Director of Student-Athlete Leadership and Development

Director of Student-Athlete Leadership and Development

Responsible for designing and delivering a comprehensive leadership development framework that supports student-athletes' personal growth, self-discovery, and integration of institutional learning outcomes while also providing professional development for coaches and athletics staff.

The position leads department-wide initiatives that enhance the student-athlete experience, foster belonging and community, and promote meaningful engagement through leadership education and service opportunities. In collaboration with campus partners, the role supports student-athlete retention and successful transitions by delivering targeted first-year programming, career readiness, and financial literacy initiatives that prepare student-athletes for success during and beyond their collegiate experience.

• May monitor the program budget and approve expenditures
• Plans, organizes, administers, and manages processes and operations related to assigned area(s) of responsibility
• Schedules logistics and secures resources to support the operational plans of the program or unit
• Monitors, evaluates, and modifies processes, procedures, and/or standards, ensuring alignment with the Institution's mission, values, goals, and objectives, as well as all local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
• Advises and enforces Institution policies related to services in Student Affairs
• May exercise supervisory authority, including hiring, transferring, suspending, promoting, managing conduct and performance, discharging, assigning, rewarding, disciplining, and/or approving hours worked of at least 2.0 FTE or equivalent employees
• Serves as the program or unit liaison to internal and external stakeholder groups

Department:
Athletics

Reports to:

Director of Athletics

Full-Time: 100%, Academic Staff, 12-month ongoing appointment, one vacancy

Student-Athlete Leadership and Development (50%)

• 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.

Student-Athlete Success and Engagement (25%)

• 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.

Retention and Transition Support (20%)

• 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.
• Assist 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.

Administrative Support (5%)

• Promotes the philosophy and objectives of the athletic program; to include adhering to and enforcing all departmental policies and procedures, as well as rules and regulations of the University, the governing sport conference, and the NCAA.
• Participates in public relations activities to include speaking engagements, television and radio interviews and press conferences, as approved or requested. Represents Athletic Department at professional, civic, charitable and alumni events.
• Provide additional departmental support to duties assigned by the Director of Athletics

Other Duties:

• Complete required trainings and professional development as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with a wide range of…