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Associate Director, Academic Services
Division Intercollegiate Athletics
The Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA) invites applications for Associate Director, Academic Services to support Academic Services and Student- Athletes. In addition, the Associate Director, Academic Services will play a critical role in supporting the broader strategic priorities of the DIA, and ultimately this position will help foster a life- changing experience for student- athletes.
Since 1892, DIA has operated on the campus of the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign to support its intercollegiate athletic programs. Today, DIA supports 21 intercollegiate varsity sports which compete as a part of the Big Ten Conference and the National Collegiate Athletic Association. DIA provides the resources for over 500 student- athletes to participate at the highest levels of their respective sports. This extensive support ecosystem includes over 35 departments employing over 300 dedicated staff members including 80 plus varsity coaches working collaboratively to provide individualized championship- caliber opportunities to our student- athletes, in the classroom, in the competitive arena, and in personal and professional development, to enhance their growth and life preparation. The DIA mission is to Unify, Develop, Inspire, and Achieve, for the benefit of our student- athletes, our university, and our broader community.
DIA has set forth six strategic priorities to help guide and advance its overarching mission: Championship people, championship mindset; strategic innovation and investment; athletic success; financial sustainability; win championships; community engagement and enrichment. Together, these priorities present a cohesive vision for the direction of the department
Organizational Relationship
This position will report to the Senior Associate Athletic Director, Academic Services
Job Summary
The Associate Director of Academic Services is responsible for promoting academic success, eligibility, retention, and graduation of student-athletes assigned to Football and designated Olympic sport programs. This position provides comprehensive academic support services, collaborates with campus and athletics stakeholders, and contributes to the overall mission of student-athlete achievement. Duties & Responsibilities

• Student-Athlete Support and Academic Program Development
  • Assist student athletes with academic schedule development and major exploration and planning
  • Prepare and distribute NCAA required travel letters for athletes
  • Monitor and report academic progress of assigned student-athletes relative to NCAA, Big Ten and University requirements
  • Provide comprehensive semester grade reports to Associate Athletic Director of Academic Services and Student-Athlete Development
  • Oversee and report individual and team weekly study hall sessions
  • Facilitate interaction with or guide assigned student-athletes to campus and academic resources
  • Provide academic evaluation of recruits
  • Schedule campus appointments for, and meet with, prospective student-athletes on both official and unofficial visits
• Strategic Engagement
  • Prepare and distribute NCAA required travel letters for athletes
  • Communicate with campus faculty and staff regarding student-athlete progress and performance Consult with coaches on a regular basis regarding academic performance of their student-athletes
  • Work compatibly and cooperatively with all personnel within the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics and on the University of Illinois campus
• Strategic Leadership
  • Oversee the Young Professionals Program
  • Direct the hiring and training for all post-graduate interns

Work Schedule, Travel, or Other Job Expectations
Must be available to work some evenings and weekends Minimum Qualifications
Education:

• Required: Master's degree in Education, Counseling or Sport Management or closely related field Experience: Required: Minimum 5 years of experience in intercollegiate athletic advising. Three to five years full-time professional experience in academic services for student-athletes required.

Preferred Qualifications
Experience:

• Preferred: Experience in athletic academic counseling and/or higher education, preferably with either Football, Men's/Women's Basketball student-athletes.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of and compliance with specific NCAA, Big Ten Conference, and institution rules that relate to this position. Strong communication shills
• Championship Mindset and Expectations Understands and displays professionalism and integrity that builds and maintains trust between student-athletes and fellow DIA staff; Prioritizes and contributes to the life changing student-athlete experience; Adheres to University, DIA, Big Ten, and NCAA rules and regulations; Commitment to the Athletics Department and University's mission and values; Flexible to various scheduling to include nights, weekend work and some holidays, team travel; and Maintain professional competency and skills required for professional practice.

For a complete list of duties and responsibilities, Associate Director, Academic Services
Impact in Your First Year
Within 3 months, you will:
Establish Relationships, Assess Needs, and Ensure Academic Stability

• Build strong working relationships with assigned Football and Olympic sport student- athletes, coaches, academic units, faculty, and campus partners.
• Become fully familiar with NCAA, Big Ten, University, and DIA academic policies, procedures, and reporting requirements.
• Conduct comprehensive reviews of assigned student- athletes' academic standing, eligibility status, degree progress, and academic risk factors.
• Develop individualized academic support and intervention plans for identified at- risk student- athletes.
• Establish consistent communication and accountability structures with coaching staffs and support personnel.
• Ensure all assigned student- athletes are appropriately enrolled and progressing toward degree and eligibility requirements.
• Contribute to a smooth academic transition for new student- athletes, including incoming freshmen and transfers.

Within 6 months, you will:
Implement Strategies that Improve Academic Performance and Accountability

• Demonstrate consistent and proactive academic monitoring of assigned student- athletes.
• Successfully coordinate tutoring, study hall, and learning support resources to address identified student needs.
• Implement targeted intervention strategies that improve retention, academic engagement, and classroom performance.
• Build credibility and trust with coaching staffs as a key resource for academic decision- making and student development.
• Identify trends in academic performance and recommend enhancements to support programming.
• Support successful completion of eligibility reviews and academic certifications for assigned teams.
• Contribute to departmental initiatives focused on student- athlete success, retention, and graduation outcomes.

By the end of the first year, you will:
Drive Measurable Student- Athlete Success and Program Excellence

• Maintain high standards of academic support and eligibility oversight for Football and assigned Olympic sports.
• Demonstrate measurable contributions to student- athlete retention, academic achievement, and progress toward degree completion.
• Establish a reputation as a trusted advisor and resource for student- athletes, coaches, and campus stakeholders.
• Successfully guide student- athletes through critical academic milestones, including major selection, eligibility benchmarks, and graduation planning.
• Utilize academic performance data to inform best practices and continuous improvement efforts.
• Contribute to team and department academic goals, including NCAA Academic Progress Rate (APR), Graduation Success Rate (GSR), and institutional success metrics.
• Identify opportunities to enhance academic support services and implement solutions that improve the overall student- athlete experience.

Appointment Information
This is a 100% full- time Academic Professional, appointed on a 12- month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 8/3/2026. The salary range for this position is $57,000 - $65,000 and the salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Work authorization is not available for this position.
Become an Illinois professional at the University of Illinois Urbana- Champaign and be part of a dynamic community dedicated to making a positive impact on both local and global scales, advancing knowledge, and fostering creativity. Learn more about why YOU should join us.
DIA believes that athletics provides a forum to bring together people across all spectra of identities. We are committed to welcoming, affirming, and celebrating students, coaches, staff, and spectators of all races and ethnicities, sexes, religions, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and abilities. DIA's mission is to unify, develop, inspire, and achieve. It is no mistake that "Unify" is our first priority, a priority which requires a level of empathy and respect to create a culture of community, inclusivity, and belonging. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are a part of who we are and a standard that we are all responsible for upholding.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on July 24, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Krissy Doran at kdoran@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217- 333- 2137.
At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - the state's flagship public university and one of the world's leading research institutions - every staff member helps shape what's next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you're empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence - where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.
Champaign-Urbana
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.
Requisition ID: 1037371
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu