Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work with Student Athletes – 40%
  • Accurately assess a student athlete’s academic eligibility and academic progress, promoting academically responsible student-athletes.
  • Utilize academic tools to improve student’s academic planning skills, assist with the development of strategies for personal growth and modeling for individual decision making.
  • Work closely with student-athletes and their coaches.
  • Proactively identify, intervene, advise, and recommend solution addressing student academic issues.
  • Encourage and teach student to advocate for themselves, but when needed, advocate on their behalf.
  • Work in conjunction with appropriate college and university liaisons relative to student progress, petitions, academic programs and academic eligibility.
  • Act as the facilitator for proctoring exams as needed, for our students-athletes or visiting student athletes from other schools as assigned by your supervisor.
  • Counsel students regarding communications and interpersonal skills related to academic success and other academic situations.
  • Act as an intermediary between student athletes and other University personnel.
• Professional Conduct and Critical Unit Activities – 20%
  • Thoroughly and accurately complete reports/evaluations that adhere to deadlines set by department policy.
  • Possess an extensive working knowledge and maintain a strict adherence to Northern Illinois University, Mid-American Conference and NCAA rules and regulations as they relate to retention, eligibility and advisement.
  • Strict adherence to unit policies, procedures and processes to instructions or directions put forth by supervisory personnel and to following the chain of command.
• Work with Other Units – 20%
  • Conduct outreach activities for assigned teams (i.e., attend team practices, periodic team travel, regular meetings with coaches, etc.).
  • Work with other coordinators, athletics administration, coaches and other offices to create a positive and supportive environment.
  • Work collaboratively with campus units (colleges, orientation, advisors, etc.) to promote the academic success of student-athletes.
  • Work in conjunction with the Athletic Department in the recruitment process.
  • Maintain appropriate records.
  • Understand the role of the academic coordinator in the recruitment of first-year students and transfer student-athletes through on-campus meetings and the evaluation of credentials.
  • Look introspectively at personal and academic performance and develop strategies for improvement.
  • When practical voluntarily attend all athletic events to promote audience participation and support for NIU team efforts.
• Other Related Duties – 20%
  • Assist with the tutoring and huskie experience programs as needed by the program coordinators.
  • Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Director and Associate Director.

Minimum Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or above in Adult Education, Higher Education, Education/Teaching, Sports Administration, Psychology, Counseling, Personnel/Human Resources, or related field.
• Six (6) months of experience providing academic support services (academic advising, academic counseling, tutoring) to student athletes at the college or university level that includes knowledge and experience working with NCAA eligibility rules and regulations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Customer and Personal Service – Knowledge of principles and processes for providing quality educational guidance. This includes student needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of student satisfaction.
• Administration and Management – Knowledge of business and management principles involved in the presentation and delivery of academic programs, strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership techniques, recruitment methods, and coordination of people and resources.
• Active Listening – Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Critical Thinking – Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Knowledge of educational, evaluation, and measurement principles, practices, methods, and techniques, university policies and procedures.
• Speaking – Talking to others to convey information effectively; ability to develop a rapport with students.
• Written Expression – The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with students, faculty, and staff.
• Physical Demands – General Office requirements to include long periods of time seated/stationary, and willingness to work nights/weekends as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree.
• Demonstrated ability working effectively with a diverse population of students and staff and possess excellent communication and organizational skills.

About Northern Illinois University

Chartered in 1895, NIU is a comprehensive teaching and research institution with a student enrollment of approximately 17,000. Located in one of the most dynamic regions of the country, DeKalb is 65 miles west of Chicago, Illinois. NIU is included in the Doctoral/Research Universities-Extensive category of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and is a member of the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges. NIU has a diverse student population with 735 international students representing 118 nations. Approximately 3,500 students live on campus in residence halls and apartments. Northern Illinois University is an equal opportunity institution and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, or status as a disabled or Vietnam-era veteran. The Constitution and Bylaws of Northern Illinois University afford equal treatment regardless of political views or affiliation, and sexual orientation. NIU recognizes Dual Career issues.

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