The Associate Director of Academic Services (Athletics), reporting to the Associate Athletic Director for Academic Services, plays a vital role in supporting the success of Northwestern’s varsity student-athletes. Serving a population of approximately 500 students across 21 sports, the Office of Athletic Academic Services provides comprehensive academic support and guidance while acting as a key liaison between the Department of Athletics and Recreation (NUDAR) and the University’s academic and administrative community. This role will serve as a trusted advisor, mentor, and advocate—helping student-athletes excel in the classroom, navigate the demands of Division I athletics, and fully engage in the Northwestern community. This role works closely with coaches, campus partners, and the students themselves to ensure they have the resources, guidance, and encouragement they need to thrive academically, personally, and athletically.

*Note: Not all aspects of the job are covered by this job description.

*Willingness and ability to work a non-traditional schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays as required.

Responsibilities

1. Advise and mentor student-athletes in three varsity sports, including football, fostering both academic achievement and personal growth.
2. Guide first-year students through the critical transition to college, monitoring progress closely and meeting regularly; support upperclass students with periodic check-ins to sustain long-term success.
3. Ensure academic compliance with eligibility requirements by overseeing quarterly course registration, aligning schedules with NCAA, Big Ten, and University requirements.
4. Keep stakeholders informed by sharing timely academic updates with coaches and team administrators.
5. Assist in recruiting prospective student-athletes by presenting Northwestern’s academic philosophy and highlighting the comprehensive support services available.
6. Connect students to resources by referring them to campus programs that address academic, personal, and career needs.
7. Build bridges across campus to strengthen partnerships that enhance student-athlete welfare and community engagement.
8. Demonstrate commitment and support by attending athletic events when possible.
9. Contribute to department initiatives through special projects that advance the mission of Academic Services and NUDAR overall.
10. Responsible for adhering to all Department and University policies and procedures, as well as the rules, regulations, bylaws and interpretations of the Big Ten Conference, CSC and the NCAA.
11. Responsible for adhering to all Department and University continuing education initiatives and required certifications and trainings.

*Will perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications 

• Successful completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in student services, ideally within intercollegiate athletics; increasing responsibilities within collegiate academic advising preferred. 
• Ability to work cooperatively with others and effectively interact and establish engaging relationships with a wide variety of constituents.
• Ability to build and maintain trusting relationships specifically with student-athletes, coaches and campus partners.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to engage effectively one-on-one, in small groups and in public speaking settings.
• Demonstrated ability to write clear, well-organized emails and reports.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven problem-solving abilities and sound judgement when handling sensitive or confidential matters.
• Demonstrated adaptability and resilience in responding to changing needs and priorities.
• High level of professionalism, discretion and integrity in all interactions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and/or other productivity tools.
• Knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations required.
• Ability and willingness to work evenings and weekends as required.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Master’s degree in high education, counseling, sports administration or a related field.
• Knowledge of rules and regulations of the CSC, Big Ten Conference and Northwestern University preferred.
• Familiarity with student information systems, academic progress tracking tools and learning management systems. 

About Northwestern University

Northwestern University is a major private research university with 12 academic divisions located on three campuses in Evanston, Chicago, and Education City in Doha, Qatar. We have approximately 2,500 full-time faculty members, 17,000 graduate and undergraduate students, and over 5,700 full and part-time staff. Faculty members include Tony Award winners, MacArthur Fellowship recipients and members of numerous honorary and professional societies, National Academy of Engineering, American Academy of Arts and Sciences and American Council of Learned Societies. Research thrives at Northwestern University. Interdisciplinary teams at Northwestern work to solve society's problems and facilitate clinical and commercial use of their innovations with partners at Argonne National Laboratory, Fermilab, and local universities. Beyond being a dynamic learning organization, Northwestern employs a dynamic and diverse mix of faculty and staff who work proactively to ensure that the University is a special place to work. Northwestern is committed to the recruitment of a diverse faculty, staff and student body, fostering a climate that treasures differences and provides rich opportunities for learnin...g. To that end, Northwestern University actively seeks women, minorities, veterans, and disabled persons for employment and promotion throughout the University. The Northwestern Work Environment. Our two main campuses are situated along Lake Michigan’s lakefront. The Chicago campus, located between the Magnificent Mile and Lake Michigan, offers outstanding views and is within walking distance of some of the city’s main attractions.The Evanston campus, just 12 miles north of downtown Chicago, sits among charming residential neighborhoods, parks, beaches, and bike trails.At our newest campus, in the architecturally significant Education City in Doha, Qatar, the University offers undergraduate programs in partnership with the Qatar Foundation. Northwestern offers many benefit options to full and part-time employees including: Competitive compensation, Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, Tuition reimbursement, Pre-tax transit options, Professional development opportunities, Vacation, sick, and holiday pay, Excellent retirement plans, Work/Life balance and resources, Dependent care match, Faculty-Staff Assistance Program. We also provide employees with access to an abundance of recreational, cultural, and enrichment opportunities that take place on and off campus.

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