Director of Student Athlete Support Services

Reporting to the Senior Associate AD / SWA, the Director of Student-Athlete Support Services is responsible for overseeing comprehensive support services designed to promote the academic success, personal development, well-being, retention, and overall success of student-athletes. The Director serves as a key member of the athletics leadership team and collaborates with coaches, academic staff, campus partners, and other stakeholders to create an environment where student-athletes can thrive academically, personally, and athletically. The Director of Student-Athlete Support Services is responsible for adhering to NCAA progress toward degree requirements as well as academic requirements outlined in Bylaw 14 of the NCAA Manual.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide individualized academic support to student-athletes, including academic planning, course selection, degree progress, and graduation planning.
• Monitor student-athlete academic performance, attendance, academic standing, and NCAA progress toward degree requirements.
• Assist with monitoring eligibility and progress-toward-degree requirements in collaboration with the athletic department's compliance and academic services staff.
• Assist with transfer credit evaluations for prospective student-athletes
• Develop individualized academic success plans for student-athletes who are academically at risk or experiencing academic challenges.
• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings with student-athletes to assess academic progress, identify barriers, establish goals, and provide appropriate resources.
• Collaborate with coaches and athletic department staff regarding student-athlete academic progress while maintaining appropriate confidentiality.
• Coordinate academic support services, including tutoring, study hall, learning strategies, time management, organization, and test preparation with the Division of Student Success
• Track and maintain accurate records related to academic advising, student-athlete progress, degree completion, and academic support interventions.
• Communicate with campus academic units, faculty, advisors, learning specialists, and other university resources to advocate for student-athlete success.
• Assist student-athletes with course registration, schedule planning, major exploration, academic transitions, and preparation for graduation.
• Participate in departmental meetings, professional development, student-athlete programming, and special projects.
• Maintain current knowledge of NCAA, Big South Conference, and Gardner-Webb University academic policies and procedures.
• Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and student-centered culture within the athletic department.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree
• 1-3 years’ experience in a related field is strongly preferred.
• Excellent computer proficiency (MS Office – Word, Excel and Outlook).
• Excellent written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to student-athlete development and academic success.
• Experience with NCAA Academic requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working in a Division I collegiate athletic department or athletic academic support environment.
• Familiarity with NCAA eligibility and progress-toward-degree requirements.
• Experience working with academic advising or student-athlete management systems.
• Experience supporting students from diverse backgrounds and/or students who are academically at risk.
• Experience developing academic success programming, workshops, or student development initiatives.

Travel Requirements

• Weekends and some travel may occur

Competitive Benefits

• Retirement matching
• Tuition remission
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Short term/long term disability
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid sick leave
• 17 paid holidays
• Wellness opportunities
• On-campus health center

Gardner-Webb University is a Christian university committed to helping individuals become more in faith, learning, and service. Located in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, GWU offers the benefits of a close-knit community with easy access to Charlotte, Asheville, and the greater Greenville-Spartanburg region. Founded in 1905 and rooted in the Baptist tradition, the University now serves approximately 3,000 students across more than 80 undergraduate and graduate programs. As a Carnegie Doctoral/Professional institution, Gardner-Webb is dedicated to academic excellence, leadership development, and meaningful service to others.

Our community reflects a shared commitment to One Webb, creating an environment where people support one another, pursue their purpose, and work together to make a lasting impact. GWU attracts students from across the nation and around the world and competes in NCAA Division I athletics with 22 teams and more than 500 student-athletes.