Director, Athletic Academic Services

University of Denver•Quinte West, ON

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Student-Athlete Academic Services (SAAS) is committed to empowering student-athletes to take charge of their education and life by providing the tools and resources necessary to thrive at the University of Denver. We encourage student-athletes to capitalize upon collegiate and athletic experiences as they become holistic persons. SAAS reports to the Provost as a part of the Office of Student Success within Academic Affairs, and maintains strong and integral connections with the Department of Athletics to collaboratively support student-athletes. Housed within Academic Affairs, the Office of Student Success promotes academic excellence, engagement, and student thriving by empowering students to make the most of their experience at the University of Denver. Academic Affairs collaborates with the schools, divisions, academic departments, the faculty, and student life to develop programs, curricula, and experiences that support, inspire, and challenge students. Our Student Success work is defined by our mission to advance a university-wide culture of holistic student thriving. As an educational and research community, DU values curiosity, intellectual freedom, and open communication. DU respects individual differences and embraces civil discourse. DU promotes caring and close individual attention. DU is a community distinguished by inclusiveness, collaboration, responsiveness, and accountability. As such, we are committed to enhancing the diversity of our faculty and staff. The University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. The Director of Student-Athlete Academic Services oversees the strategy, operations, and functions of Student-Athlete Academic Services including academic support for student-athletes, academic advising, and related programs that connect academics, career preparation, and leadership development. Reporting to the Assistant Vice Provost for Student Success and partnering closely with colleagues in Athletics and other key areas of the University, the Director provides leadership in support the student-athlete experience, gives voice to student-athletes in support of their academic success, and oversees academic support and programming. In collaboration with the AVPSS, the Director develops, interprets, and implements policies related to academic matters as guided by university, conference, and NCAA mandates, eligibility, and requirements. The Director oversees both daily and strategic operations of SAAS, driving assessment of SAAS effectiveness as well as recommending strategic direction for the success of student-athletes and continual improvement of academic support services. The director supervises the work of the Assistant Director and Senior Athletic Academic Advisor.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree
Five years of experience in higher education, student support, or a related field
At least two years of experience in intercollegiate athletics advising
Management experience

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree
Experience working with student-athletes in an NCAA Division 1 institution
Five years’ experience working in a position closely related to supporting collegiate student-athletes and/or sport administration
Experience working with faculty
Experience working with collegiate coaches
Experience assessing programs and initiatives
Knowledge of intercollegiate athletics and NCAA Division I Eligibility rules
Engagement in N4A organization or a similar professional organization

Responsibilities

Lead and manage Student-Athlete Academic Services
Develop and oversee strategic direction for Student-Athlete Academic Services.
Direct the planning, coordination and implementation of advising for student-athletes.
Oversee ongoing quarterly processes to support continual academic progress for student-athletes.
Work closely with central Office of Academic Advising to develop and ensure shared strategies and best practices in advising students.
Oversee SAAS processes, including coordination of travel letters, student athlete athletic and academic schedules, historical GPA information, orientation, exam proctoring coordination, website maintenance, quarterly grade compilation and distribution.
Develop standard operating procedures for SAAS operations.
Manage SAAS budget.
Develop and implement SAAS assessment processes.
Proactively identify opportunities for improvement.
Analyze data and oversee program success measurements.
Supervise Assistant Director and Senior Athletic Academic Advisor and provide ongoing training, support , and mentorship.
Determine athletic team assignments for SAAS staff.
Support professional development of SAAS staff.
Supervise the compilation, analysis and publication of academic data and reports as required by the NCAA, conference, and university.
Understand the unique needs and experiences of student-athletes in order to advocate for and support their academic success.
Serve as for a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC).
Represent SAAS on Athletics Department committees and meetings such as the summer financial aid distribution committee, senior athletic leadership meetings, eligibility meetings, student athlete handbook updates, annual student-athlete survey development, and academic nominations.
Represent SAAS on other university committees and meetings such as advising groups, orientation planning, Student Rights and Responsibilities Board, Internationalization meetings.
Convene meetings as needed.
Act as the SAAS liaison with university administration, the Faculty Athletics Representative, and the broader faculty on academic matters related to student-athletes.
Maintain awareness of all University, NCAA and conference academic policies and ensure they are followed.
Understand and adhere to professional standards and ethical behavior with regard to NCAA, Conference, University, and the Department of Athletics Code of Ethics and rules and regulations.
Develop and recommend strategy and direction for SAAS programs, including study hall, tutoring, and other programming to enhance student-athlete academic success.
Oversee tutoring program.
Recruit, hire, train, and assign tutors for student-athletes.
Supervise tutors and manage payroll.
Provide direct support to caseload of specific athletic teams.
Provide academic counseling (including advising and registration support) to undergraduate and graduate student-athletes regarding general academic issues, degree planning, and university academic and NCAA eligibility requirements.
Maintain knowledge of NCAA academic eligibility requirements and communicate these with student-athletes to continue progress toward graduation, while maintaining accurate and complete academic records.
Participate in recruiting activities as needed, as well as assisting with orientation, retention, and graduation of student-athletes.
Order and receive books every quarter for student athletes who have a book scholarship for assigned team.
Liaise with team coaches regarding academic progress of student-athletes.
Provide referrals for students to campus partners as needed.
Interpret and communicate academic policies and procedures to coaches, students, and staff.
When necessary, proctor exams for student athletes when traveling to away competitions.
Other duties as assigned