Student-Athlete Academic Coordinator

Advertising Summary: 

Unit: Athletics

Department: Athletics

Department Summary: VCU Athletics’ mission is to win conference and national championships, provide a first-class student-athlete experience, serve as a source of pride for the University and community and cultivate graduates who excel as leaders.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Position Overview 

Under the guidance of the Associate Athletic Director for Academic Support, the Student-Athlete Academic Coordinator counsels and guides VCU's student-athletes to educational success. The Student-Athlete Academic Coordinator works with student-athletes to achieve academic success through the preparation of course planning, academic advising, and success knowledge of university and athletic academic resources. The Student-Athlete Academic Coordinator will have a primary focus on achieving timely graduation, preparation of career and life skills, and knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations. Reporting to the Associate Athletic Director for Academic Support, the Student-Athlete Academic Coordinator works to further VCU Athletics’ mission to win conference and national championships, provide a first-class student-athlete experience, serve as a source of pride for the University and community, and cultivate graduates who excel as leaders.

Core Responsibilities 

Academic Advising : Coordinate academic advising for at least two Division I varsity teams. 

• Work with student-athletes on major choice and career planning utilizing major maps  and other resources.  

• Meet with assigned caseload on a regular basis and document meeting counts in Navigate. 

• Work with student-athletes on strategies to enhance their overall success. 

• Make appropriate referrals to academic coaching and tutoring services. 

• Monitor the academic progress of the student-athletes and update coaches.

• Maintain accurate and detailed written documentation for each student-athlete during their  course of stay at VCU as required by the NCAA. 

• Identify at-risk student-athletes and make appropriate referrals. 

• Meet with prospective student-athletes, families, and coaches. 

NCAA Eligibility: Work with the VCU Compliance Office and the Office of Records and Registration to monitor and ensure the eligibility of student-athletes. 

• Complete CAi and eligibility sheets after every semester

• Maintain accurate records for individual student-athletes on caseload to ensure successful completion of NCAA academic certification process.

Teach UNIV courses: Teach and plan lessons for at least one section of the first year UNIV 1XX course during the fall or spring semester. 

• Attend all trainings relevant to the UNIV course 

Administrative Duties

Observe FERPA policies without appearing unhelpful and refer student-athletes to appropriate resources in a way that encourages them to follow through.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

An advanced degree, or education and relevant work experience equating to an advanced degree, is required.

Experience working with student-athletes at a large, urban, NCAA Division l university..

Must have a thorough knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations..

Demonstrated ability to motivate student-athletes toward academic achievement..

Experience in academic advising with in a university environment with student-athletes of varying academic levels.

Excellent written, interpersonal, and oral communication skills..

Must be able to work evening and/or weekend hours, as needed.

Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications

A Master's degree in social work, counseling, higher education administration, sport leadership, humanities, or related area or experience and relevant work experience equating to an advanced degree;

Personal student-athlete collegiate experience..

Experience working in a university student-athlete support services, student-athlete development, or other related support/ student affairs office..

Experience teaching and/or leading workshops.

Application Priority Deadline: September 17, 2026

Salary Range: $55,000 - $57,000

Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

Restricted Position: No

ORP Eligible: Yes

Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite

University Job Title: 10211Y - Academic Advisor AA 1

Contact Information
Contact Name: Kasey Mattison
Contact Email: ksmattison@vcu.edu