Athletic Academic Advisor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of sports and academics, the need for Athletic Academic Advisors has never been more critical.
As the demand for maintaining a balance between athletics and academics grows, so does the need for professionals who can guide, support, and ensure the academic success of student-athletes.
But let’s delve deeper: What does an Athletic Academic Advisor really do?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker exploring the core responsibilities of this role,
- A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
- Or simply curious about the dynamics of athletic academic advising,
You’ve come to the right place.
Today, we present a customizable Athletic Academic Advisor job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s dive right in.
Athletic Academic Advisor Duties and Responsibilities
Athletic Academic Advisors play an essential role in providing academic and career guidance to student-athletes.
They focus on ensuring student-athletes balance their academic responsibilities and athletic commitments effectively and achieve their educational goals.
The following are some of the key duties and responsibilities of an Athletic Academic Advisor:
- Work closely with student-athletes to create and manage academic plans and schedules
- Provide regular academic advising and monitor academic progress of student-athletes
- Assist student-athletes with course selection, registration, and degree planning
- Collaborate with coaches, faculty, and staff to ensure student-athletes meet academic requirements
- Develop and implement academic success strategies and educational programming
- Advocate on behalf of student-athletes regarding academic issues and concerns
- Provide information about available resources and support services, such as tutoring and mentoring
- Ensure compliance with National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and university academic standards
- Assist student-athletes with career planning and preparation, including resume writing and job search strategies
- Monitor and report on student-athlete academic progress and retention
Athletic Academic Advisor Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking a dedicated Athletic Academic Advisor to assist our student-athletes in achieving academic success.
As an Athletic Academic Advisor, you will be responsible for developing and implementing academic plans, monitoring student-athlete’s academic progress, and providing guidance on academic resources and policies.
The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of the unique demands and regulations related to student-athletes, and a passion for helping student-athletes balance their academic and athletic commitments.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement individualized academic plans for student-athletes
- Monitor academic progress of student-athletes and intervene as necessary
- Provide guidance on academic resources and university policies
- Collaborate with coaches, faculty, and university staff to support student-athlete success
- Assist student-athletes in identifying and pursuing career and educational goals
- Ensure compliance with NCAA and university academic standards
- Maintain confidential student records and documentation
Qualifications
- Proven work experience as an Academic Advisor or related role
- Knowledge of NCAA academic regulations
- Strong understanding of the academic and personal challenges faced by student-athletes
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends
- Master’s degree in Education, Counseling, Sports Administration, or related field preferred
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Athletic Academic Advisor
- Work Environment: University setting. Some evening and weekend work required to accommodate student-athlete schedules.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Athletic Academic Services.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $41,000 minimum to $68,000 maximum
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
- Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].
What Does an Athletic Academic Advisor Do?
An Athletic Academic Advisor typically works within educational institutions such as high schools, colleges, and universities, focusing on student-athletes.
Their primary role is to provide academic support to student-athletes, helping them balance their academic responsibilities with their athletic commitments.
This can include assisting with course scheduling, ensuring that the athletes meet their academic requirements while accommodating their training and competition schedules.
Athletic Academic Advisors also monitor the academic progress of student-athletes, tracking their grades and intervening when necessary to help improve their academic performance.
They may provide or arrange tutoring services, study skills workshops, and other academic resources.
Additionally, they guide student-athletes on their academic and career paths, helping them to explore their interests and goals, and choose suitable majors and potential career fields.
They also ensure student-athletes are in compliance with all academic eligibility requirements set by the institution, athletic conference, and the NCAA.
Moreover, they act as a liaison between the athletic department and the academic department, communicating the needs and achievements of student-athletes to faculty, coaches, and administrators.
They may also advocate for student-athletes in academic matters, helping them navigate academic challenges and obtain necessary support services.
Athletic Academic Advisors play a critical role in promoting the academic success of student-athletes and fostering their personal and professional development.
Athletic Academic Advisor Qualifications and Skills
An Athletic Academic Advisor should have a combination of coaching skills, academic knowledge, and interpersonal skills to guide student athletes, such as:
- Understanding of NCAA regulations and guidelines to provide accurate advice to student athletes about their academic and athletic commitments
- Strong academic advising and career development skills to guide student athletes in their academic journey and future career prospects
- Ability to develop individualized academic plans and goals that balance both sports commitments and academic obligations
- Exceptional communication skills to clearly articulate academic requirements and expectations to student athletes, coaches, and other stakeholders
- Interpersonal skills to build trust and rapport with student athletes, fostering an environment that encourages open communication and support
- Problem-solving abilities to address academic challenges faced by student athletes and provide effective solutions
- Understanding of various academic programs and courses available, to guide student athletes in making informed academic choices that align with their career goals
- Ability to keep detailed records and track the academic progress of student athletes to ensure they meet the necessary requirements
Athletic Academic Advisor Experience Requirements
Entry-level Athletic Academic Advisors typically possess a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, Education, Psychology or a related field.
