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.