Assistant Athletic Director For Academics

About the role

The Assistant Athletic Director for Academic Services provides strategic leadership for academic support, student-athlete development, leadership programming, and student-athlete engagement initiatives. The position oversees academic success services and serves as the primary advisor to the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), fostering a culture of academic achievement, leadership, service, and personal growth consistent with the NCAA Division II philosophy of Life in the Balance.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee all academic support services for approximately 250 NCAA Division II student-athletes.
• Oversee Program for Academic Success (PASS), the student athlete study hall.
• Monitor academic progress, retention, eligibility, and graduation outcomes for all athletic programs.
• Develop individualized academic success plans for at-risk student-athletes.
• Collaborate with university advising units to coordinate academic advising support and referrals.
• Monitor class attendance, academic performance, and progress toward degree completion.
• Coordinate tutoring, academic mentoring, and learning support services.
• Facilitate student-athlete transitions from recruitment through graduation.
• Ensure compliance with NCAA Division II, GLVC, and institutional academic eligibility requirements.
• Collaborate with the Athletics Compliance Office to monitor continuing eligibility, progress toward degree, and satisfactory academic progress.
• Maintain accurate academic records and reporting documentation.
• Affiliate with NCAA Academic Success Rate (ASR) and other required reporting initiatives.
• Educate coaches and student-athletes regarding academic policies and eligibility standards.
• Develop and implement programming focused on academic achievement, leadership development, career readiness, and life skills.
• Coordinate recognition programs celebrating academic success, including Academic All-GLVC, CSC Academic All-District, NCAA honors, and departmental awards.
• Collaborate with Career Services to provide career exploration, internship, networking, and professional development opportunities.
• Support initiatives promoting student-athlete wellness, personal growth, and engagement.
• Coordinate departmental recognition of student-athlete leadership, service, and community impact.
• Serve as the primary athletics liaison to academic colleges, faculty, and university support services.
• Foster positive relationships with faculty members and academic departments.
• Coordinate faculty outreach and student-athlete support initiatives.
• Represent Athletics on university committees and student success initiatives as assigned.
• Collect and analyze academic performance data to evaluate program effectiveness.
• Prepare reports and presentations regarding student-athlete academic outcomes.
• Participate as a member of the Athletics Department leadership team.
• Student Development and Leadership
• Serve as the primary advisor to the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).
• Provide leadership, guidance, and administrative support to SAAC officers and representatives.
• Facilitate regular SAAC meetings and assist in developing agendas, initiatives, and strategic goals.
• Support student-athlete leadership development through SAAC programming and conference/NCAA leadership opportunities.
• Collaborate with SAAC to coordinate departmental recognition of student-athlete leadership, service, and community impact.
• Represent UMSL at the GLVC SAAC and NCAA Division II SAAC structure, ensuring UMSL student-athletes are represented at conference and national levels.
• Assist SAAC in identifying and addressing issues impacting the student-athlete experience.
• Coordinate departmental recognition of student-athlete leadership, service, and community impact.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in related/ relevant area or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 3 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.
• Three years of progressively responsible experience in academic advising, student success, athletics academic support, higher education, or a related field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of NCAA rules related to academic eligibility.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with all populations.
• Proficiency with student information systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• A Master's degree in Higher Education, Educational Leadership, Counseling, Student Affairs, or a related field.
• Experience working in NCAA Division II athletics or any level of NCAA.
• Experience with academic support programming for student-athletes.

Benefits

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses.