Director of Student-Athlete Leadership and Development

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Position Title

Director of Student-Athlete Leadership and Development

Job Category

Academic Staff

Employment Type

Regular

Job Profile

Stdnt Affairs Mgr

Job Duties

Responsible for designing and delivering a comprehensive leadership development framework that supports student-athletes’ personal growth, self-discovery, and integration of institutional learning outcomes while also providing professional development for coaches and athletics staff.

The position leads department-wide initiatives that enhance the student-athlete experience, foster belonging and community, and promote meaningful engagement through leadership education and service opportunities. In collaboration with campus partners, the role supports student-athlete retention and successful transitions by delivering targeted first-year programming, career readiness, and financial literacy initiatives that prepare student-athletes for success during and beyond their collegiate experience.

Key Job Responsibilities

• May monitor the program budget and approve expenditures
• Plans, organizes, administers, and manages processes and operations related to assigned area(s) of responsibility
• Schedules logistics and secures resources to support the operational plans of the program or unit
• Monitors, evaluates, and modifies processes, procedures, and/or standards, ensuring alignment with the Institution's mission, values, goals, and objectives, as well as all local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
• Advises and enforces Institution policies related to services in Student Affairs
• May exercise supervisory authority, including hiring, transferring, suspending, promoting, managing conduct and performance, discharging, assigning, rewarding, disciplining, and/or approving hours worked of at least 2.0 FTE or equivalent employees
• Serves as the program or unit liaison to internal and external stakeholder groups

Department: Athletics

Reports to: Director of Athletics

• Full-Time: 100%, Academic Staff, 12-month ongoing appointment, one vacancy
• Student-Athlete Leadership and Development (50%)

• Design, implement, and assess a comprehensive student-athlete leadership development curriculum focused on personal growth, self-discovery, and integration of the university’s learning outcomes.
• Develop and facilitate department-wide leadership education programs and events, such as workshops, speaker series, retreats, and small-group learning opportunities, which provide deeper skill development and personal growth.
• Partner and support coaches to integrate leadership development into team cultures and competitive environments, serving as a resource and thought partner for coaches seeking to strengthen leadership development within their teams.
• Facilitate professional development sessions and retreats for coaches and athletics staff focusing on relevant topics to their professional development, such as transformational leadership, communication, inclusive team cultures, conflict management, and athlete-centered coaching.

Student-Athlete Success and Engagement (25%)

• Lead department-wide initiatives and programming that enhance the student-athlete experience, cultivate a sense of belonging and community, and deepen overall engagement of student-athletes.
• Assist with the coordination of department community service initiatives and opportunities for student-athlete service-learning and civic engagement aligned with institutional and athletic department priorities.

Retention and Transition Support (20%)

• Collaborate with campus partners to support student-athlete retention, persistence, and graduation outcomes through coordinated efforts, proactive outreach and interventions, and furthering institutional initiatives.
• Develop and deliver programming focused on first-year transition, supporting student-athletes’ adjustment to college academics, athletics, and campus life while fostering early connection, engagement, and persistence.
• Assist graduate-ready student-athletes with career-readiness and leadership skill translation to internships, employment, and postgraduate opportunities.
• Coordinate workshops and learning opportunities with campus partners focused on financial literacy, career exploration, and post-graduation planning, ensuring student-athletes are equipped with practical life and workforce skills.

Administrative Support (5%)

• Promotes the philosophy and objectives of the athletic program; to include adhering to and enforcing all departmental policies and procedures, as well as rules and regulations of the University, the governing sport conference, and the NCAA.
• Participates in public relations activities to include speaking engagements, television and radio interviews and press conferences, as approved or requested. Represents Athletic Department at professional, civic, charitable and alumni events.
• Provide additional departmental support to duties assigned by the Director of Athletics

Other Duties

• Complete required trainings and professional development as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Proficiency in computer use and relevant applications.
• Ability to provide leadership and instruction in the personal and athletic development of staff and student-athletes.
• Ability to resolve problems and answer questions.
• Ability to organize workflow and coordinate activities.
• Ability to demonstrate effective communication skills both orally and written.
• Knowledge of NCAA Division III rules and regulations
• Ability to drive a vehicle for the purpose of conducting university business and meet the criteria for operation of state-owned-vehicles – Policy 615

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Two years of professional experience in collegiate athletics, student-athlete development, leadership education, or a closely related area
• Valid driver’s license

The University of Wisconsin-Superior does not offer H-1B or other work authorization immigration sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be independently, legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain their work authorization without the support or help of UW-Superior throughout employment. UW-Superior is not an E-Verify employer; therefore, it cannot employ individuals on the STEM OPT extension. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources.

Desirable Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution
• 5 years of professional experience in collegiate athletics, student-athlete development, leadership education, or a closely related area
• Prior collegiate coaching experience or demonstrated experience working with collegiate coaches and athletics staff.
• Experience designing, implementing, and assessing leadership development programs for diverse student populations.

Compensation & Benefits: Salary range for this position is: $53,000 - $58,000 annually. This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid time off, competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance, tax-advantaged savings accounts, and participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund. For a summary of benefits, please see: https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/fasl.pdf .

Starting Date: As soon as possible

Contact Information

• For additional information about UW-Superior, visit www.uwsuper.edu ;
• For additional information about this position, contact Nick Bursik at NBURSIK@uwsuper.edu .

Application Process

Review of all complete applications will commence at 8:00am on July 14,2026 and will continue until the position is filled.

How to Apply

Click the “Apply” button to begin the application process or visit: https://www.uwsuper.edu/about/employment/ . You will be prompted to log in or create a Workday account to continue.

Important: The application includes only one attachment field. Please upload all required documents in that single field—either as one combined file or as multiple files attached in the same upload area.

Applications will not be considered complete unless all required materials are submitted.

1.) Cover Letter

2.) Resume

3.) Unofficial transcripts of all degrees earned

4.)Statement describing your approach to leadership and development, including your philosophy and how you measure success.

UW-Superior, A Superior Place

The University will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identities of ‘final candidates’ must be revealed upon request. According to the Attorney General, ‘final candidates’ under Wisconsin law means the five candidates who are considered most qualified for the position. See Wis. Stat. Sec. 19.36(7)(a).

Employment will require a criminal background check, and if you have prior work history within the last seven years with Universities of Wisconsin or State of Wisconsin agencies, a personnel file review check for employee misconduct. It will also require your references to answer questions regarding employee misconduct, sexual violence and sexual harassment. The University reserves the right to check references with notice given to the candidates at the appropriate time in the process.

Employment is subject to federal laws that require verification of identity and legal right to work in the United States as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act.

For UW-Superior campus safety information and crime statistics, review the Annual Security Report or contact the University Police Department Safety at 715-394-8114 for a printed copy.

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.