Director of Student-Athlete Leadership and Development

About the role

The Director of Student-Athlete Leadership and Development is responsible for designing and delivering a comprehensive leadership development framework that supports student-athletes' personal growth, self-discovery, and integration of institutional learning outcomes. This role also provides professional development for coaches and athletics staff.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and assess a comprehensive student-athlete leadership development curriculum focused on personal growth, self-discovery, and integration of the university’s learning outcomes.
• Develop and facilitate department-wide leadership education programs and events, such as workshops, speaker series, retreats, and small-group learning opportunities, which provide deeper skill development and personal growth.
• Partner and support coaches to integrate leadership development into team cultures and competitive environments, serving as a resource and thought partner for coaches seeking to strengthen leadership development within their teams.
• Facilitate professional development sessions and retreats for coaches and athletics staff focusing on relevant topics to their professional development, such as transformational leadership, communication, inclusive team cultures, conflict management, and athlete-centered coaching.
• Lead department-wide initiatives and programming that enhance the student-athlete experience, cultivate a sense of belonging and community, and deepen overall engagement of student-athletes.
• Assist with the coordination of department community service initiatives and opportunities for student-athlete service-learning and civic engagement aligned with institutional and athletic department priorities.
• Collaborate with campus partners to support student-athlete retention, persistence, and graduation outcomes through coordinated efforts, proactive outreach and interventions, and furthering institutional initiatives.
• Develop and deliver programming focused on first-year transition, supporting student-athletes’ adjustment to college academics, athletics, and campus life while fostering early connection, engagement, and persistence.
• Aid graduate-ready student-athletes with career-readiness and leadership skill translation to internships, employment, and postgraduate opportunities.
• Coordinate workshops and learning opportunities with campus partners focused on financial literacy, career exploration, and post-graduation planning, ensuring student-athletes are equipped with practical life and workforce skills.
• Promote the philosophy and objectives of the athletic program; adhere to and enforce all departmental policies and procedures, as well as rules and regulations of the University, the governing sport conference, and the NCAA.
• Participate in public relations activities to include speaking engagements, television and radio interviews and press conferences, as approved or requested.
• Represent Athletic Department at professional, civic, charitable and alumni events.
• Provide additional departmental support to duties assigned by the Director of Athletics.

  Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • Two years of professional experience in collegiate athletics, student-athlete development, leadership education, or a closely related area
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Master’s degree from an accredited institution (desirable)
  • Five years of professional experience in collegiate athletics, student-athlete development, leadership education, or a closely related area (desirable)
  • Demonstrated experience working with collegiate coaches and athletics staff (desirable)
  • Experience designing, implementing, and assessing leadership development programs for diverse student populations (desirable)

  Qualifications

  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community
  • Proficiency in computer use and relevant applications
  • Ability to provide leadership and instruction in the personal and athletic development of staff and student-athletes
  • Ability to resolve problems and answer questions
  • Ability to organize workflow and coordinate activities
  • Ability to demonstrate effective communication skills both orally and written
  • Knowledge of NCAA Division III rules and regulations
  • Independent, legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization without the support or help of UW-Superior throughout employment
  • Legal right to work in the United States as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act
  • Verification of identity and legal right to work in the United States as required by federal laws