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.