Manages and directs academic staff in academic advising services; oversees and coordinates collection of required academic documents that comply with NCAA degree requirements in order to prepare and review with Academic Eligibility Committee. 

Essential Functions and Responsibilities: Supervises employees; evaluates staffing needs; assigns and reviews work; establishes timeframes for the completion of tasks; trains and orients new employees; approves and/or disapproves requests for leaves; interviews candidates for employment and recommends for hire; evaluates work performance; receives and responds to grievances; provides assistance with the development of unit work procedures and policies; recommends and provides staff development opportunities.

Prepares and organizes the process of verifying academic eligibility that complies with NCAA regulations; coordinates review of degree requirements by an outside academic authority, via the Academic Eligibility Committee; ensures committee has necessary and appropriate academic documentation for review as needed; provides rules education to committee as NCAA legislation changes.

Reviews and prepares academic data for submission of NCAA reports such as APR and GSR. Provides projections on academic data to assist staff and coaches with roster management and decision making. Prepares institutional reports as directed.

Reviews data on academic background of student-athletes in order to identify potential levels of academic achievement and recommend proposed majors; recommends and counsels student-athletes on academic options, considering the athlete’s strengths and weaknesses, educational needs, time management skills, sport schedules, and NCAA conference regulations. Creates and maintains academic support programs for incoming and current student-athletes to ensure academic success.

Applies NCAA Division I academic rules to student-athlete’s academic plan towards a degree; works cooperatively with campus constituents who review NCAA academic eligibility and provides necessary support documentation. Serves as primary contact for other athletic advisors when eligibility issues arise or problem-solving is needed to find a solution. 

Participates in prospect campus visits; prepares unofficial evaluations of prospective student-athlete records, including transfers; works cooperatively with academic departments and the International Programs Office in obtaining course equates for domestic and international students.

Assists coaches in providing regular updates as to academic standings for student-athletes, as well as likelihood of prospects meeting NCAA Initial Eligibility. Responsible for preparing weekly/bi-weekly grade reports for coaches and ensuring the other athletic advisors are doing the same for their sports.  Establishes and refines processes to track the academic progress and academic status of student-athletes during each academic term. Manages academic support plan creation for students who are at-risk or struggling academically. 

Manages operations such as, but not limited to, coordinating study table and tutoring sessions, monitoring of the area, and ensuring that coaches have regular updates on study hours completed.

Recommends and assists student-athletes in applying for academic scholarships and awards including those offered by the NCAA, conference, and other related agencies. 

Serves as liaison with student support services, referring student-athletes to other offices when appropriate; also serves as primary liaison with University academic advisors and faculty.  Cultivates and builds relationships with university departments and support areas. 

Coordinates and manages designated athletic banquets; secures facility; coordinates mailing list and monitors reservations; secures caterer and any other ancillary expectations; organizes seating arrangements; documents expenses and payments.

Other Functions and Responsibilities: Actively participates in public relations appearances and community services activities on behalf of the department.

Complies with all NCAA, conference, and institutional regulations, policies, and procedures

Participates on various University, conference, and national committees, and other special assignments.

Assists with training new hires.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Equipment Operated: Computer and all other standard office equipment.

Work Schedule: Typically, Monday through Friday.  Weekends and/or evenings as needed.

Supervision Exercised: Supervision is exercised over staff.

Reports to: Senior Associate Athletics Director

Required Certifications, Training, and/or Licensures: None

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

Knowledge of: Microsoft Office products; University systems to include Banner, Concur travel management, and the eCube purchasing system*.

Skill in: excellent written and oral communication skills; troubleshooting personal computers, laptops, multi-functional printers, and HP printers*. 

Ability to: deal with problems involving several variables within familiar context; define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; determine material and equipment needs; calculate fractions, decimals, and percentages; compile and prepare reports; use proper research methods to gather data; understand a variety of written and/or verbal communications; prepare accurate documentation; maintain records according to established procedures; travel to and gain access to work site; effectively interact with personnel and public to answer routine questions; train or instruct others; move quickly and effectively from one tasks to another; work independently and in a team environment; develop and maintain effective working relationships.

(*) Developed after employment.

Minimum Qualifications: At least a bachelor’s degree and at least two years of experience working as an academic advisor specifically for collegiate student-athletes.