They generally have 1 to 2 years of experience, often through internships or part-time roles in academic advising, counseling, or student-athlete services at a collegiate level.
Mid-level Athletic Academic Advisors typically have between 3 to 5 years of experience.
They often possess a Master’s degree in a related field and have experience working directly with student-athletes in a higher education setting.
They usually have a proven track record in areas such as advising, tutoring, counseling, teaching, coaching, or in other student service areas.
Senior-level Athletic Academic Advisors often have more than 5 years of experience and have developed a deep understanding of NCAA rules and regulations.
They usually have extensive experience in academic advising and student services, with a demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong relationships with student-athletes, coaches, and staff.
Those with more than 5 years of experience often have some leadership experience and are ready for roles that involve team management and strategic planning.
Athletic Academic Advisor Education and Training Requirements
Athletic Academic Advisors typically require a bachelor’s degree in fields such as sports management, sports science, counseling, or education.
A strong understanding of NCAA regulations and the challenges student-athletes face is crucial.
Therefore, coursework in areas such as sports administration, athletic counseling, and student development could be beneficial.
Some positions may prefer or require candidates to have a master’s degree, especially in areas like education counseling or sports management.
This is particularly the case for roles within larger collegiate athletic programs.
In addition to formal education, experience in athletic advising, coaching, or working closely with student-athletes may be preferred or required.
Certifications are not typically mandatory, but obtaining credentials like the National Association of Academic and Student-Athlete Development Professionals (N4A) certification can demonstrate dedication to the field and enhance professional credibility.
Continuing education is also important, as advisors must keep abreast of changes in NCAA regulations, trends in student-athlete academic success, and new approaches to advising and student support.
Athletic Academic Advisor Salary Expectations
An Athletic Academic Advisor typically earns an average salary of $40,854 (USD) per year.
The actual salary can vary based on factors such as level of experience, educational background, specific institution, and geographic location.
Athletic Academic Advisor Job Description FAQs
What qualifications does an Athletic Academic Advisor need?
Typically, an Athletic Academic Advisor should have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, preferably in education, counseling, sports management, or a related field.
Additionally, a master’s degree in education or counseling is often preferred.
Experience working with student-athletes and knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations are also considered advantageous in this role.
What are the primary responsibilities of an Athletic Academic Advisor?
The primary role of an Athletic Academic Advisor is to help student-athletes balance their academic and athletic commitments.
This may involve providing advice on course selections, monitoring academic progress, identifying educational resources, and ensuring compliance with academic standards set by the school and athletic associations.
What skills are important for an Athletic Academic Advisor?
An Athletic Academic Advisor should have strong interpersonal and communication skills to interact effectively with students, coaches, and administrative staff.
They should be able to understand the unique challenges faced by student-athletes and provide relevant guidance.
They should also be organized, able to multitask, and have a good understanding of academic policies and procedures.
What should you look for in an Athletic Academic Advisor resume?
In an Athletic Academic Advisor’s resume, look for a relevant educational background and experience in academic advising or working with student-athletes.
Familiarity with academic regulations, especially those related to athletics, is essential.
Strong interpersonal skills, a history of building positive relationships with students, and an understanding of the challenges faced by student-athletes are all crucial characteristics to look for in a resume.
What qualities make a good Athletic Academic Advisor?
A good Athletic Academic Advisor is empathetic, understanding the pressures and demands of being a student-athlete.
They are proactive, consistently checking in with their advisees to ensure they are balancing their academic and athletic commitments.
They are also knowledgeable about the institution’s academic policies and requirements, as well as NCAA rules and regulations.
Finally, they are strong advocates for their advisees, helping them navigate challenges and achieve their academic goals.
Conclusion
And there you have it.
Today, we’ve put the spotlight on what it truly means to be an Athletic Academic Advisor.
And here’s a surprise:
It’s not just about coaching or advising.
It’s about shaping the future of student-athletes, one advising session at a time.
With our reliable Athletic Academic Advisor job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to make your move.
But why limit yourself?
Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating detailed job listings or refining your resume to perfection.
Remember:
Every advising session contributes to a larger goal.
Let’s shape that future. Together.
How to Become an Athletic Academic Advisor (Complete Guide)
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