Associate Director for Student-Athlete Development & Leadership

Kansas Athletics; Lawrence (KS); On-site; USD 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Kansas Athletics in Lawrence, Kansas seeks an Associate Director, Student-Athlete Development to lead initiatives that strengthen belonging, engagement, and community for student-athletes. This role focuses on relationship-building with athletes, coaches, staff and campus partners within KU Leads’ framework.

The successful candidate will mentor students, coordinate leadership programs, and manage projects from concept through execution, while advancing inclusive environments and strong

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum of one year of relevant professional experience in the sports industry, higher education, student development, leadership development, community engagement, student affairs or related field.
• Demonstrated experience building authentic relationships with students, colleagues and/or community partners.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to establish trust with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage projects from concept through completion.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively while also taking initiative and operating independently.
• Demonstrated commitment to creating inclusive and welcoming environments.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, professionalism and discretion when working with student-athletes and confidential information.
• Ability to work an irregular schedule, including evenings, weekends and occasional holidays.

Responsibilities

• Build authentic relationships with student-athletes and serve as a trusted resource and advocate within KU Leads.
• Serve as a KU Leads liaison to assigned sport programs, partnering with coaches and staff to communicate opportunities, understand student-athlete needs and strengthen engagement.
• Support initiatives that foster belonging, connection and engagement across Kansas Athletics, including RISE, Athlete Ally and international student-athlete initiatives.
• Mentor student-athletes through KU Leads programs, including Leadership Academy and other leadership and engagement experiences.
• Support student-athlete groups and initiatives that promote leadership, personal growth and community.
• Gather student-athlete feedback and use insights to strengthen the student-athlete experience.
• Develop meaningful partnerships with campus and community organizations that create opportunities for student-athletes to engage, serve and learn.
• Lead and support community engagement initiatives that connect student-athletes with diverse communities throughout Lawrence and Kansas.
• Represent KU Leads with university and community partners to expand meaningful student-athlete experiences.
• Independently lead assigned KU Leads projects from concept through execution, including planning, communication, logistics, budgets and assessment.
• Collaborate with KU Leads staff and Kansas Athletics partners to deliver high-quality student-athlete experiences.
• Manage multiple priorities and deadlines while maintaining strong communication, organization and follow-through.

Skills

Communication skills

Relationship building

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Independent project management

Collaboration

Diversity & inclusion commitment

Judgment & discretion

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree (preferred)

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Lawrence, KS 66045
Position Type: Full Time
Salary Range: $50,000.00 - $55,000.00 Salary

Position Summary

The Associate Director, Student-Athlete Development plays a key role in creating a meaningful, connected and transformative experience for Kansas student-athletes. Working within KU Leads' student-athlete development framework, this position develops and implements experiences and initiatives that strengthen belonging, connection, engagement and community for student-athletes. The Associate Director builds strong relationships with student-athletes, coaches, staff, campus partners and community organizations and serves as a trusted resource within Kansas Athletics. The ideal candidate is a people-oriented professional with excellent communication skills, strong initiative and the ability to independently manage projects from concept through execution. The position requires an appreciation for diverse perspectives and a genuine interest in helping student-athletes connect with Kansas, their communities and one another.

Responsibilities of this Position

• Build authentic relationships with student-athletes and serve as a trusted resource and advocate within KU Leads.
• Serve as a KU Leads liaison to assigned sport programs, partnering with coaches and staff to communicate opportunities, understand student-athlete needs and strengthen engagement.
• Support initiatives that foster belonging, connection and engagement across Kansas Athletics, including RISE, Athlete Ally and international student-athlete initiatives.
• Mentor student-athletes through KU Leads programs, including Leadership Academy and other leadership and engagement experiences.
• Support student-athlete groups and initiatives that promote leadership, personal growth and community.
• Gather student-athlete feedback and use insights to strengthen the student-athlete experience.
• Develop meaningful partnerships with campus and community organizations that create opportunities for student-athletes to engage, serve and learn.
• Lead and support community engagement initiatives that connect student-athletes with diverse communities throughout Lawrence and Kansas.
• Represent KU Leads with university and community partners to expand meaningful student-athlete experiences.
• Independently lead assigned KU Leads projects from concept through execution, including planning, communication, logistics, budgets and assessment.
• Collaborate with KU Leads staff and Kansas Athletics partners to deliver high-quality student-athlete experiences.
• Manage multiple priorities and deadlines while maintaining strong communication, organization and follow-through.

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as laptop computers and various digital devices, including, but not limited to: cell phone, printer, copy machine, and other related devices. This job requires flexibility and adaptability in schedule and the ability to perform job related duties on short notice.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to speak and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus. This position may require frequent bending, moving, lifting, and carrying material weighing up to 25 pounds; standing up to eight hours each day; and working in all weather conditions.

Travel

Occasional travel may occur with this position.

Hours of Work

This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work will vary based on the needs of the position. Early morning, evening and weekend work may be required.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university;
• Minimum of one year of relevant professional experience in the sports industry, higher education, student development, leadership development, community engagement, student affairs or related field;
• Demonstrated experience building authentic relationships with students, colleagues and/or community partners.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to establish trust with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage projects from concept through completion.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively while also taking initiative and operating independently.
• Demonstrated commitment to creating inclusive and welcoming environments.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, professionalism and discretion when working with student-athletes and confidential information.
• Ability to work an irregular schedule, including evenings, weekends and occasional holidays.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field.
• Experience working directly with collegiate student athletes.
• Experience in student engagement, leadership development, community engagement or belonging initiatives.
• Experience developing partnerships with campus or community organizations.
• Experience working with diverse student populations and/or international students.