Student-Athlete Academic Coordinator

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of VA Careers is seeking an Academic Advisor AA 1 for VCU Athletics. The role counsels student-athletes on majors, career planning, and resources to support timely graduation.

You will guide course selection, monitor progress, and maintain records under NCAA rules, while also teaching UNIV sections and coordinating with coaches and staff. Qualifications include an advanced degree or equivalent, experience with student-athletes at a large university, and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree or equivalent experience required.
• Experience working with student-athletes at a large NCAA Division I university.
• Strong knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations.
• Experience in academic advising within a university environment.
• Excellent written, interpersonal, and oral communication skills.
• Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends as needed.
• Commitment to an inclusive, respectful environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide academic advising and course planning for student-athletes.
• Monitor academic progress and communicate with coaches.
• Teach UNIV courses and assist with major/career planning.
• Refer students to tutoring and academic coaching as needed.
• Ensure FERPA compliance and proper documentation.

Skills

Academic advising

NCAA rules knowledge

Interpersonal communication

Time management

Evening/weekend flexibility

Education

Advanced degree or equivalent

Master's preferred in related area

Job description

Advertising Summary:

Unit: Athletics

Department: Athletics

Department Summary:VCU Athletics’ mission is to win conference and national championships, provide a first-class student-athlete experience, serve as a source of pride for the University and community and cultivate graduates who excel as leaders.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Position Overview

Under the guidance of the Associate Athletic Director for Academic Support, the Student-Athlete Academic Coordinator counsels and guides VCU's student-athletes to educational success. The Student-Athlete Academic Coordinator works with student-athletes to achieve academic success through the preparation of course planning, academic advising, and success knowledge of university and athletic academic resources. The Student-Athlete Academic Coordinator will have a primary focus on achieving timely graduation, preparation of career and life skills, and knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations. Reporting to the Associate Athletic Director for Academic Support, the Student-Athlete Academic Coordinator works to further VCU Athletics’ mission to win conference and national championships, provide a first-class student-athlete experience, serve as a source of pride for the University and community, and cultivate graduates who excel as leaders.

Core Responsibilities

Academic Advising

• Work with student-athletes on major choice and career planning utilizing major maps and other resources.
• Meet with assigned caseload on a regular basis and document meeting counts in Navigate.
• Work with student-athletes on strategies to enhance their overall success.
• Make appropriate referrals to academic coaching and tutoring services.
• Monitor the academic progress of the student-athletes and update coaches.
• Maintain accurate and detailed written documentation for each student-athlete during their course of stay at VCU as required by the NCAA.
• Identify at-risk student-athletes and make appropriate referrals.
• Meet with prospective student-athletes, families, and coaches.

NCAA Eligibility

Work with the VCU Compliance Office and the Office of Records and Registration to monitor and ensure the eligibility of student-athletes.

• Complete CAi and eligibility sheets after every semester
• Maintain accurate records for individual student-athletes on caseload to ensure successful completion of NCAA academic certification process.

Teach UNIV courses:

Teach and plan lessons for at least one section of the first year UNIV 1XX course during the fall or spring semester.

• Attend all trainings relevant to the UNIV course

Administrative Duties

Observe FERPA policies without appearing unhelpful and refer student-athletes to appropriate resources in a way that encourages them to follow through.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

An advanced degree, or education and relevant work experience equating to an advanced degree, is required.

Experience working with student-athletes at a large, urban, NCAA Division l university..

Must have a thorough knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations..

Demonstrated ability to motivate student-athletes toward academic achievement..

Experience in academic advising with in a university environment with student-athletes of varying academic levels.

Excellent written, interpersonal, and oral communication skills..

Must be able to work evening and/or weekend hours, as needed.

Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications

A Master's degree in social work, counseling, higher education administration, sport leadership, humanities, or related area or experience and relevant work experience equating to an advanced degree;

Personal student-athlete collegiate experience..

Experience working in a university student-athlete support services, student-athlete development, or other related support/ student affairs office..

Experience teaching and/or leading workshops.

Application Priority Deadline: September 17, 2026

Salary Range: $55,000 - $57,000

Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

Restricted Position: No

ORP Eligible: Yes

Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite

University Job Title: 10211Y - Academic Advisor AA 1

Contact Information

Contact Name: Kasey Mattison

Contact Email: [e-mail]