Athletics - Assistant Athletics Director, Student-Athlete Success and Development

To apply:

Only applications submitted through the official Careers at SHU site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit Careers at SHU to submit a formal application.

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a complete application and resume via our online application system. A cover letter or statement of interest is also preferred for all staff positions.

Sacred Heart University complies with all federal and state employment laws and regulations. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for this position.

Position Summary

The joining of academic experience with athletic performance is a guiding principle behind SHU’s participation in Division I athletics.  To accomplish this goal SHU offers its student-athletes a comprehensive system of services and resources, with a particular emphasis on embracing a holistic student-athlete experience.  SHU student-athlete support services (SASS) department is committed to embracing a modernization of services offered and committed to preparing student-athletes to succeed in the classroom, their chosen sport, and careers.  The services and resources will continue to evolve in ways that enhance the student-athlete experience and support the university’s vision for social justice, and educates students mind, body and spirit to prepare them personally and professionally to make a difference in the global community.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

By supporting the modernization of the NCAA and embracing the holistic student-athlete model, student-athlete support services (SASS) play a critical role in fostering this environment.  This opportunity emphasizes continuing to foster an atmosphere for academic success and career preparation but embraces all aspects of the holistic model for all student-athletes.

 Academic Success:   

• Strategically enhance student-athlete academic success services while ensuring compliance with NCAA, MAAC, and Sacred Heart University policies.
• Conduct ongoing evaluations and assessments of academic services offered within SASS and adjust as needed.
• Provide guidance and oversight of student-athlete academic services designed to complement those offered with campus programs, particularly in the areas of academic preparedness and learning styles.
• Collaborate with Office of Student Advising & Success to provide learning strategies for student-athletes by offering proactive, early and sustained and individualized support to enhance academic success by developing inclusive learning environments to support independent learners. 
• Work collaboratively with the compliance department to monitor and communicate with student-athletes, coaches, and relevant internal administrative areas about student-athletes’ academic record in relation to matriculation, graduation, and NCAA eligibility.
• Assist with eligibility certification of student-athletes, under the supervision of the compliance office.   
• Meet with prospective student-athletes during the academic portion of the recruitment process to disseminate information regarding university/athletics resources, class registration process, mental health counselor and other relevant topics that are unique to the SHU experience.
• Co-manage changes in class registration, including below fulltime status, account holds, etc.
• Prepare and report on semester and annual grade reports of team GPA’s and general student-athlete academic progress and standings.
• Maintain positive working relationships with faculty, coaches and administrators, and provide leadership in advocating for student-athletes
• Participate in the updating of academic success procedures manuals, handbooks and other collateral.

Student-Athlete Development:

• Develop a strong collaborative network of resources on campus and in the community to enhance the development of student-athletes’ professional success.
• Coordinate educational workshops with The Center for Career and Professional Development in providing programming for student-athletes.
• Collaborate with university community to further develop/expand mentoring opportunities for student-athletes, to include support for student-athletes from underrepresented populations.
• Coordinate and implement student-athlete leadership and life skills programming. 

 Administration

• Act as part of administrative team by overseeing the department for all aspects of student-athlete development and working collaboratively with established University-wide support services, faculty, staff and departments in an ongoing manner. 
• Participate in ongoing meeting during the academic year with Deputy AD/SWA, Faculty Athletic Representative (FAR), and President’s Athletic Advisory Committee (PAAC) to educate and evolve programs to meet student-athlete needs. 
• Co-manage SASS Coordinator, and provide supervision for other staff within the department, that include but not limited to, Graduate Assistants, Interns, and proctors.   
• Participate in the sport administration program as assigned/needed. 
• Exhibit fiduciary responsible to stay within annual budgetary limits and the accurate reconciliation of the NCAA distribution of Academic Enhancement Fund (AEF) for student-athlete success services. 
• Attend any NCAA and MAAC meetings for academic advisors, as required.
• Attend any weekly department of athletics administrative staff meeting, reporting on activities within SASS.
• Prepare the NCAA, MAAC, and department of athletics reports as needed. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, & Other Attributes

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred with prior/current experience working with collegiate student-athletes.
• Working knowledge of, and experience with, NCAA rules/regulations particularly as it pertains to student-athlete eligibility.  
• Demonstrated knowledge and ability in the areas of administration and supervision of personnel to work with college students.   
• Superior ability to engage families and prospective student-athletes.
• Experience in strategic planning and execution in higher education settings.
• Ability to facilitate and constructively participate in group meetings.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.  Strong listening skills.
• Must be able to work cooperatively with the Department’s administrative, coaching and support staff as well as various entities and constituents on and off-campus.
• Able to adhere to confidentiality rules.

Unusual Working Conditions

Must be willing to work evenings and weekends. Hours are driven by student needs and other duties as assigned by the Deputy Director of Athletics.