Director of Student-Athlete Well Being

Benefits of Working at UNCW:
At the University of North Carolina Wilmington, we are driven by a clear purpose: to empower student success, advance innovation, and strengthen the communities we serve. Guided by our strategic vision and commitment to excellence, UNCW offers a dynamic and collaborative environment where employees can make meaningful contributions while growing their careers. Located in coastal North Carolina, UNCW combines the energy of a thriving academic community with the natural beauty of nearby beaches and outdoor spaces. Here, professional opportunity is balanced with an exceptional quality of life—creating a workplace where you can thrive both personally and professionally. As a member of the Seahawk community, you'll benefit from a culture that values well-being, lifelong learning, and connection. UNCW offers a competitive and flexible benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and professional growth. From comprehensive health coverage and retirement options to generous paid leave, tuition opportunities within the UNC System, learning and development opportunities, and wellness programs, UNCW is committed to helping you thrive both at work and in your personal life.

Recruitment Range: $82,000 - $90,500
Vacancy Number: E1582
Competency Level:
Location of Workplace: Main UNCW Campus
Home Department: Counseling Center - 40240
Division: Student Affairs - 40 Division

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit:
Over the last year, the University of North Carolina Wilmington has made significant investment in the wellbeing of students, which has included funding new full time permanent positions in the Counseling Center and expanding the current practicum and post doctoral training programs. This is consistent with the new strategic plan for the university and the UNCW Chancellor's dedication to improving mental health resources available on campus.

It is anticipated that these changes and investment in mental health will result in an increasingly multidisciplinary staff that includes a Case Manager, Embedded Clinician in Athletics, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors, Licensed Social Workers, and Licensed Psychologists.

The existing training program at UNCW's Counseling Center, currently composed of two practicum level trainees, is also expected to expand, eventually including multiple practicum trainees from Social Work and the doctoral Psychology program at UNCW. The current Post Doctoral Fellowship training program, which also received significant financial investment in 2024, recently completed the process to become an APICC member program. The training program has also received funding to secure three doctoral internships beginning in August 2025, and it will pursue full APA accreditation. We encourage clinicians who are on the path to licensure to consider this exciting opportunity embedded within Athletics.

College:

College/School Information:


University Information:
The University of North Carolina Wilmington, the state's coastal university, is dedicated to the integration of teaching, mentoring, research and service. Widely acknowledged for its world-class faculty and staff and continuously recognized at a national level for scholarly excellence and affordability, UNCW offers a powerful academic experience that stimulates creative inquiry and critical thinking.

A public institution with nearly 18,000 students, UNCW offers a full range of baccalaureate- and graduate-level programs, as well as doctoral degrees in educational leadership, marine biology, nursing practice and psychology; and many distance learning options, including clinical research, an accelerated RN-to-BSN program, an Executive M.B.A. program structured for working professionals, and the nation's only bachelor's degree program focused on coastal engineering.

The university's efforts to advance research and scholarly activities have earned UNCW the elevated designation of "Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity" institution (R2 University) by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

UNCW has been part of the University of North Carolina System since 1969.

Location of Workplace: Main UNCW Campus

Brief Summary of Work for this Position:
The Director of Student‑Athlete Well‑Being serves within the UNCW Counseling Center and is embedded in the Athletics Department, with a dotted‑line reporting relationship to the Deputy Director of Athletics. As a member of both the Counseling Center and Athletics teams, this role supports the holistic development of UNCW student‑athletes by providing clinical services, education, resources, and programming that foster essential life skills and long‑term success.
The Director builds strong relationships with student‑athletes, coaches, campus and community partners, and Athletics staff; assesses and identifies challenges impacting student‑athlete mental health; supports their transition to college and the UNCW environment; and makes referrals to appropriate on‑ and off‑campus resources. The position is responsible for upholding all confidentiality, ethical, and legal standards-including HIPAA, state licensure laws, university policies, and NCAA reporting standards-while adhering to the philosophies and regulations of the Counseling Center, UNCW Athletics, and the NCAA/CAA. Ultimately, the Director plays a key role in shaping the evolving landscape of mental health and well‑being for UNCW student‑athletes.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

• Master's degree in psychology, social work, or counseling
• Eligibility for licensure (or current licensure) as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Clinical Social Worker or Psychologist and Health Services Provider in Psychology in the state of North Carolina within the first year of employment

