Director of Athletics Eligibility & Institutional Services

The Director of Athletics Eligibility & Institutional Services holds a critical role within Colgate Athletics’ student-athlete holistic support structure, primarily overseeing athletics eligibility and institutional services supporting the student-athlete experience. This is a highly collaborative position, both within the department and with the greater campus community, to assist in reaching University goals of and promoting a competitive and robust scholar-athlete experience. Reporting to the Deputy Athletics Director / Chief of Staff, this position is primarily responsible for the oversight and administration of the Athletics Department’s NCAA compliance program as it relates to Athletics Eligibility (Bylaws 12 & 14), and provides direct support in the administration of departmental and institutional services related to the student-athlete experience.

Accomplishment of the athletics eligibility program can be met through the following:

• Ensures and monitors that the University’s athletics programs, student-athletes and employees are in compliance with NCAA rules and regulations governing all aspects of Athletics Eligibility.

• Advises the university and department on all legislative matters regarding NCAA eligibility rules and issues. This includes maintaining a broad understanding of University academic policies and procedures that may impact eligibility and successful graduation progress.

• Responsible for accurate and timely submission of select NCAA reports, including APR, and GSR.

• Ensures that all student-athletes (including transfer students) are eligible to participate in intercollegiate athletics programs by working with the NCAA Eligibility Center in processing the eligibility requirements of freshmen student-athletes and college transfers, and processing and certifying the continuing eligibility of current student-athletes. This includes the management of all official squad lists and certified eligibility reports.

• Collaborate frequently with Student-Athlete Academic Support Services and University Academic partners to promote a broad understanding on NCAA eligibility rules, to lead progress towards degree monitoring efforts, and to support the academic achievement goals of Colgate student-athletes.

• Coordinates and prepares any NCAA or specific conference waiver requests relating to student-athlete eligibility, as well as coordinate with the Director of Compliance & Risk Management on the investigation of known and/or alleged rules violations related to eligibility matters. This includes keeping the Vice President/Director of Athletics and Deputy Athletics Director/Chief of Staff informed of all alleged and known violations, as well as handling all correspondence with the NCAA and affiliated conferences regarding reporting processes and follow-up responses.

• Provides relevant education and updates as needed regarding NCAA and Patriot League Conference eligibility rules to Athletics staff as well as staff outside Athletics in departments such as the Registrar and faculty partners whose responsibilities include supporting student-athletes and/or Athletics Department personnel in matters governed by NCAA and or Patriot League/ECAC rules, regulations, and policies.

Accomplishment of the institutional services support program can be met through the following:

• Oversight of the University’s Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) Policy and related student-athlete support measures. Including, but not limited to continued knowledge of applicable state, federal, NCAA and institutional regulations; oversight of third-party support platforms and education; relationship management with alumni and boosters; as well as ongoing education to appropriate constituent groups.

• Serve as the presiding administrator of Athletics Disciplinary Protocol and liaison to the Dean for Student Conduct by ensuring compliance with internal protocols, appropriate and timely communication and notification, and assisting in the facilitation of support and response measures for student-athletes.

• Provide direct support to the Deputy Athletics Director/SWA in monitoring athletics Title IX and gender equity matters, as well as support maintaining compliance with select components of the NCAA Board of Governors Campus Sexual Violence Policy.

• Oversight of the institution’s NCAA Student-Athlete Opportunity Fund (SAOF) distribution, including strategic management funding to best support student-athletes and department initiatives.

• Act as the primary liaison to select campus partners, such as the University Registrar, Residential Life, and Dining Services.

• Ensure positive relationships between the division and key stakeholders, including alumni, local community, fans, parents, coaches, student-athletes, faculty, and other University constituents.

• Responsible for the effective supervision of staff as assigned. Ensures selection and hiring of high-quality employees; ensures the appropriate distribution of work assignments and high-quality employee work products; ensures fair and accurate performance assessments and feedback to include identifying areas for professional development and documenting and conducting disciplinary measures, as needed. Responsible for providing fair and accurate input to the supervisor regarding employment status (hire, promotion, salary increases, termination); ensures the creation of effective opportunities and programs for employee mentoring, development and sustained performance.

• Responsible for role modeling positive behaviors and leadership for student-athletes, coaches, and staff.

• Accountable for maintaining personal compliance with all relevant governing bodies to include: NCAA, specific conference, athletic department, university policies.

Professional Experience/ Qualifications:

• Two or more years of NCAA collegiate athletics experience working in a student-athlete support area (e.g. compliance, student-athlete academic support and development, etc.)

• Experience working with NCAA DI eligibility matters and NCAA applications

• Strong interpersonal, and oral and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Three or more years of NCAA DI experience with oversight of athletics eligibility matters

• Previous experience collaborating with University and campus partners

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree required

• Master’s degree preferred

Certifications:

A current valid driver’s license, in accordance with the University’s Driver Safety and Motor Vehicle Use Policy is required.

Colgate Athletics Mission:

To be an inclusive community of competitive excellence

Based on the level of experience of the successful candidate and specific needs of the department, the scope of compliance duties within this position may continue to be flexible and evolve.

This position has been designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA), in accordance with the federal statutory requirements of the Jeanne Clery Act. CSAs are required to and responsible for reporting allegations of crimes they receive from students and employees to the Campus Safety Department.