Student-Athlete Development Coordinator

Virginia Commonwealth University; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond invites a dedicated professional to serve as the Student‑Athlete Development Coordinator. This role designs and delivers high‑impact programming to advance student‑athletes professionally, personally, and as leaders during their VCU experience.

You will lead vocational assessments, community service initiatives, SAAC support, and RAMS Leadership Academy collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree, or education and relevant work experience equating to a bachelor’s degree is required.
• Excellent written, interpersonal, and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to motivate student‑athletes toward academic achievement.
• Must be able to work evening and/or weekend hours; valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Support holistic development of student‑athletes through programming.
• Assist in freshmen vocational assessment and career development activities.
• Coordinate community service initiatives and SAAC programming; support RAMS Leadership Academy.
• Assist in academic achievement support, career networking events, and related programming.
• Collaborate with campus partners, coaches, and community groups to create impactful experiences.

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

Advertising Summary

Ready to empower the next generation of leaders? VCU Athletics is seeking an energetic, passionate, and collaborative Student‑Athlete Development Coordinator to champion the holistic growth of our incredible student‑athletes! In this dynamic role, you will design and deliver high‑impact programming that helps student‑athletes excel professionally, personally, and as community leaders. From leading fresh vocational assessments and impactful community service initiatives to advising the Student‑Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and supporting the RAMS Leadership Academy, you will be at the heart of the VCU student‑athlete experience. If you are a dedicated professional ready to collaborate with coaches, campus partners, and community organizations to build meaningful futures.

Unit: Athletics MBU

Department: Athletics Office

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

Under the guidance of the Associate AD for Student‑Athlete Development, the Student‑Athlete Development Coordinator supports the holistic development of student‑athletes at VCU. The Student‑Athlete Development Coordinator will design, coordinate, implement, and evaluate programming that prepares student‑athletes to excel professionally, personally, and as leaders during their VCU experience. The Coordinator will assist in the development and delivery of VCU athletics student‑athlete development program, with a primary focus on community service initiatives and the freshmen vocational assessment program. And will assist with the Student‑Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) while providing programming related to student‑athlete engagement and academic achievement. This position will serve as secondary support for various Student‑Athlete Career and Networking events and the RAMS Leadership Academy. This position will work collaboratively with student‑athlete support services, coaches, athletics administrators, campus partners, and community organizations to create meaningful, high‑impact experiences for VCU Student‑Athletes. Additionally, the Student‑Athlete Development Coordinator will have the opportunity to serve on a variety of department, conference, and campus committees. This position requires evening and weekend hours.

Core Responsibilities

35% Student‑Athlete Career Development

Essential

• Assists with the implementation, and facilitation of the freshmen vocational assessment program while collaborating with campus partners.
• Support individualized student‑athlete career and professional development through meetings and referrals to appropriate campus resources related to professional development.
• Assist student‑athletes with professional skills including resumes review, interview preparation, professional networking skills, LinkedIn development, and career exploration.
• Assist in the planning and execution of career fairs, networking events, career workshops, professional development experiences, and career‑related programming.
• Assist in the operational and logistical support for the VCU Student‑Athlete Development program including collaborating with SASS staff, athletic coaches, student‑athletes, and vcu athletics staff.

35% Community Service/Events Planning

Essential

• Coordinates and promotes student‑athlete community engagement and civic engagement opportunities.
• Develops relationships with campus and community organizations to create meaningful service opportunities.
• Coordinates travel to and from community service events as needed, which can include driving VCU vans to community service locations.
• Track, assess, and report student‑athlete participation and community engagement outcomes to strengthen the impact of community service programming and initiatives through individual, team based, and athletic department wide opportunities.
• Assists in the coordination of the It’s on Us Campaign, Academic Achievement Celebrations, Student‑Athlete Graduation, and other events as assigned.

10% Administrative Duties

Essential

• Assist in the coordination of VCU SASS Social Media platforms. Including creating, posting, and engagement to enhance the student‑athlete development and support services programs and offerings.
• Observe FERPA policies without appearing unhelpful and refer student‑athletes to appropriate resources in a way that encourages them to follow through.
• Coordinate NCAA, Conference, and other scholarship application processes.

10% Academic

Essential

• Teach at least one section of UNIV 1xx per year.

5% Student‑Athlete Advisory Committee

Essential

• Support SAAC programming, meetings, initiatives, and leadership development.
• Assist in all operations of VCU SAAC to include weekly meetings with board members, development of initiatives, and strategies for student‑athlete engagement

5% Other Duties as Assigned

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree, or education and relevant work experience equating to a bachelor’s degree is required.
• Experience working with student‑athletes at a large, urban, NCAA Division I university.
• Must have knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to motivate student‑athletes toward academic achievement.
• Excellent written, interpersonal, and oral communication skills.
• Must be able to work evening and/or weekend hours, as needed;
• Valid driver’s license;
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various 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 equivalent;
• 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 - November 2, 2026

Salary Range: $45,000 - $50,000

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: No

Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite

University Job Title: 35221N - Specialist SS 1