Assistant Athletic Director

Assistant Athletic Director

POSITION SUMMARY

The Assistant Athletic Director supports the Athletic Director in the administration of Spring Arbor University's (SAU) NAIA intercollegiate athletic program. The Assistant Athletic Director leads the department's day-to-day compliance and eligibility efforts and provides operational, administrative, and student-athlete support across the department.

The Assistant Athletic Director is responsible for strengthening the department's compliance posture, supporting effective departmental operations, and promoting student-athlete success and development. The position may exercise oversight of assigned operational areas and provides administrative leadership and project support as assigned by the Athletic Director.

The structure assumes seasonal balancing: during periods when the Athletic Director has increased demands related to departmental operations and competition, the Assistant Athletic Director provides additional administrative and compliance support.

A key responsibility is an enthusiastic commitment to, implementation of, and personal investment in the University's Concept and whole-person development model. Candidates should exhibit the fruits of a vibrant Christian faith and exemplary character and embrace and support our Christian mission within the Free Methodist tradition.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Compliance and Eligibility - Departmental Lead

• Leads day-to-day compliance monitoring, tracking, and documentation across the department under the ultimate accountability of the Athletic Director.
• Manages NAIA Eligibility Center processes for new athletes and confirms academic eligibility for returning athletes.
• Coordinates Title IX compliance planning and roster management in partnership with the University's Title IX Coordinator.
• Prepares and submits required internal and external compliance reports for the Athletic Director's review and sign-off.
• Holds independent authority to escalate compliance concerns and recommend corrective action to the Athletic Director and, where appropriate, the Faculty Athletic Representative, without awaiting routine approval.
• Ensures compliance concerns are appropriately elevated for independent review when necessary to maintain objectivity and avoid conflicts of interest.

Administrative and Operational Support

• Supports general recruiting oversight, including monitoring recruiting activity and evaluating incoming rosters and yield for reporting to Admissions.
• Coordinates student-athlete services, including orientation, student-athlete handbook and code of conduct updates, insurance and physical records, and partnering with Student Development and Success to reach out to at-risk returners.
• Assists with facility scheduling, game-day operations, and athletic communications as assigned.
• Provides administrative coverage and project leadership during periods of increased departmental activity, including the baseball season.
• Supports the Athletic Director with departmental projects, initiatives, and operational needs as assigned.
• Assists in maintaining effective communication and coordination among athletics, campus offices, and other University stakeholders.

Student-Athlete Success and Culture

• Plans leadership and discipleship programming for student-athletes.
• Supports student-athlete health, well-being, and academic success in partnership with campus offices.
• Upholds and promotes the Concept of Spring Arbor University, the Statement of Faith, the Community Covenant, and Student Development and Success values at all times.
• Embodies the Christian mission and vision of the University and infuses a culture of Christ-centered values and Christ-like behavior within intercollegiate athletics.
• Promotes a department culture that supports the holistic development of student-athletes spiritually, academically, personally, and athletically.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with relevant experience in athletic administration, athletics compliance, coaching, or a related field; master's degree preferred.
• Must be thoroughly supportive of, and exhibit a life and service in full accord with, the University's mission and values as an evangelical Christian university affiliated with the Free Methodist Church, the SAU Concept, and the SAU Community Covenant.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and capacity to manage compliance processes accurately.
• Proven commitment to athletic and academic success and to the holistic growth of student-athletes.
• Demonstrated understanding of NAIA, conference, and institutional policies and practices.

Preferred

• Master's degree from an accredited institution.
• Prior experience with athletics compliance or eligibility administration.
• Prior experience in collegiate athletic administration.
• Experience working with NAIA or conference compliance processes.
• Experience coordinating student-athlete services or departmental operations.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Spring Arbor University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe it is both our moral and legal obligation to ensure that all employment practices are conducted in a nondiscriminatory manner. In compliance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other applicable federal and state statutes, all employment decisions and practices, including recruiting, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, transfers, job classification, assignments, working conditions, educational assistance, terminations, layoffs, and return from layoffs, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment, will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal or state law. We evaluate all employees and prospective employees strictly according to the requirements of the job.

As a Christian religious organization, Spring Arbor University operates under the religious exemption provided by federal law, which permits religious organizations, including educational institutions, to give employment preference to individuals who share the University''s closely held religious beliefs. The University''s hiring practices and equal employment policies are administered in full compliance with both federal and state law.