The Director of Student-Athlete Support Services is responsible for oversight for comprehensive support services designed to promote the academic success, personal development, well-being, retention, and overall success of student-athletes. The Director serves as a key member of the athletics leadership team and works collaboratively with coaches, academic staff, campus partners, and other stakeholders to create an environment in which student-athletes can thrive academically, personally, and…
athletically. The Director of Student-Athlete Support Services is responsible to adhering to NCAA progress towards degree requirements as well as academic requirements outlined in bylaw 14 of the NCAA manual.
Key Responsibilities:
Provide individualized academic support to student-athletes, including academic planning, course selection, degree progress, and graduation planning.
Monitor student-athlete academic performance, attendance, academic standing, and NCAA progress toward degree requirements.
Assist with monitoring eligibility and progress-toward-degree requirements in collaboration with the athletic department's compliance and academic services staff.
Assist with transfer credit evaluations for prospective student-athletes
Develop individualized academic success plans for student-athletes who are academically at risk or experiencing academic challenges.
Conduct regular one-on-one meetings with student-athletes to assess academic progress, identify barriers, establish goals, and provide appropriate resources.
Collaborate with coaches and athletic department staff regarding student-athlete academic progress while maintaining appropriate confidentiality.
Coordinate academic support services, including tutoring, study hall, learning strategies, time management, organization, and test preparation with the Division of Student Success
Track and maintain accurate records related to academic advising, student-athlete progress, degree completion, and academic support interventions.
Communicate with campus academic units, faculty, advisors, learning specialists, and other university resources to advocate for student-athlete success.
Assist student-athletes with course registration, schedule planning, major exploration, academic transitions, and preparation for graduation.
Participate in departmental meetings, professional development, student-athlete programming, and special projects.
Maintain current knowledge of NCAA, Big South Conference, and Gardner-Webb University academic policies and procedures.
Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and student-centered culture within the athletic department.
Perform other duties as assigned. Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s Degree
1-3 years’ experience in a related field is strongly preferred.
Excellent computer proficiency (MS Office – Word, Excel and Outlook).
Excellent written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Demonstrated commitment to student-athlete development and academic success.
Experience with NCAA Academic requirements
Preferred Qualifications
Previous experience working in a Division I collegiate athletic department or athletic academic support environment.
Familiarity with NCAA eligibility and progress-toward-degree requirements.
Experience working with academic advising or student-athlete management systems.
Experience supporting students from diverse backgrounds and/or students who are academically at risk.
Experience developing academic success programming, workshops, or student development initiatives.
Interested candidates, please email resume, cover letter & references to Sr Associate AD / SWA, Clare Alaimo at calaimo@gardner-webb.edu