The Placement Exchange Job Board

Summary

The Director of Student-Athlete Development is charged with advocating for the development of the total person, through transformational experiences within Golden Gopher Athletics at the University of Minnesota. To support all student-athlete development commitments including the areas of academic, athletic, and social excellence. To build positive and professional relationships with community members, campus staff, general population of students and student-athletes, alumni, and employers.  Collaborate with campus and community constituents to assist in the achievement of university Student Development Outcomes.

The primary responsibilities of this position include:

·       Provide organizational support and leadership of our comprehensive four-year student-athlete development program within the L.I.N.K.

·       Support and foster personal, social and professional growth for the more than 600+ student-athletes in an accessible, welcoming, and affirming environment

·       Design, facilitate and implement programs that align with Golden Gopher Athletics vision of Champions for Life

·       Advance the five outcomes of program theory for all student-athletes (career readiness, independent/self-regulated, develop moral compass, form supportive relationships, develop leadership skills)

·       Communicate regularly with internal stakeholders to include coaches, team support staff, academic advisors, FARs, and Health and Performance

·       Collaborate with campus and community partners, the B1G Ten Conference, and NCAA

The Director of Student-Athlete Development will report directly to the Senior Associate Athletic Director for Leadership and Inclusion.  Comprehensive knowledge of NCAA eligibility rules will be developed as this position progresses.

40% Education and Programming

·       Lead, partner, and support the development and implementation of curriculum related to student-athlete learning communities, transitions, adjustments, retention, leadership, and career-focused programming (i.e. W.I.L.L., NIL, Champions For Life)

·       Develop program assessment strategies and systems to evaluate the impact, value, and efficacy of programs

·       Engage with Gopher leadership groups including GAA (Gopher Advocates and Allies), GI (Gopher International), and the BSAA (Black Student-Athlete Association)

·       Demonstrate and maintain a professional commitment to current best practices regarding personal, social, and professional programming for both students and staff

·       Create and implement innovative programs and initiatives for student-athletes in alignment with greater institutional developmental outcomes

·       Provide guidance, education, and support to staff and student-athletes on fostering an inclusive environment and culture

·       Serve as an advisor for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (S.A.A.C.) and the Executive Committee in the planning, organization, and overall direction of student-athlete involvement in issues pertaining Governance, Service, and Leadership

40% Strategic Analysis and Planning

·       Lead in developing and implementing high impact practices in the student-athlete experience

·       Serve as a strategic leader and subject matter expert, creating and cultivating a common vision for the L.I.N.K. to achieve defined outcomes

·       Advise on the development of programs and policies that support advocating for the development of the total person

·       Analyze, develop, make recommendations for, and manage a budget for initiatives related to personal, social, and professional excellence

·       Partner with Campus Student Affairs in the creation of programming specifically designed to meet the needs of the student-athlete, while remaining committed to the university mission, vision, and values for all students

·       Assess the outcomes of programming and curriculum initiatives with a particular focus on the recruitment and retention of diverse communities and identities

·       Assess the needs of our student-athlete population through and inclusive lens, and promote personal and professional growth through interactive programming, educational sessions and leadership development

20% Collaboration and Supervision

·       Formulate relationships with the NCAA Leadership Development Office, Big Ten Staff, and colleagues across various academic institutions and professional organizations to develop and stay informed of best practices and trends in personal, social, and professional development within intercollegiate athletics

·       Work in close collaboration with the Big Ten Associate Director of Compliance, the Big Ten Student-Athlete Development Administrator Group, and the University of Minnesota Office of Student Affairs on student-athlete initiatives

·       Supervise and evaluate internal staff to include Director of Career Relations and Services, and Student-Athlete Development Intern

·       Assist internal communications and digital productions staff in the creation of messaging and branding related to social, personal, and professional engagement

·       Network with NCAA, Big Ten Conference, and other professional organizations related to growing and supporting transformational leadership

·       Mentor and support the growth of students or others assigned to work with this position

·       Collaborate with external stakeholders committed to student-athlete centric development, and talent acquisition

·       Collaborate with internal and external constituents, coaches and administrators and on-campus offices to create a positive and supportive environment for empowerment and overall enrichment of the student-athlete experience

·       Represent the University of Minnesota and Golden Gopher Athletics at meetings and events

·       Perform other duties as assigned

Salary for this position: $60k - $70k commensurate with experience

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree plus at least five years of relevant experience of increasing responsibility, including experience in a leadership or managerial role in a related field
• or Master's degree plus at least three years of relevant experience

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Requires knowledge of many subject matter areas within the realm of life skills. 
• Excellent written/verbal communication skills and computer literacy.
• Strong interpersonal skills; demonstrated ability to provide leadership and strategic direction to full-time, part-time and volunteer staff. 
• Requires the ability to guide, support and manage multiple priorities in a positive, collaborative environment. 
• Ability to work collaboratively with many university departments, coaches, athletics staff, and student-athletes. 
• Prior experience that demonstrates knowledge and understanding of program design and execution, coordination, organization, facilitation, report analysis, writing, and promotion/outreach. 
• Prior experience cultivating donors and raising funds in the realm of intercollegiate athletics at an institution of higher education.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree

About University of Minnesota Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.

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