ACU is affiliated with the fellowship of the Church of Christ. This position requires the employee to be a professing Christian and to be willing to support the Christian mission of ACU.
The Academic Coordinator of Olympic Sports will create and implement programming to ensure academic support and success of student-athletes at ACU and to assist with institutional, Conference, and NCAA reporting in the areas of student academic performance.
Basic Responsibilities
- Takes lead role in development and coordination of all academic support services for assigned sports.
- Provide academic advising/mentoring services for at-risk student-athletes.
- Collection and analysis of student-athlete academic data.
- Serves as liaison between the athletic department and faculty, advisors, and staff.
Essential Duties
Other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.
Academic Support Services
- Maintain clear and consistent communication with coaching staff through documentation and attending regularly scheduled meetings.
- Monitor continuing student-athlete progress toward degree in conjunction with the Registrar Office (e.g. major/minor changes, class changes, grades).
- Assist with the eligibility certification of student-athletes.
- Assist with orientation programming for all new incoming student-athletes.
- Assist in the identification of at-risk students each semester.
- Assist in the coordination of functions for the student-athletes (e.g. new student orientation, banquet, graduation reception, professional/personal development).
Advising/Mentoring Services for At-Risk Student-Athletes
- Review academic progress with students and assist in advising throughout the year to meet progress toward degree requirements.
- Meet with prospective student-athletes and parents on recruiting visits as required.
- Facilitate study hall sessions and be willing to travel with the team.
- Maintain close working relationships with campus advisors to facilitate student-athlete class scheduling.
Collection and Analysis of Student-Athlete Academic Data
- Maintain excused travel letters and data on absence totals for student-athletes.
- Oversee scholarship book purchase and return procedures.
- Collect data and statistics required for various reports (e.g. hours attempted and earned, athlete graduation rates, GPA, probation and suspension list).
- Assist in compilation of data required for any national, regional, or Conference academic awards.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
- Oversee graduate assistants/interns in the Academic Office. Assist with workers for special events (NCAA/Conference events).
Contacts:
- Primary contacts are the Executive Associate AD/ SWA, Director of Academics, coaches, and staff.
- Other contacts are the Registrar and Registrar Liaison, Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR), faculty, and advisors.
Professional Development Requirements:
Skills
- Experience in academic programming, advising, and support.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Proficiency in conflict management, mediation, and resolution.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule, including some nights or weekends.
- Competent with various software packages: Microsoft Word and Excel, Google Drive, Banner, Slate, Workday, Teamworks, ARMS, CAi, etc.
Qualifications
Professional
- Bachelor’s Degree required
- Working knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations
- Academic advising or support programming experience preferred (1-2 years)
Personal
- Goal-oriented, self-motivated, and reliable.
- Accurate and detail-oriented.
- Strong work ethic and organizational skills.
- Ability to interact well with a diverse population, including: coaches, faculty, staff, current and prospective students, and administration.
- Strong Christian beliefs and participation in a local church.
Physical Demands
- Ability to endure long hours in a variety of work environments.
- Ability to endure fast-paced schedules.
- Ability to endure non-traditional working hours.
- Ability to withstand stressful situations.
- Ability to endure extensive computer work.
ACU does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, disability, genetic information, national or ethnic origin in employment opportunities, in keeping with applicable state and federal law.
ACU is committed to maintaining a safe and secure campus environment and protecting the university's financial and physical assets. Therefore, Abilene Christian University conducts background checks on all candidates for employment in security sensitive positions. As a current employee, it will be determined if you need an additional background check upon your hire.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree
- Professing Christian who supports ACU's Christian mission
- Strong Christian beliefs and participation in a local church
- Working knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations
- Academic advising or student support programming experience of 1–2 years
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Drive, Banner, Slate, Workday, Teamworks, ARMS, and CAi
- Ability to work flexible schedules, including nights and weekends
- Willingness to travel with the team
What We Do
Abilene Christian University is a private, comprehensive Christian university in Abilene, Texas. It educates approximately 6,700 students annually from across the United States and 42 nations, offering undergraduate, master's, specialist, and doctoral programs. Its mission centers on preparing Christ-centered, global leaders through broad academic offerings, including more than 175 undergraduate areas of study and extensive graduate education across online and residential formats.
