Director, Student-Athlete Management

Director, Student-Athlete Management

Division Intercollegiate Athletics

The Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA) invites applications for the Director, Student-Athlete Management will support Student-Athlete Managment. In addition, the Assistant Athletic Trainer will play a critical role in supporting the broader strategic priorities of the DIA, and ultimately this position will help foster a life-changing experience for student-athletes.

Since 1892, DIA has operated on the campus of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to support its intercollegiate athletic programs. Today, DIA supports 21 intercollegiate varsity sports which compete as a part of the Big Ten Conference and the National Collegiate Athletic Association. DIA provides the resources for over 500 student-athletes to participate at the highest levels of their respective sports. This extensive support ecosystem includes over 35 departments employing over 300 dedicated staff members including 80 plus varsity coaches working collaboratively to provide individualized championship-caliber opportunities to our student-athletes, in the classroom, in the competitive arena, and in personal and professional development, to enhance their growth and life preparation. The DIA mission is to Unify, Develop, Inspire, and Achieve, for the benefit of our student-athletes, our university, and our broader community.

DIA has set forth six strategic priorities to help guide and advance its overarching mission: Championship people, championship mindset; strategic innovation and investment; athletic success; financial sustainability; win championships; community engagement and enrichment. Together, these priorities present a cohesive vision for the direction of the department.

Organizational Relationship

This position will report to the Associate Director of Athletics, Student-Athlete Management and Administration

Job Summary

The Director of Student-Athlete Management plays a vital and hands-on role in the administration, coordination, and delivery of programs and services dedicated to supporting student-athletes as a result of the House Settlement. Working under the guidance and leadership of the Associate Athletics Director, this position is responsible for executing established strategies, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and institutional policy. The Director serves as a critical liaison for revenue sharing, scholarship allocations and roster management and other related student-athlete benefits for assigned sports and is and will collaborate among coaches, staff, and campus partners in the daily management and continuous improvement of student-athlete experiences.

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Director, Student-Athlete Management

Division Intercollegiate Athletics

The Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA) invites applications for the Director, Student-Athlete Management will support Student-Athlete Managment. In addition, the Assistant Athletic Trainer will play a critical role in supporting the broader strategic priorities of the DIA, and ultimately this position will help foster a life-changing experience for student-athletes.

Since 1892, DIA has operated on the campus of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to support its intercollegiate athletic programs. Today, DIA supports 21 intercollegiate varsity sports which compete as a part of the Big Ten Conference and the National Collegiate Athletic Association. DIA provides the resources for over 500 student-athletes to participate at the highest levels of their respective sports. This extensive support ecosystem includes over 35 departments employing over 300 dedicated staff members including 80 plus varsity coaches working collaboratively to provide individualized championship-caliber opportunities to our student-athletes, in the classroom, in the competitive arena, and in personal and professional development, to enhance their growth and life preparation. The DIA mission is to Unify, Develop, Inspire, and Achieve, for the benefit of our student-athletes, our university, and our broader community.

DIA has set forth six strategic priorities to help guide and advance its overarching mission: Championship people, championship mindset; strategic innovation and investment; athletic success; financial sustainability; win championships; community engagement and enrichment. Together, these priorities present a cohesive vision for the direction of the department.

Organizational Relationship

This position will report to the Associate Director of Athletics, Student-Athlete Management and Administration

Job Summary

The Director of Student-Athlete Management plays a vital and hands-on role in the administration, coordination, and delivery of programs and services dedicated to supporting student-athletes as a result of the House Settlement. Working under the guidance and leadership of the Associate Athletics Director, this position is responsible for executing established strategies, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and institutional policy. The Director serves as a critical liaison for revenue sharing, scholarship allocations and roster management and other related student-athlete benefits for assigned sports and is and will collaborate among coaches, staff, and campus partners in the daily management and continuous improvement of student-athlete experiences.

For a complete list of duties and responsibilities, Director, Student-Athlete Management

_ Impact in Your First Year _

Within 3 months, you will:

• The first three months focus on learning the organizational landscape, building relationships, understanding rules compliance and benefits systems, and establishing foundational processes for student-athlete management.

Within 6 months, you will:

• During this period, the Director transitions from initial onboarding to actively improving departmental operations. the focus is on streamlining processes, using data to inform decisions, leading educational initiatives for staff and student-athletes, and building stronger partnerships both within the university and with external stakeholders. The overarching goals are to achieve operational excellence, maintain strict compliance with regulations, and enhance the overall experience for student-athletes.

By the end of the first year, you will:

• In the second year, the Director’s role expands to making a broader strategic impact. This involves leveraging data for high-level decision-making, ensuring robust systems, continuously optimizing processes, deepening engagement with all stakeholders, and launching major projects that drive the department forward. The Director is expected to be a proactive leader, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and positioning the department for long-term success in the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree At least three years of experience in or adjacent to college or professional sports of the entertainment industry.

Preferred Qualifications

Law Degree or Master’s in Business Administration, Sport Administration or related field

Experience in contract work within collegiate or professional athletics, higher education, or the entertainment industry; four years of experience negotiating, evaluating, and managing contracts

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: • Strong analytical and counseling skills, judgment, and empathy; • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including strong contract-drafting and negotiation skills; • Knowledge of legal and regulatory developments at the federal and state level as it relates to major NCAA legal developments, student-athlete employment initiatives, name, image, and likeness, and other key matters; • Willingness to learn new areas of law in a higher education environment; • Demonstrated ability to navigate a large, complex organization, including excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills; • Public speaking skills essential for the promotion of the athletics program to the University community.
  • Championship Mindset and Expectations Understands and displays professionalism and integrity that builds and maintains trust between student-athletes and fellow DIA staff; Prioritizes and contributes to the life changing student-athlete experience; Adheres to University, DIA, Big Ten, and NCAA rules and regulations; Commitment to the Athletics Department and University’s mission and values; Flexible to various scheduling to include nights, weekend work and some holidays, team travel; and Maintain professional competency and skills required for professional practice.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 5/4/2026. The salary range for this position is $60,000 - $75,000 and the salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. 

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on February 6, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Krissy Doran at kdoran@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

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The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

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Requisition ID : 1034547
Job Category : Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu

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