Student-Athlete Development Specialist I or II

Position Title:

Student-Athlete Development Specialist I or II

Job Group:

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience creating programming that supports the student-athlete transitions into and out of college (e.g., career coaching, life skills, civic responsibility, service learning).
Experience teaching or facilitating classes, workshops, or group sessions.
Experience using Canvas, Teamworks, and Canva for work projects.
Direct understanding of the student-athlete experience.

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Position Title:

Student-Athlete Development Specialist I or II

Job Group:

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience creating programming that supports the student-athlete transitions into and out of college (e.g., career coaching, life skills, civic responsibility, service learning).
Experience teaching or facilitating classes, workshops, or group sessions.
Experience using Canvas, Teamworks, and Canva for work projects.
Direct understanding of the student-athlete experience.

Job Description:

The Iowa State University Athletics Department is seeking qualified candidates for a Student‑Athlete Development Specialist I or II. This position plays a key role in delivering programming and services aligned with our Student‑Athlete Development pillars: Connection, Character Enhancement, Civic Engagement, and Career Readiness. Our mission is to engage, transform, and empower student‑athletes - helping them grow as leaders, emerging professionals, and community members while preparing for life beyond college athletics.

What you’ll do:

• Develop, deliver, and evaluate programming for student‑athletes in the areas of personal development, life skills, community service, and career exploration 
• Establish and maintain relationships with stakeholders, including but not limited to student-athletes, coaches, campus, athletic alumni, donors, and local and national communities
• Foster an environment that supports student‑athlete well‑being, personal growth, and academic success while contributing to a memorable Cyclone student‑athlete experience
• Co-lead the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC)
• Co-teach University Studies courses and assist in the planning, organizing, and facilitating workshops
• Stay current on best practices, trends, and research in student development, athletics, and higher education to strengthen program offerings
• Adhere to all departmental, university, conference, and NCAA rules and regulations

In addition to the duties above the Specialist II will provide oversight to student interns, help mentor the Associate, be assigned more challenging work, and serve as the lead on special projects.

The ideal candidate is an engaging presenter and facilitator, a strong collaborator, and an effective communicator. You should be organized, adaptable, and skilled at building relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. This role requires flexibility, including occasional evening and weekend commitments. A demonstrated commitment to multiculturalism and the ability to support a diverse student‑athlete population is essential.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position. 

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Specialist I -- Bachelor's Degree

Specialist II -- Bachelor's Degree and 2 years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications :

Experience creating programming that supports the student-athlete transitions into and out of college (e.g., career coaching, life skills, civic responsibility, service learning).

Experience working in NCAA Division I Athletics Student-Athlete Development.

Experience teaching or facilitating classes, workshops, or group sessions.

Experience using Canvas, Teamworks, and Canva for work projects.

Direct understanding of the student-athlete experience.

Specialist I Level Guidelines :  Best for early‑career professionals with limited full-time experience.

• Individual contributor position with developing professional and/or technical skills working under immediate to general supervision
• Grasps professional-level knowledge and concepts of field while working in a progressive learning mode
• Works on problems and issues of somewhat limited scope
• Follows standard practices and procedures in analyzing situations or data for which answers are available or can be obtained
• Responds to inquiries and issues, escalating to manager or higher level workers as appropriate
• May lead projects of limited scope and complexity
• May provide guidance to students

Specialist II Level Guidelines : Best for professionals with demonstrated full-time experience who can contribute more independently.

• Intermediate-level position with solid professional and/or technical skills working under general supervision to achieve goals
• Applies broad, working knowledge of the principles of the field to moderately complex, difficult, and varied problems and issues
• Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action and resolve problems
• Responds to a broad range of inquiries and requests
• May provide training and/or direction to lower-level staff
• May lead projects of moderate scope and complexity
• Provides guidance to students

About the Athletics Department

As an NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision athletics program and a founding member of the Big 12 Conference, Iowa State University sponsors 18 intercollegiate athletics teams and supports 450 student-athletes in their pursuit of academic and athletic excellence. ISU Athletics employs over 250 talented and dedicated full-time staff members, more than 500 temporary and student employees, and multiple auxiliary partners who collaboratively work within a culture to support and enhance the experiences of Cyclone student-athletes and their loyal fan base. Iowa State student-athletes have produced 10-consecutive years of record-setting Graduation Success Rate scores in the classroom, while athletically, the Cyclones have captured 19 national team championships, 140 national individual titles and 162 conference team championships in its rich history. www.cyclones.com

Click here to learn more about the mission of the Office of Student-Athlete Development.

Appointment Type:

Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

PS805

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

1) Resume
2) Cover Letter

3) Contact Information for 3 work references (strongly preferred)

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Why Choose ISU?

Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program

Original Posting Date:

March 24, 2026

Posting Close Date:

April 2, 2026

Job Requisition Number:

R18836

Apply Now

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