Assistant Director, Olympic Sports Academics

Are you ready to join a community leading in innovative teaching and learning? Kennesaw State University is one of the 50 largest public institutions in the country. With our growing enrollment and global reach, we are enjoying increased prominence among Georgia's colleges. We offer more than 150 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to over 43,000 students. Our entrepreneurial spirit, high-impact research, and Division I athletics also draw students from throughout the region and from 92 countries across the globe. Our university's vibrant culture, career opportunities, mission and values and rich benefits make us an employer of choice. We are part of the University System of Georgia .  Kennesaw State will exemplify the power and promise of a student-centered, research-driven university. Our institutional values are student-inspired, promise-fulfilling, true to ourselves, elevational, open and impact-generating. In addition, we support the University System of Georgia core values of accountability, excellence, integrity and respect.  We are searching for talented people to join Kennesaw State University. Come to KSU and find your passion.   

Our Kennesaw campus is located at 1000 Chastain Road NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144. 

Works collaboratively with department leadership to provide comprehensive academic advising services to a cohort of student-athletes. Assists in managing, counseling, and monitoring student-athletes throughout their college careers while ensuring compliance with NCAA and conference regulations. Supports the implementation of programs and initiatives aimed at promoting academic success, personal development, and career readiness among assigned student-athletes. Supports academic operations and collaborates with academic staff to foster student-athlete's holistic development.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Manages a designated cohort of student-athletes, providing ongoing counseling and support throughout the college journey under the guidance of department leaders and/or managers
2. Participates in the recruitment of student-athletes and supports the admissions process
3. Supports the review of the eligibility status of all assigned student-athletes as part of the NCAA certification team
4. Conducts weekly meetings with academically at-risk student-athletes, offering strategies and support for academic success
5. Offers counseling services for students dealing with personal, social, academic, and/or educational concerns
6. Participates in the design and delivery of success skills workshops on topics such as time management, organization, and study skills
7. Assists in the integration of programs to help student-athletes pursue internships, job experiences, and life after sports
8. Serves as a liaison between student-athletes and campus faculty, facilitating communication and official team travel requirements
9. Provides regular updates on academic progress and supports advocacy efforts for student-athletes as needed
10. Assists in providing weekly reports on at-risk students, tutoring summaries, and other relevant academic information
11. Assists in communicating with student-athletes and coaches regarding NCAA requirements for athletic academic eligibility
12. Serves as the liaison for addressing inquiries and connects student-athletes with the appropriate resources for financial aid, housing, registrar, student conduct, disability services and other areas as needed
13. Supports students transitioning to summer school, facilitating the assimilation into the athletic experience
14. Assists in tracking and reporting student performance each semester, identifies academic support needs, and supports the assignment of tutors as necessary
15. Supports the prescription and monitoring of study hall hours for student-athletes
16. Assists in mentoring efforts for student staff and advising staff, provides guidance and support as directed by leadership
17. Collaborates in the development of multi-semester degree plans aligned with major curriculum guidelines and professional goals
18. Connects students with academic and non-academic services to promote success
19. Maintains accurate documentation of advising sessions and student progress
20. Supports efforts to monitor student retention, progression, and graduation within the assigned population, offering proactive outreach as directed
21. Supports the integration of the FlightPlan to help student-athletes pursue internships, job experiences, and life after sports
22. Collaborates with department leadership supervise academic advising staff supporting student-athletes

Educational Requirements
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education
Required Experience
Four (4) years of experience as an academic advisor or closely related profession

Additional Preferred Qualifications
Familiarity with NCAA rules and regulations concerning athletic academic eligibility (NCAA Bylaw 14)
Preferred Educational Qualifications
An advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education in a related field
Preferred Experience
Experience working in Athletic Academic Advising
Experience working with Football or Men's Basketball
Previous involvement with high-profile sports programs (i.e., Football and/or Basketball)

ABILITIES
Able to interact effectively with individuals seeking college process assistance
Willingness to engage in professional development opportunities offered by KSU and relevant organizations
Able to develop meaningful connections through formal student meetings
Able to handle multiple tasks or projects at one-time meeting assigned deadlines
KNOWLEDGE
In-depth understanding of NCAA bylaw 14 and ability to ensure student-athletes eligibility compliance
Knowledge of Division I sports culture, academic demands, and student-athlete challenges
Familiar with NCAA APR reporting policies and ability to anticipate APR implications
Skilled in applying NCAA regulations effectively to advising processes
Understanding of campus degree programs and graduation requirements
Experience working with student populations
SKILLS
Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem-solving, independent judgment, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management, and presentation skills
Proficient with computer applications and programs associated with the position (i.e., Microsoft Office suite)
Skilled in utilizing reports and analytics to incorporate best practices in advising activities
Strong attention to detail and follow-up skills
Strong customer service skills and phone and e-mail etiquette

Kennesaw State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for living, work and study. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and University policy, the University prohibits harassment of or discrimination against any person because of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment, pregnancy, and medical conditions related to pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity or national origin, religion, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran or military status by any member of the KSU Community on campus, in connection with a University program or activity, or in a manner that creates a hostile environment for members of the KSU community.
For additional information or to file a complaint under the provisions of this policy, students, employees, applicants for employment or admission or other third parties should contact the Office of Institutional Equity at English Building, Suite 225, [email protected].

This is not a supervisory position.
This position does not have any financial responsibilities.
This position will not be required to drive.
This role is considered a position of trust.
This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card).
This position may travel 1% - 24% of the time

• Standard Enhanced
• Education

Per the University System of Georgia background check policy, all final candidates will be required to consent to a criminal background investigation. Final candidates may be asked to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment. Applicants for positions of trust with screening
results which confirm a disqualifying criminal history will be immediately disqualified from employment eligibility.

All applicants are required to include professional references as part of their application process. Some positions may require additional job-based screenings such as motor vehicle report, credit check, pre-employment drug screening and/or verification of academic credentials.

https://www.usg.edu/hr/assets/hr/hrap_manual/HRAP_Background_Investigation_Employment.pdf