: Associate Director of Academic Services (Athletics)

Department: Univ Athletics-Acad Svcs
Salary/Grade: EXS/5

Target hiring range for this position will be between $60,000- $70,000 per year.  Offered salary will be determined by the applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Job Summary:

The Associate Director of Academic Services ( Athletics), reporting to the Associate Athletic Director for Academic Services, plays a vital role in supporting the success of Northwestern’s varsity student-athletes. Serving a population of approximately 500 students across 21 sports, the Office of Athletic Academic Services provides comprehensive academic support and guidance while acting as a key liaison between the Department of Athletics and Recreation (NUDAR) and the University’s academic and administrative community. This role will serve as a trusted advisor, mentor, and advocate—helping student-athletes excel in the classroom, navigate the demands of Division I athletics, and fully engage in the Northwestern community. This role works closely with coaches, campus partners, and the students themselves to ensure they have the resources, guidance, and encouragement they need to thrive academically, personally, and athletically.

*Note: Not all aspects of the job are covered by this job description.

*Willingness and ability to work a non-traditional schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays as required.

Specific Responsibilities :

Department: Univ Athletics-Acad Svcs
Salary/Grade: EXS/5

Target hiring range for this position will be between $60,000- $70,000 per year.  Offered salary will be determined by the applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Job Summary:

The Associate Director of Academic Services ( Athletics), reporting to the Associate Athletic Director for Academic Services, plays a vital role in supporting the success of Northwestern’s varsity student-athletes. Serving a population of approximately 500 students across 21 sports, the Office of Athletic Academic Services provides comprehensive academic support and guidance while acting as a key liaison between the Department of Athletics and Recreation (NUDAR) and the University’s academic and administrative community. This role will serve as a trusted advisor, mentor, and advocate—helping student-athletes excel in the classroom, navigate the demands of Division I athletics, and fully engage in the Northwestern community. This role works closely with coaches, campus partners, and the students themselves to ensure they have the resources, guidance, and encouragement they need to thrive academically, personally, and athletically.

*Note: Not all aspects of the job are covered by this job description.

*Willingness and ability to work a non-traditional schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays as required.

Specific Responsibilities :

• Advise and mentor student-athletes in three varsity sports, including football, fostering both academic achievement and personal growth.
• Guide first-year students through the critical transition to college, monitoring progress closely and meeting regularly; support upper-class students with periodic check-ins to sustain long-term success.
• Ensure academic compliance with eligibility requirements by overseeing quarterly course registration, aligning schedules with NCAA, Big Ten, and University requirements.
• Keep stakeholders informed by sharing timely academic updates with coaches and team administrators.
• Assist in recruiting prospective student-athletes by presenting Northwestern’s academic philosophy and highlighting the comprehensive support services available.
• Connect students to resources by referring them to campus programs that address academic, personal, and career needs.
• Build bridges across campus to strengthen partnerships that enhance student-athlete welfare and community engagement.
• Demonstrate commitment and support by attending athletic events when possible.
• Contribute to department initiatives through special projects that advance the mission of Academic Services and NUDAR overall. 
• Responsible for adhering to all Department and University policies and procedures, as well as the rules, regulations, bylaws and interpretations of the Big Ten Conference, CSC and the NCAA.
• Responsible for adhering to all Department and University continuing education initiatives and required certifications and trainings.

Miscellaneous 

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in student services, ideally within intercollegiate athletics; increasing responsibilities within collegiate academic advising preferred. 

• Ability to work cooperatively with others and effectively interact and establish engaging relationships with a wide variety of constituents. 

• Ability to build and maintain trusting relationships specifically with student-athletes, coaches and campus partners. 

• Strong communication skills, including the ability to engage effectively one-on-one, in small groups and in public speaking settings.

• Demonstrated ability to write clear, well-organized emails and reports. 

• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. 

• Proven problem-solving abilities and sound judgement when handling sensitive or confidential matters. 

• Demonstrated adaptability and resilience in responding to changing needs and priorities. 

• High level of professionalism, discretion and integrity in all interactions. 

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and/or other productivity tools. 

• Knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations required. 

• Ability and willingness to work evenings and weekends as required.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Master’s degree in high education, counseling, sports administration or a related field. 
• Knowledge of rules and regulations of the CSC, Big Ten Conference and Northwestern University preferred.
• Familiarity with student information systems, academic progress tracking tools and learning management systems.

_ Benefits:  _

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental  leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benef... to learn more. 

_ Work-Life and Wellness: _
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/b...to learn more.

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