Position Summary

The Assistant Director for Student-Athlete Development: Mentorship and Life Design will lead and advance student-athlete development through on-going coaching and support to student-athletes through mentorship and programming utilizing the University’s Life Design initiatives, and by coordinating the Athletics Legacy Mentor Program to strengthen the campus resources available to support the academic achievement of all student-athletes. Resources such as building connections between student-athletes and faculty, counseling, and nutrition resources, and other relevant supports for our student-athletes is foundational to the Legacy Mentor Program.

Additionally, this position works with the Student-Athlete Services team to provide academic support to assigned teams. They also assist coaches, athletic administrators, university administrators, and faculty with any and all concerns as they relate to the academic needs and overall development of the student-athlete by monitoring, and providing regular updates on the retention, progression, and campus and community engagement of all students within their student-athlete caseload. 

Essential Duties, Tasks and Responsibilities

Coaching: 

This position will support a caseload of student-athletes and are primarily responsible for ensuring each student they work with has the tools to successfully transition to college and gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to lead a purpose-driven, well-designed life by working closely with the University Life Design and Career Design Coaches along with numerous campus partners to support each student-athlete in their academic development, personal development, and career interests.  

Collaborate with University Life and Career Design Coaches and with students from diverse backgrounds to identify academic and co-curricular experiences aligned with their academic, personal, and career interests. Help students evaluate curricular options and develop a comprehensive success plan that aligns with the Life Design mindsets and five areas of focus. 

 Academic Development:  

This position will be the lead creator and facilitator of all BGSU Athletics Development programming (personal, professional, and leadership) for all BGSU student-athletes.  

This position will facilitate and support multiple sections of BGSU 1910:  Design Your BGSU (1 credit), along with a Life Design Coach to develop and implement curriculum specific to the needs of student-athletes at BGSU through in-person and remote instructional methods focusing on inclusive pedagogy.    

Monitor academic progress; monitoring student-athletes’ continuing academic eligibility; recommending effective learning strategies to enhance student-athletes’ academic skill set; communicating with coaching staff on an as needed basis; maintaining weekly mentor meetings with student-athletes; assisting student-athletes with course selection and registration; Monitor and oversee an alumni/student-athlete mentorship program; Work with the Assistant AD for SAS to integrate Life Design and Design Thinking practices within the Athletic Department. 

Use appropriate technology, data, and strategies to support university persistence, retention, and four-year graduation goals.

 Outreach:

Provide proactive and responsive outreach to assigned students based on various data sources (e.g., pre-matriculation data, predictive modeling, early alerts, and midterm grades). Exercise cultural competence and an awareness of the intersection of identities as they build rapport and trust with students. Connect students to appropriate campus resources that promote academic success, campus and community engagement, retention, and degree completion. Encourage and recognize successful students. 

Develop and implement relevant programming, collaborating with colleagues across campus to create an inclusive environment that acknowledges the unique needs of student-athletes, including neurodiversity, marginalized and historically underserved students including students of color, first-generation, LGBTQ+, and international students.

Connect students to appropriate campus resources that promote academic success, campus and community engagement, retention, and degree completion. Encourage and recognize successful students.

Provide referrals to campus partners as appropriate (e.g., advising, counseling, and financial aid). Facilitate connections with campus resources, alumni and other mentors in support of personal and career development.

May also serve as the advisor to student organizations, such as the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and We Are One Team (WA1T).

Legacy Mentorship Implementation:  

Design and coordinate all student-athlete development and programming for student-athletes integrating Life Design concepts and Legacy Mentor programming specifically geared towards football student-athletes.  

This position will also provide academic support for assigned intercollegiate athletic teams. This includes but is not limited to the following forms of programming: academic success, personal development, professional development, NIL, and wellness programming. 

Will coordinate the Legacy Mentoring Program for football student-athletes and others as needed by providing structured, guidance driven advisement to student-athletes in order to grow their skills, and to provide a trusted influence within the student-athlete’s personal, academic, and professional growth.    

Professional Development:  

Participate in on-going training and development, including a community of practice among key campus partners, to enhance BGSU’s overall Life Design internal framework as assigned by supervisor and the Executive or Assistant Director of Life Design. 

