Assistant Director, Olympic Sports Academics

About Us

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.

Location

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

Job Summary

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.

Responsibilities

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

Required Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

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)

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

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