Student-Athlete Support Specialist

About the role

This position serves as a key member of the Virginia Peninsula Community College (VPCC) Athletics Department. The Student-Athlete Support Specialist provides holistic support to student-athletes by fostering academic success, personal development, and overall well-being.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized academic coaching, mentoring, and success planning for all student athletes.
• Monitor academic progress, class attendance, and eligibility in compliance with NJCAA/Region 10 standards.
• Aid student-athletes with course selection, registration, and academic goal setting.
• Serve as a primary resource for personal, social, and career development.
• Facilitate workshops, study halls, and success initiatives (time management, study skills, resilience).
• Develop and implement programming aligned with VPCC’s Enrollment Management and Student Success Initiatives.
• Support Athletics-related academic interventions including study hall tracking, progress report collection, and eligibility appeals.
• Partner with faculty, advisors, and support services to ensure wrap-around support.
• Work closely with coaches to identify at-risk student-athletes and implement intervention strategies.
• Serve as a liaison between Athletics and Academic Affairs to enhance the student-athlete experience.
• Collaborate with Athletics administration on strategic initiatives to improve athlete retention, wellness, and transfer pathways.
• Aid in coordinating student-athlete onboarding, orientation, and life-skills programming.
• Maintain accurate records of student-athlete academic progress and participation.
• Track eligibility, retention, and graduation data for departmental assessment and reporting.
• Support the Director of Athletics in upholding NJCAA, Region 10, and institutional policies.
• Promote the Athletics Department’s core values of accountability, resilience, and teamwork.
• Encourage involvement in community service, leadership development, and campus engagement.
• Contribute to a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment for all student-athletes.

Qualifications

• Experience in advising and mentoring students with academic and career planning.
• Relevant work-related experience.
• Willingness to travel and work varied hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Valid Virginia driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 60 days of hire.
• Comprehensive knowledge of student success, coaching and retention strategies.
• Comprehensive knowledge of career development theories and practices.
• Comprehensive knowledge of college resources required for student success.
• General knowledge of academic programs of study.
• Working knowledge of NCAA/ NJCAA/collegiate athletic eligibility requirements and compliance.
• Understanding of FERPA and other student privacy regulations.
• Familiarity with retention strategies and federal student support initiatives such as SNAP E&T 50/50, TRIO, or Single Stop.

Skills

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse student population and foster an inclusive environment.
• Strong presenter, organizer, and planning skills.
• Skilled in the operation of standard office equipment, including computers, laptops, and related software applications.
• Attention to detail with a focus on thoroughness and quality.
• Strong problem-solving skills to address students’ issues and support their success.
• Data tracking and reporting skills to monitor student progress and outcomes.
• Prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Connect and maintain relationships with students.
• Effectively coordinate with various departments across campuses and in the community.
• Work independently or in a team environment.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data to track student progress and outcomes.
• Identify barriers to student success and implement proactive interventions.
• Handle confidential information judiciously.
• Use student information systems (e.g., Navigate, SIS) for academic tracking and reporting.
• Work at all campus locations.

Benefits

The position provides oversight, coordination, and management of student workers and volunteers for the Department of Athletics.

Pay

$49,000–$52,000

Schedule

M-F; 8:30 am to 5 pm; some evenings and weekends may be required