Knowledge, Skills or Abilities

• Knowledge of NCAA and conference rules/regulations and college athletics culture
• Demonstration of life design mindsets: curiosity, reframing, , taking action, collaboration, embracing the process, and sharing one’s story.
• Experience in active learning, project-based and/or inclusive pedagogies
• Knowledge of or ability to learn design thinking concepts, student development theories, and career development theories 
• Coaching oriented philosophy of student support
• Critical thinking skills 
• Active listening skills 
• Compassionate and caring attitude toward working with students 
• Effective in working with diverse populations 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills  
• Strong organizational and time management skills 
• Ability to interact well with students, parents, faculty, administrators and other members of the campus and community 
• Understanding of the functions of an institution of higher education, including academic and student affairs 
• An understanding of student learning outcomes associated with the completion of general education curriculum and baccalaureate/liberal arts degree 
• Knowledge of or ability to learn University academic policies and procedures, as well as available degree programs and support services
• Knowledge of computer applications including but not limited to: Microsoft Office, Microsoft Outlook, People Soft/CSS, student success software, various learning management systems, and an ability to learn and adopt other technologies.

Salary

Full-time Administrative staff position available.  Administrative Grade Level 354. Salary is commensurate with education and experience. Full benefits package available.

Deadline to apply:  The search committee will review applications until the position is filled; however, for best consideration, applications should be provided by ‘May 10 , 2023’.   

Benefits

Bowling Green State University provides a comprehensive benefit program as part of a total compensation package.  This includes medical, prescription, dental, vision, health accounts (medical & dependent), life & disability insurance, retirement plans, employee assistance program and tuition fee waivers for employees and their eligible dependents as well as paid time off, holidays and parental leave.  For more information please visit Benefits-at-a-Glance.

Why work at BGSU?

Full-time BGSU employees enjoy an array of exceptional benefits, including:

• Quality, affordable health insurance: Various coverage options available for health, vision and dental starting the first day of the month following your date of employment.
• Generous paid time off: Vacation, holidays, sick days and more.
• Excellent work life balance resources: Our Employee Assistance Program offers confidential support to employees and their eligible family members, along with ancillary programs covering identity theft, elder care, legal services and more.
• Tuition fee waivers: For eligible employees, spouses and dependent children.
• Professional development opportunities: For skills training, supervisor and leadership programs, performance management, online courses and online tools for employee growth and development.
• Parental leave: Up to five weeks of paid parental leave for full-time employees with at least 12 months of continuous service.
• Retirement: BGSU offers several options for meeting your retirement goals with a current employer contribution of up to 14% depending on the retirement program selected. Read more about the option that best fits your needs.

Learn more about Bowling Green State University and how we aspire to be the preeminent public university that creates public good in Ohio, the nation and world.

To Apply

For a complete job description & to apply for this position visit https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/bgsu or contact the Office of Human Resources at (419) 372-8421. BGSU. AA/EEO/Disabilities/Veterans. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Bowling Green State University, please call 419-372-8421.

Minimum Qualifications

The following Degree is required:

• Bachelor's degree.  Degree must be conferred at the time of application.

The following Degree is Preferred:

• Master’s Degree in counseling, social work, education, sport management, college student personnel, or a related field.

The following Experience is required:

• 1 year of work experience in advising, counseling, teaching, facilitation, coaching or related field 
• 2 years of Graduate Assistantship experience equals one year of professional experience

The following Experience is preferred:

• Work experience in Student-Athlete Services, Life Design/Design Thinking, or career services
• Certification in life design, success coaching, or academic coaching and/or career development

About Bowling Green State University

Bowling Green State University is a nationally ranked public university committed to redefining student success in a high-achieving, innovative environment. In 2021, Forbes ranked BGSU as the No. 3 midsize employer in the United States, highlighting the University’s commitment to its faculty and staff. Serving as the core of the University’s academic community, more than 800 full-time faculty members are engaged in teaching, research and creative activities, with over 2,000 full-time staff members to support the operations and education of over 20,000 students. Bowling Green State University provides experiences that enhance lives. Students are prepared for lifelong career growth, lives of engaged citizenship and leadership in a global society. U.S. News and World Report names BGSU as one of the top public universities nationwide with a strong commitment to first-year programs that lead to success. Within our transformative learning community, we build a welcoming, safe and diverse environment where the creative ideas and achievements of all can benefit others throughout Ohio, the nation and the world.

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