About UMass Amherst
UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. The university is situated on nearly 1,450 acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, offering a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. As part of the Five Colleges consortium, including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College, UMass Amherst benefits from the intellectual energy of the region.
Job Summary
The Director of Student-Athlete Development is responsible for the holistic development of UMass student-athletes by providing education, resources, and opportunities to support student-athlete success at UMass and beyond. The Director builds rapport with student-athletes, coaches, and campus/community partners, and addresses the challenges faced by student-athletes, particularly first-generation college students and those from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. This position reports to the Senior Associate Athletic Director for Internal Operations and adheres to the philosophies and regulations of the Department, University, and NCAA.
Essential Functions
Program Development & Implementation
- Develops and coordinates student-athlete development programs emphasizing student success, inclusivity, and community relations.
- Leads life skills programming focused on personal development, career development, and community service.
- Manages career development initiatives, including internships and job opportunities in partnership with Career Services and external partners.
- Plans and executes annual Maroon Connections programming, focusing on personal development, career goals, leadership identity, and transitioning beyond student-athlete roles.
- Develops and implements transition programs for student-athletes, including summer bridge, fall transition, and mid-year transition programs.
- Supports student-athletes from underrepresented populations and diverse backgrounds with specific programming.
- Leads student-athlete and faculty recognition programming, including the annual SAMY’s Awards and National Student-Athlete Appreciation Day events.
Student Counseling & Career Planning
- Counsels student-athletes on post-graduation plans and provides relevant referrals.
- Works with University Career Services on career planning, interview strategies, and job attainment.
- Monitors and assists senior student-athletes in securing internships, graduate school placements, or employment, aiming for 100% placement.
- Serves as the primary point of contact for student-athletes, providing referrals to various department and university resources.
- Collaborates with the Associate Athletic Director, Academic & Success, and other staff to address student-athlete personal and wellness concerns.
- Assists student-athletes in scholarship and award applications.
Community Engagement
- Identifies and leads community service projects that connect student-athletes with the campus and local communities.
- Provides opportunities for student-athlete involvement with underrepresented populations.
- Maintains strong relationships with alumni to foster engagement and mentorship opportunities for current student-athletes.
Data Management & Reporting
- Compiles data on student-athlete success for local, regional, and national promotion.
- Develops necessary reports and balance scorecards as required by the Director of Athletics or University Leadership.
Other Functions
- Stays abreast of current trends and developments in the field through publications, seminars, and conferences.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree.
- One to three years of experience in intercollegiate athletics, student-athlete development, academic advising, or related fields.
- Ability to work with diverse communities and populations.
- Advanced oral and written communication skills.
- Knowledge of computers and student database systems.
- Familiarity with NCAA rules and regulations.
- Ability to work evenings and weekends.
- Strong relationship-building skills with various constituencies.
- Ability to act independently and exercise sound judgment.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s Degree in counseling, education, or a related field from an accredited institution.
Physical Demands/Working Conditions
Typical office environment activities.
Work Schedule
Monday-Friday, 37.5 hours per week, with evenings and weekends as required.
Salary Information
Level 26
PSU Hiring Ranges
Special Instructions to Applicants
Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.
UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.