Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance and Legal Affairs

Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance and Legal Affairs

Company: Fairmont State University

Job Location: Fairmont

Category: Athletics - Athletic Administration

Type: Full-Time

Type of Position: Staff - Full Time

Department: Athletics

Appointment Length: July - June (12 mo)

Benefits Eligible?: Yes

Requested Part-Time Staff Hours: NA

F.T.E.: 1.00

Grant Funded Position?: No

Description of Job Duties and Responsibilities

The Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance & Legal Affairs is a professional/administrative hybrid role responsible for the development, implementation, and oversight of a comprehensive NCAA compliance program for Fairmont State University's intercollegiate athletics program. This position ensures adherence to all applicable National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II, Mountain East Conference (MEC), and institutional rules and regulations.

The position also provides legal support on athletics-related matters in coordination with the Office of General Counsel. This role reports directly to the Director of Athletics and maintains a dotted-line (functional) reporting relationship with the Office of General Counsel. May supervise graduate assistants, interns, or student workers as assigned.

Key Responsibilities:

Athletics Compliance:

• Develop, implement, and oversee a comprehensive NCAA compliance program, including rules education, monitoring, and enforcement.
• Interpret NCAA, MEC, and institutional rules and provide guidance to coaches, staff, and student-athletes.
• Design and deliver ongoing rules education programs for coaches, staff, student-athletes, boosters, and other stakeholders.
• Monitor recruiting, eligibility, financial aid, and playing/practice seasons to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
• Oversee the certification of student-athlete eligibility in collaboration with the Registrar, Financial Aid, Admissions, and Faculty Athletics Representative.
• Investigate potential NCAA rules violations; prepare and submit required reports to the NCAA and conference office in coordination with the Director of Athletics and General Counsel.
• Maintain accurate and complete compliance records and reporting systems (e.g., ARMS, Compliance Assistant, or similar platforms).
• Serve as liaison to the Faculty Athletics Representative and chair or coordinate the NCAA Compliance Committee.
• Conduct periodic audits and assessments of athletics compliance systems and procedures to ensure institutional control.
• Other duties as assigned.

Legal Affairs:

• Provide legal analysis and support on athletics-related matters in coordination with the Office of General Counsel.
• Assist in the review, drafting, and administration of athletics-related contracts, agreements, and policies, as appropriate.
• Advise Athletics staff on legal and regulatory issues impacting intercollegiate athletics, including NCAA rules, student-athlete matters, and risk management.
• Support the University's response to legal, regulatory, or compliance-related inquiries involving Athletics.
• Coordinate with the Office of General Counsel on matters involving litigation, claims, or formal investigations related to Athletics.
• Ensure Athletics policies and practices align with applicable federal and state laws, including but not limited to Title IX, FERPA, and NIL-related guidance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Required Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school.

Required Licenses and/or Certifications

Active license to practice law in the State of West Virginia, or eligibility to obtain licensure within a specified timeframe.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Familiarity with NCAA compliance processes, primarily at the NCAA Division II level. Experience with football desired.
• Some experience and knowledge of NCAA compliance software systems.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience working in NCAA athletics compliance or intercollegiate athletics administration.
• Familiarity with Mountain East Conference rules and procedures.
• Experience conducting investigations and preparing NCAA violation reports.
• Knowledge of legal issues impacting higher education and athletics, including Title IX, NIL, and student-athlete eligibility.
• Previous experience working with or within a university Office of General Counsel.

Requisition Number: 2026078SP

Number of Vacancies: 1

Anticipated Hire Date: ASAP

Job Close Date: 05/17/2026

Open Until Filled: No

Quicklink for Posting: https://www.fairmontstatejobs.com/postings/10617

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