recruiting programs, and serve as an enthusiastic and available ambassador of the University and athletics department while informing prospective student-athletes and their families about academic, student life and student support programs.
Organize and administer a new student-athlete orientation program.
Assist in the management of resources available through the NCAA Student Assistance Fund and Academic Enhancement Fund to enhance student-athlete academic performance.
Develop and implement life skills and career development programs for all student-athletes.
Orchestrate the necessary communication between all segments of the University, coaches, parents, athletics department staff and student-athletes concerning the academic progress of each student-athlete.
Prepare statistical reports, data projections and graduation reports to assist with the APR submission.
Serve as the advisor to the Student-Athlete Advisory Council, and serve on various University committees as requested.
Develop and administer academic achievement recognition programs.
Oversee the community service hour tracking for all teams and help lead community service initiatives for student-athletes throughout the year.
Perform related departmental duties, as required.
Qualifications:
Knowledge of academic guidance, counseling and motivational concepts and techniques, typically acquired through the completion of a Master's Degree in guidance and counseling or related field, is required.
Four years of progressively responsible and comprehensive experience advising collegiate student-athletes, preferably at the Division I level, is required.
Excellent communication, organization and management skills are necessary.
Ability to establish rapport with persons from diverse backgrounds is necessary.
Knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations, especially with regards to the NCAA Academic Performance Program (APP) and academic eligibility, is preferred.
Experience hiring, training, supervising, evaluating and developing staff, is preferred.
