Assistant or Associate Athletic Director of Academics

Job Description Summary Organization's Summary Statement: The Department of Athletics invites applicants to apply for a full-time, exempt, position with benefits. Reporting to the Deputy Director of Athletics (or Vice President of Athletics & Recreation), the Assistant/Associate Athletic Director of Academics provides leadership for all academic support services for student-athletes. The position is responsible for promoting academic success, monitoring NCAA eligibility, supervising academic support staff, coordinating tutoring and learning assistance programs, developing student success initiatives, and ensuring compliance with institutional, conference, NCAA, and federal regulations. This position serves as the primary liaison between Athletics and campus academic partners while fostering an environment focused on academic achievement, retention, graduation, leadership development, and holistic student success. Salary Ranges: $65,000 - $85,000 (Assistant Director Level) $75,000 - $91,000 (Associate Director Level) Benefits: The University of Maryland Eastern Shore, as a University System of Maryland institution and a Maryland State agency, provides a comprehensive benefits package to all regular faculty and staff. The Office of Employee Benefits provides consultative services and assistance with benefits planning, enrollment, and changes. Eligible employees may participate in a variety of benefit plans including: • Health insurance, including multiple medical plan options for employees and dependents offered through the State of Maryland Employee Benefits Division. • Prescription drug, dental, and flexible spending accounts, and vision coverage. • Retirement plans: mandatory enrollment in a state pension system or an Optional Retirement Plan with Fidelity or TIAA, Supplemental Retirement Accounts (TIAA, Fidelity, or MSRP-Nationwide) with $600 annual state match, Life Insurance (state sponsored MetLife, USM sponsored MetLife Plan, life insurance and long-term disability insurance). • Tuition remission benefits for eligible employees and, subject to USM policies, spouses and dependents at University System of Maryland institutions. • Exempt positions start at 22 days annual per year, sick leave 15 days per year, personal leave 3 days per year), and paid holidays. • Employee wellness and support resources and access to the State of Maryland wellness programs. Responsibilities: • Provide leadership and oversight of the Athletics Academic Services Office. • Monitor academic progress, degree completion, and NCAA eligibility for all student-athletes. • Develop and implement academic success strategies to improve retention, APR, GSR, and graduation rates. • Supervise academic advisors, learning specialists, tutors, mentors, graduate assistants, and study hall operations. • Coordinate tutoring, academic support, learning assistance, and academic enrichment programs. • Meet regularly with student-athletes to establish individualized academic success plans. • Serve as the primary liaison between Athletics and campus academic units including the Registrar, Academic Affairs, Student Success, Financial Aid, Admissions, and Faculty. Collaborate with coaches regarding student- athlete academic performance and eligibility. • Coordinate orientation and transition programming for incoming student- athletes. • Identify academically at-risk student-athletes and implement intervention strategies. • Maintain accurate academic records and ensure compliance with NCAA, conference, university, FERPA, and federal regulations. • Prepare NCAA eligibility certifications, APR reports, academic assessments, and departmental reports. Develop educational programming focused on time management, study skills, leadership, career readiness, and personal development. • Participate in strategic planning and assessment initiatives to enhance academic support services. • Serve on departmental and university committees as assigned. • Perform additional duties as assigned by the Vice President of Athletics & Recreation and Deputy Athletic Director. Note: Appointment at the Associate Director level requires five (5) or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience. Physical Demands: • May be required to perform physical work requiring bending, stooping, reaching, carrying, and frequent heavy lifting. • May be required to work in adverse weather conditions. • May be required to wear and work in personal protective equipment. • May be required to operate a variety of equipment to include office equipment. Preferences: • Experience working within an NCAA Division I athletics program. Minimum Qualifications Education: Master's degree in Higher Education, Educational Leadership, Counseling, Student Affairs, Sport Management, or a related field. Experience: Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in academic advising, academic support services, student-athlete development, or collegiate athletics administration. Demonstrated knowledge of NCAA academic eligibility legislation, Academic Progress Rate (APR), and Graduation Success Rate (GSR). Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: Demonstrated knowledge of NCAA Division I academic eligibility, progress toward degree, and continuing eligibility requirements. Excellent leadership, organizational, planning, and project management skills. Strong oral and written communication skills. Ability to establish collaborative relationships with coaches, faculty, academic advisors, and university administrators. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Ability to maintain confidential student records in accordance with FERPA regulations. Experience supervising professional staff, graduate assistants, tutors, and student workers. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Degree Audit systems, Teamwork, ARMS, or comparable student information systems. Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced collegiate athletics environment. Additional Job Details Required Application Materials: Cover letter, resume, and the names of three current professional references (including e-mail address, and telephone number. All applicants must apply using the new online application system. Please visit https://umd.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UMES to apply. The successful candidate must be able to show acceptable documentation establishing the right to accept employment in the United States of America without employer sponsorship. Best Consideration Date: N/A Posting Close Date: N/A Open Until Filled: Yes Department UMES-VPAR-VP Athletics and Recreation Worker Sub-Type Staff Regular Salary Range Salary Range: $65,000 – $85,000 (Assistant Level) and Salary Range: $75,000 – $91,000 (Associate Level) EEO Statement UMES is an EEO/AA employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or political affiliation. Minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate must be able to show acceptable documentation establishing the right to accept employment in the United States of America without employer sponsorship. Diversity Statement The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) is an equal access, equal opportunity institution fully committed to diversity in education and employment. All students, employees, and the campus community at UMES are valued, respected, and have the opportunity to receive an equitable experience in an inclusive, welcoming environment of openness and appreciation. Title IX Statement It is the policy of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) to comply with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits discrimination (including sexual harassment and sexual violence) based on sex in the University's educational programs and activities. Title IX also prohibits retaliation for asserting or otherwise participating in claims of sex discriminations or harassment. Welcome to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) Employment Website! The University is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding faculty and staff to support the student-centered mission of our university. Founded in 1886, the University is a Historically Black, Land Grant University with over 30 degree programs housed on a campus of over 50 buildings on over 1,100 acres. With an atmosphere of collegiality and a commitment to go from Excellence to Eminence, UMES is not only a great place to work, but it is a place to express your passion for educating students, develop your personal career goals, and to make a difference in the community, the state, and the world beyond. Located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, the university is a beautiful place to work and call home. Thank you for your interest in employment with our University. Hawk Pride, Catch It! Learn more EEO Statement UMES is an EEO/AA employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or political affiliation. Minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate must be able to show acceptable documentation establishing the right to accept employment in the United States of America without employer sponsorship. Human Resources Our Human Resources office is committed to supporting the mission of University of Maryland Eastern Shore by recruiting, developing, and retaining talented employees. Learn more Contact Us If you have questions, please call the Office of Human Resources at (410) 651-6400.