Assistant or Associate Athletic Director of Academics

University of Maryland Eastern Shore • William P. Hytche Athletic Center, MD

5d • $65,000 - $91,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Athletics invites applicants to apply for a full-time, exempt, position with benefits. Reporting to the Deputy Director of Athletics (or Vice President of Athletics & Recreation), the Assistant/Associate Athletic Director of Academics provides leadership for all academic support services for student-athletes. The position is responsible for promoting academic success, monitoring NCAA eligibility, supervising academic support staff, coordinating tutoring and learning assistance programs, developing student success initiatives, and ensuring compliance with institutional, conference, NCAA, and federal regulations. This position serves as the primary liaison between Athletics and campus academic partners while fostering an environment focused on academic achievement, retention, graduation, leadership development, and holistic student success.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Higher Education, Educational Leadership, Counseling, Student Affairs, Sport Management, or a related field.
• Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in academic advising, academic support services, student-athlete development, or collegiate athletics administration.
• Demonstrated knowledge of NCAA academic eligibility legislation, Academic Progress Rate (APR), and Graduation Success Rate (GSR).
• Demonstrated knowledge of NCAA Division I academic eligibility, progress toward degree, and continuing eligibility requirements.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, planning, and project management skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish collaborative relationships with coaches, faculty, academic advisors, and university administrators.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to maintain confidential student records in accordance with FERPA regulations.
• Experience supervising professional staff, graduate assistants, tutors, and student workers.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Degree Audit systems, Teamwork, ARMS, or comparable student information systems.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced collegiate athletics environment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working within an NCAA Division I athletics program.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight of the Athletics Academic Services Office.
• Monitor academic progress, degree completion, and NCAA eligibility for all student-athletes.
• Develop and implement academic success strategies to improve retention, APR, GSR, and graduation rates.
• Supervise academic advisors, learning specialists, tutors, mentors, graduate assistants, and study hall operations.
• Coordinate tutoring, academic support, learning assistance, and academic enrichment programs.
• Meet regularly with student-athletes to establish individualized academic success plans.
• Serve as the primary liaison between Athletics and campus academic units including the Registrar, Academic Affairs, Student Success, Financial Aid, Admissions, and Faculty. Collaborate with coaches regarding student-athlete academic performance and eligibility.
• Coordinate orientation and transition programming for incoming student-athletes.
• Identify academically at-risk student-athletes and implement intervention strategies.
• Maintain accurate academic records and ensure compliance with NCAA, conference, university, FERPA, and federal regulations.
• Prepare NCAA eligibility certifications, APR reports, academic assessments, and departmental reports. Develop educational programming focused on time management, study skills, leadership, career readiness, and personal development.
• Participate in strategic planning and assessment initiatives to enhance academic support services.
• Serve on departmental and university committees as assigned.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Vice President of Athletics & Recreation and Deputy Athletic Director.

Benefits

• Health insurance, including multiple medical plan options for employees and dependents offered through the State of Maryland Employee Benefits Division.
• Prescription drug, dental, and flexible spending accounts, and vision coverage.
• Retirement plans: mandatory enrollment in a state pension system or an Optional Retirement Plan with Fidelity or TIAA, Supplemental Retirement Accounts (TIAA, Fidelity, or MSRP-Nationwide) with $600 annual state match, Life Insurance (state sponsored MetLife, USM sponsored MetLife Plan, life insurance and long-term disability insurance).
• Tuition remission benefits for eligible employees and, subject to USM policies, spouses and dependents at University System of Maryland institutions.
• Exempt positions start at 22 days annual per year, sick leave 15 days per year, personal leave 3 days per year), and paid holidays.
• Employee wellness and support resources and access to the State of Maryland wellness programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level