Assistant Athletic Director, NCAA Eligibility

The NCAA Division I Certification Officer is responsible for ensuring institutional compliance with NCAA, conference, and university regulations for all YSU student-athletes. This role plays a vital part in certifying initial, continuing, and transfer eligibility.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities: Conduct thorough reviews of academic records to determine initial, continuing, and transfer eligibility for student-athletes per NCAA, conference, and institutional regulations.

Coordinate with the NCAA Eligibility Center to certify incoming student-athletes.

Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of academic eligibility certifications for student-athletes.

Work closely with academic advisors, coaches, and compliance personnel to monitor student-athlete academic progress and eligibility.

Interpret NCAA bylaws related to academic eligibility and communicate regulatory updates to key stakeholders.

Assist in the development and implementation of institutional policies and procedures related to NCAA certification.

Prepare and submit required NCAA and conference reports related to student-athlete eligibility.

Conduct audits and self-reviews to ensure compliance with NCAA and institutional requirements.

Serve as a resource for student-athletes regarding academic eligibility requirements and provide guidance on maintaining compliance.

Participate in compliance training and education sessions for coaches, staff, and student-athletes.

Collaborate with the admissions and registrar’s office to ensure proper documentation and certification of student-athlete eligibility.

Assist in responding to NCAA inquiries and participate in compliance investigations as needed.

Supervises staff, including evaluating staffing needs; assigns and reviews work; establishes timeframes for the completion of tasks; trains and orients new employees; approves and/or disapproves request for leave; interviews candidates for employment and recommends for hire; evaluates work performance; receives and responds to grievances; provides assistance with the development of unit work procedures and policies; recommends and provides staff development opportunities.

Other Functions and Responsibilities: Assists with training new hires.

Performs other duties as assigned and/or required that are within the level of responsibility for this classification at the discretion of the supervisor.

Equipment Operated: Computer and all other standard office equipment.

Work Schedule: Typically, Monday through Friday; some evening and weekend hours required.

Other Functions and Responsibilities: Performs any and all other related duties as assigned or directed in order to promote, further, and ensure the effective and efficient operations.

Supervision Exercised: Supervision is exercised over staff and students. 

Reports To: Associate Athletic Director and Director of Compliance

Required Certifications and/or Licensures: None

Knowledge of: University policies and procedures*; office practices and procedures; department/division goals and objectives*; department/division policies and procedures*; workplace safety practices and procedures*; English grammar and spelling; records management; office management; project management. 

Skill in: Use of office equipment; typing, data entry; computer operation; use of computer software and other programs applicable to the assigned department/division*; organizational, communications, and attention to detail. 

Ability to: deal with problems involving several variables within familiar context; define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; determine material and equipment needs; calculate fractions, decimals, and percentages; compile and prepare reports; use proper research methods to gather data; understand a variety of written and/or verbal communications; prepare accurate documentation; maintain records according to established procedures; travel to and gain access to work site; effectively interact with personnel and public to answer routine questions; train or instruct others; move quickly and effectively from one tasks to another; work independently and in a team environment; develop and maintain effective working relationships. 

(*) Developed after employment. 

Minimum Qualifications: At least a bachelor’s degree; two or more years of experience in NCAA compliance, athletic academic advising, or NCAA certification; one or more years of experience with NCAA Division I rules and regulations related to student-athlete eligibility; demonstrated experience using NCAA Apps and compliance software. 

Preferred Qualifications: A master’s degree in sports management, higher education administration, or a related field; three or more years of experience in NCAA eligibility certification; previous experience as an NCAA Division I certification officer; familiarity with university academic policies and student information systems; experience conducting internal audits or self-assessments related to NCAA compliance; experience in Missouri Valley Football, Horizon League, Mid-American, and/or Conference USA.