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Student Athlete Development Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

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Student Athlete Development information

See Indiana salary details

$10.5K

$45.6K

$63.3K

How much do student athlete development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for student athlete development in Indiana is $45,581.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,700.00 and $50,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is student athlete development?

Student athlete development refers to programs and initiatives designed to support the growth, success, and well-being of student athletes both on and off the field. These programs often include academic support, leadership training, career planning, life skills workshops, and mental health resources. The goal is to help student athletes excel in their sports while preparing them for life after graduation, ensuring a well-rounded college experience.

What are jobs in student athlete development?

Jobs in student-athlete development are those in which you oversee recruitment, operations, and training for student-athletes and athletics programs. As a director or coordinator in such a program, your responsibilities include administering recruitment programs tailored to the needs and strengths of your academic organization, developing processes and systems to provide for student-athlete needs, and creating and instituting training regimens for individual athletes. Your responsibilities may range from high-level administration to quite literally physical interactions with athletes, and you support their development in skills and athletics for a particular event or game.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in student athlete development, and why are they important?

To thrive in Student Athlete Development, you need a background in counseling, education, or sports administration, often supported by a relevant degree and experience working with student-athletes. Familiarity with NCAA regulations, academic tracking software, and career development platforms is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural competency, and motivational abilities help build trust and effectively guide student-athletes. These skills are essential for supporting student-athletes’ academic, personal, and professional growth while ensuring compliance and overall program success.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in student athlete development, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Student Athlete Development often encounter challenges such as managing the diverse academic, athletic, and personal needs of student athletes, as well as balancing compliance with NCAA regulations. Building trust and rapport with athletes while maintaining professional boundaries can also be demanding. These challenges can be addressed by fostering open communication, collaborating closely with coaches, academic advisors, and mental health professionals, and staying updated on best practices and policy changes. Continuous professional development and networking with peers in the field also help in sharing strategies and support.

What is the difference between Student Athlete Development vs Athletic Trainer?

AspectStudent Athlete DevelopmentAthletic Trainer
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in sports management, kinesiology, or related field; certifications varyLicensed healthcare professionals with certifications like ATC (Certified Athletic Trainer)
Work EnvironmentEducational institutions, sports programs, youth leaguesClinics, sports teams, hospitals, schools
Employer & Industry UsageSchools, universities, sports organizationsSports teams, healthcare facilities, schools
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in athlete development and supportInjury prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation

Student Athlete Development focuses on training, mentoring, and supporting student-athletes to enhance their skills and academic success. Athletic Trainers primarily focus on injury prevention, assessment, and rehabilitation of athletes. While both roles support athletes, Student Athlete Development emphasizes skill growth and education, whereas Athletic Trainers concentrate on health and injury management.

What are the most commonly searched types of Student Athlete Development jobs in Indiana?

The most popular types of Student Athlete Development jobs in Indiana are:

What are popular job titles related to Student Athlete Development jobs in Indiana?

For Student Athlete Development jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Student Athlete Development job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,581 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Director of Player Development

Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN • On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Other

Posted 10 days ago


Purdue University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 136 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

312th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Title: Director of Player Development

City: West Lafayette

Job Description:

Job Summary

The Director of Player Development will serve as a mentor, advisor, and liaison to all players in the football program. The Director will work with department, campus and outside resources to assist student-athletes’ personal skill development (financial literacy, time management, etc.). The position will coordinate guest speakers to address issues and life skills outside of football; as well as develop a relationship with each football student-athlete. Collaboration with Student-Athlete Development of and oversight/tracking of all community service that the football team and/or football student athletes participate in will be central to the responsibilities of this position. This role will also develop, plan, and implement an orientation for incoming freshman and transfer football student-athletes.

What You\'ll Be Doing:

Mentor/Advisor

Serve as a mentor, advisor, and liaison to all players in the football program. Build relationships and trust with the student-athletes ensure they are comfortable with communicating concerns, issues and positive feedback regarding their Purdue experience. This includes managing the Profile Behavioral Assessment Results and meeting with student-athletes to learn their personality, goals, motivations, etc.

Student-Athlete Development

Work with the athletics department, campus and outside resources to assist student-athletes’ growth in personal skills (financial literacy, time management, etc.). The position will coordinate guest speakers to address issues and life skills outside of football. Responsible for ensuring football student-athletes participate in the opportunities offered by the Student-Athlete Development unit as applicable.

Freshman Onboarding

Develop, plan, and implement an orientation for incoming freshman and transfer football student-athletes. Provide guidance for student-athletes in the incoming class in critical areas including moving logistics, medical physicals, player parking, and immerse them into the football program. Serve as point of contact for all parents. Create a mentorship program pairing the incoming student-athletes with the upperclassmen. The head coach will rely on this person to advise him on all details regarding issues with incoming student-athlete transitions.

Community Service

Responsible for overseeing the community service of the program. Create and implement a summer, fall, and spring plan for the student-athletes and coaches to serve the Greater Lafayette community. The development of relationships and partnerships with external organizations, alumni, and donors is essential to this aspect of the role. Additionally, this position will identify events and opportunities for student-athletes to volunteer in the local community, such as visiting local elementary schools and hospitals, as well as attending events and speaking engagements. The community service hours performed by student-athletes will be tracked and logged by this position.

About Us:

Purdue Athletics is built on unrivaled pride, unlimited potential, and a sense of shared purpose that unites staff, student-athletes, and the broader community. As part of Purdue’s 150-year legacy, Athletics exemplifies a culture of collaboration, continuous growth, and excellence, where every member is encouraged to strive for success while fostering a positive and supportive environment. Joining Purdue Athletics means joining a team committed to building a better world together—where professional aspirations thrive, innovation is celebrated, and a lasting impact is made on campus and beyond. Read more:Purdue Boilermakers Athletics

What We\'re Looking For:

Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor\'s Degree
  • Master’s Degree Preferred
  • Four (4) years of experience working with student-athletes and/or collegiate age individuals in a life skills and mentorship capacity

Skills needed:

  • Knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations
  • Knowledge of football fundamentals and rules of the game necessary
  • Must be able to effectively communicate with student-athletes, coaches, administrators, faculty, staff, and parents
  • Ability to plan and organize work to meet established deadlines necessary
  • Ability to read, interpret, instruct, and effectively communicate complex rules, regulations, and guidelines
  • Must be able to demonstrate problem-solving, analytical, and excellent communication skills (oral & written)
  • Personal computer and related software skills (e.g., word processing, spreadsheets, database, internet)
  • LIGHT PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: Lift and carry 10 to 25 lbs. frequently, and up to 40 lbs. occasionally
Who We Are:

Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.

Additional Information:
  • Purdue’s benefits summary https://www.purdue.edu/hr/Benefits/
  • Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
  • A background check will be required for employment in this position
  • FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible For Overtime)
  • Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contribution Waiting Period
Career Stream

Compensation Information:
Professional 3
Pay Band S060
Job Code#20002135
Link to Purdue University\'s Compensation Guidelines: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/mngcareer/compguidelines/index.php

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Purdue University is an EO/EA University

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