Position Introduction:

This is a full-time professional position within the Prentice Gautt Academic Center, a comprehensive support services unit for intercollegiate student-athletes. The Senior Athletics Academic Advisor reports to the Senior Associate Athletics Director for Academic Services and is charged with managing all aspects of academic support for student-athletes on assigned teams and monitoring their academic progress, NCAA eligibility requirements, and progress toward graduation. This position also includes training new advising staff, coordinating outreach initiatives with the campus advising community, and leading advisor meetings. This position requires consistent and open communication with coaches and staff, knowledge of best practices in college student advising, and a thorough understanding of NCAA and conference guidelines and regulations.

Essential Functions:

• Serve as a point of contact for department reports and data tracking regarding academic performance and awards.
• Assist with the coordination and communication with the Athletics Communications Department and Academic staff regarding awards and scholarships.
• Assist with coordination and training of new advising staff regarding NCAA academic eligibility and related legislation.
• Assist with the coordination of academic orientation and educational programming for incoming student-athletes.
• Provide academic advisement and personal counseling for student-athletes on assigned teams.
• Monitor the academic progress of student-athletes on assigned teams; coordinate academic support and offer career and personal guidance.
• Educate student-athletes on NCAA academic legislation and personal responsibility.
• Support incoming student-athletes through their transition to college; schedule regular appointments and assist with developing daily and weekly objectives.
• Promote positive working relationships with college advisors and faculty throughout campus.
• Utilize standard grade reports to communicate student-athlete progress to appropriate constituents.
• Monitor student-athletes’ NCAA academic eligibility through the use of University student systems and established internal degree-tracking forms.
• Maintain eligibility evaluation spreadsheets for all undergraduate degree programs.
• Administer the procedures for the coordination and delivery of academic services including mentoring, tutoring, and grade report tracking systems.
• Assist student-athletes with scheduling of courses, ensuring that course schedules are balanced and meet their academic needs and interests.
• Communicate with coaches of assigned teams through scheduled academic meetings; regularly and promptly share detailed information regarding the ongoing academic progress of assigned student-athletes.
• Assist with the recruiting process during prospective student-athletes’ visits to campus.
• Regularly communicate the progress, outcomes, and direction of work to the Director; make recommendations concerning improvement of programs and services.
• Support department and campus-wide student success efforts through participation in a variety of department activities and committee work.
• Provide support for student-athletes’ career development and preparation; connect advisees with Varsity O Association and the university’s Career Center resources, including Handshake, creation and development of LinkedIn accounts, development of resumes and cover letters, interview preparation, and internship opportunities.

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Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree.
• Minimum of 36 months of experience as a full-time Academic Advisor in higher education.

Required Certifications and Licenses:

• None

Department Preferences:

• Master's degree, or in process of completing a graduate degree program.
• Four years of experience as an academic counselor or advisor for student-athletes at the Division I level.
• At least one year of demonstrated successful experience applying learning strategies with a diverse population of Division I student-athletes.
• Proficiency and/or familiarity with Banner and Teamworks software.
• Proficiency in using computer software such as Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Publisher, etc.  
• Knowledge of FERPA and ethical principles in working with students.
• Demonstrated knowledge of NCAA and conference rules and regulations governing, but not limited to, academics, satisfactory progress, and eligibility.
• Demonstrated and successful experience providing academic advising and/or academic support in education.
• Background in counseling, career counseling, or advising in education.
• Demonstrated excellent oral, written and presentation skills and proactive, open and responsive interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with diverse student populations, university personnel (e.g. faculty, college deans, administrators, athletic coaches and staff), as well as representatives from the community.
• Demonstrated organizational skills, attention to detail, and high degree of openness to new approaches and new ideas.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.