Director of Student-Athlete Well Being

Benefits of Working at UNCW:
At the University of North Carolina Wilmington, we are driven by a clear purpose: to empower student success, advance innovation, and strengthen the communities we serve. Guided by our strategic vision and commitment to excellence, UNCW offers a dynamic and collaborative environment where employees can make meaningful contributions while growing their careers. Located in coastal North Carolina, UNCW combines the energy of a thriving academic community with the natural beauty of nearby beaches and outdoor spaces. Here, professional opportunity is balanced with an exceptional quality of life—creating a workplace where you can thrive both personally and professionally. As a member of the Seahawk community, you'll benefit from a culture that values well-being, lifelong learning, and connection. UNCW offers a competitive and flexible benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and professional growth. From comprehensive health coverage and retirement options to generous paid leave, tuition opportunities within the UNC System, learning and development opportunities, and wellness programs, UNCW is committed to helping you thrive both at work and in your personal life.

Recruitment Range: $82,000 - $90,500
Vacancy Number: E1582
Competency Level:
Location of Workplace: Main UNCW Campus
Home Department: Counseling Center - 40240
Division: Student Affairs - 40 Division

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit:
Over the last year, the University of North Carolina Wilmington has made significant investment in the wellbeing of students, which has included funding new full time permanent positions in the Counseling Center and expanding the current practicum and post doctoral training programs. This is consistent with the new strategic plan for the university and the UNCW Chancellor's dedication to improving mental health resources available on campus.

It is anticipated that these changes and investment in mental health will result in an increasingly multidisciplinary staff that includes a Case Manager, Embedded Clinician in Athletics, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors, Licensed Social Workers, and Licensed Psychologists.

The existing training program at UNCW's Counseling Center, currently composed of two practicum level trainees, is also expected to expand, eventually including multiple practicum trainees from Social Work and the doctoral Psychology program at UNCW. The current Post Doctoral Fellowship training program, which also received significant financial investment in 2024, recently completed the process to become an APICC member program. The training program has also received funding to secure three doctoral internships beginning in August 2025, and it will pursue full APA accreditation. We encourage clinicians who are on the path to licensure to consider this exciting opportunity embedded within Athletics.

College:

College/School Information:


University Information:
The University of North Carolina Wilmington, the state's coastal university, is dedicated to the integration of teaching, mentoring, research and service. Widely acknowledged for its world-class faculty and staff and continuously recognized at a national level for scholarly excellence and affordability, UNCW offers a powerful academic experience that stimulates creative inquiry and critical thinking.

A public institution with nearly 18,000 students, UNCW offers a full range of baccalaureate- and graduate-level programs, as well as doctoral degrees in educational leadership, marine biology, nursing practice and psychology; and many distance learning options, including clinical research, an accelerated RN-to-BSN program, an Executive M.B.A. program structured for working professionals, and the nation's only bachelor's degree program focused on coastal engineering.

The university's efforts to advance research and scholarly activities have earned UNCW the elevated designation of "Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity" institution (R2 University) by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

UNCW has been part of the University of North Carolina System since 1969.

Location of Workplace: Main UNCW Campus

Brief Summary of Work for this Position:
The Director of Student‑Athlete Well‑Being serves within the UNCW Counseling Center and is embedded in the Athletics Department, with a dotted‑line reporting relationship to the Deputy Director of Athletics. As a member of both the Counseling Center and Athletics teams, this role supports the holistic development of UNCW student‑athletes by providing clinical services, education, resources, and programming that foster essential life skills and long‑term success.
The Director builds strong relationships with student‑athletes, coaches, campus and community partners, and Athletics staff; assesses and identifies challenges impacting student‑athlete mental health; supports their transition to college and the UNCW environment; and makes referrals to appropriate on‑ and off‑campus resources. The position is responsible for upholding all confidentiality, ethical, and legal standards-including HIPAA, state licensure laws, university policies, and NCAA reporting standards-while adhering to the philosophies and regulations of the Counseling Center, UNCW Athletics, and the NCAA/CAA. Ultimately, the Director plays a key role in shaping the evolving landscape of mental health and well‑being for UNCW student‑athletes.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

• Master's degree in psychology, social work, or counseling
• Eligibility for licensure (or current licensure) as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Clinical Social Worker or Psychologist and Health Services Provider in Psychology in the state of North Carolina within the first year of employment