Director of Eligibility & Certification

University of Arkansas System • Fayetteville, NC

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas is a land grant institution, classified by the Carnegie Foundation among the nation’s top 2 percent of universities with the highest level of research activity. The University of Arkansas works to advance the state and build a better world through education, research, and outreach by providing transformational opportunities and skills, fostering a welcoming climate, and nurturing creativity, discovery, and the spread of new ideas and innovations.
The University of Arkansas campus is located in Fayetteville, a welcoming community ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. The growing region surrounding Fayetteville is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and one of the nation’s strongest economies. Northwest Arkansas is also quickly gaining a national reputation for its focus on the arts and overall quality of life.
As an employer, the University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary.
Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions, you should review before applying for the opening.
If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process, please submit a request via the Disability Accommodations | OEOC | University of Arkansas (uark.edu) : Request an Accommodation. Appli­cants are required to submit a request for each position of which they have applied.
For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 479.575.5351.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
• At least two (2) years of NCAA Division I experience in athletics compliance, eligibility certification, student-athlete academic services, or a related field
• Experience interpreting and applying NCAA eligibility, transfer, and progress-toward-degree legislation
• Demonstrated analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Comprehensive knowledge of NCAA, SEC, and University academic eligibility legislation, policies, and procedures
• Knowledge of NCAA initial eligibility, transfer eligibility, continuing eligibility, and progress-toward-degree requirements
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple deadlines
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across multiple departments
• Ability to interpret complex legislation, academic transcripts, degree audits, and institutional policies
• Ability to maintain confidential information while exercising sound judgment and discretion
• Proficiency with NCAA compliance platforms, student information systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and database management systems
• Commitment to integrity, institutional control, compliance, and student-athlete academic success
• Proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree from an accredited institution
• At least three (3) or more years of NCAA Division I experience administering eligibility certification
• Experience serving as a campus certifying official or primary eligibility administrator
• Experience with Teamworks Compliance + Recruiting, Compliance Assistant, NCAA Academic Portal, NCAA Eligibility Center, Transfer Portal, LSDBi, RSRO, Workday, and other NCAA and institutional student information systems
• Experience preparing NCAA Academic Progress Rate (APR), Graduation Success Rate (GSR), Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act (EADA), IPEDS, revenue distribution, sports sponsorship, participation, and other NCAA or conference reports

Responsibilities

• Serves as the University of Arkansas Athletics Department's primary authority and final campus certifying official for student-athlete academic eligibility.
• Provides strategic leadership and oversight of all NCAA, Southeastern Conference (SEC), and University eligibility certification processes, ensuring institutional compliance while supporting student-athlete academic success.
• Administers initial, transfer, and continuing eligibility certification.
• Monitors progress-toward-degree requirements.
• Prepares NCAA, SEC, institutional, and state reports.
• Interprets NCAA and SEC legislation.
• Collaborates with Student-Athlete Academic Services, the Office of the Registrar, Admissions, Financial Aid, academic colleges, coaches, faculty, and external governing bodies.
• Ensures the integrity of all eligibility certification processes through accurate monitoring, documentation, reporting, and legislative interpretation.
• Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty.
• Ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.

Benefits

• University contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance
• Tuition waivers for employees and their families
• 12 official holidays
• Immediate leave accrual
• Choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary

What This Job Offers

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