Adams State University is seeking a Senior Associate Athletic Director for Compliance/Internal Affairs to be a member of the Athletics Department leadership team. As a direct report to the Director of Athletics this is a full time 12 month at-will position that will direct and oversee all aspects of the compliance and eligibility department as well as overseeing all aspects related to student/athlete’s academic success. The position supervises and evaluates a compliance assistant, and three auxiliary staff members. The position requires extensive working experience in NCAA rules and regulations, particularly at the NCAA D2 level.

Specific Responsibilities for Compliance

• Implement ongoing comprehensive rules education program for the institution's student/athletes, coaches, faculty and alumni/donor groups to ensure compliance with NCAA, RMAC and institution rules and regulation at all times.

• Ensure the Athletic Department operates with the highest level of integrity and ensures compliance with all NCAA, RMAC and institutional rules and regulations as well as federal and state laws.

• Provide NCAA, RMAC and University rules interpretations for coaches, staff, student/athletes and parents, alumni, donors, prospective student/athletes and parents, campus and University personnel, community groups and all other inquiries and requests.

• Prepare and submit various NCAA and RMAC waivers where necessary.

• Oversee the management of initiatives that promote the institutional and departmental culture of integrity and compliance as it relates to intercollegiate athletics.

• In collaboration with the Compliance Assistant and FAR, determine term by term eligibility for aid, practice and competition for all student/athletes in accordance with NCAA, RMAC and university rules.

• Maintain athletics compliance office records, including interpretations, compliance actions, investigations, eligibility related documents, participation reports, financial aid and other data.

• Complete and submit NCAA annual reports including, but not limited to NCAA Demographics and Sports Sponsorship report.

• Where appropriate, work with entities on campus to complete EADA report, Federal Graduation rate report and any other required reporting.

• Serve as the department’s liaison to the NCAA and RMAC for matters dealing with NCAA Compliance.

• Attend and participate in NCAA and RMAC rules education, monthly meetings and conferences.

• Conduct monthly coaching staff rules education training.

• Provide leadership and supervise the full time Compliance/Eligibility assistant, establishing goals and priorities, conducting annual evaluation of direct reports and recommending/implementing necessary changes.

• Main point of contact and responsible for ARMS and ensuring forms are up to date and completed (including CARA, recruiting, roster management, financial aid agreements, etc.)

Specific Responsibilities for Internal Affairs

• Oversee the success of the department’s student/athletes, including their academics, health, safety and welfare.

• Assists in maintaining an athletic department that is committed to the University’s mission and strategic priorities

• Serve as the primary liaison with the financial aid, registrar, admissions and student affairs department.

• Represent the athletic department in committees across campus, including Care Team and President’s cabinet

• Direct oversight of auxiliary staff and departments which include Sports Medicine, Strength and Conditioning, and Sports Information.

• Sport oversight duties as assigned by the AD

• Conduct annual evaluations of the aforementioned personnel.

• Work closely and counsel with the AD in key decisions pertaining to the athletic department.

• Be the lead in writing policies for the department including updates to the Student/athlete Handbook and Department Handbook.

• With the assistance of the AD as needed, handle all student/related issues and concerns that may arise

• Serve as the primary contact for any/all student related questions, concerns and issues.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master of Arts or related degree preferred

• Minimum of 3 years NCAA Compliance related experience required

• Ability to work with a variety of personalities and excellent communication skills required.

• A commitment to a strict adherence to NCAA, RMAC, university and department rules and regulations as well as a solid commitment to student achievement in academics. The successful candidate will be a person of high ethical standards and show initiative and integrity to make important independent decisions

• Demonstrated knowledge and ability to work effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies in a global environment

• Ability to treat others with respect, civility, and courtesy and to work honestly, effectively, and collegiality with employees, students, and the community. This includes the ability to use appropriate conflict management skills to effectively manage any disagreement that might arise or to bring the disagreement to management for assistance in productive resolution when the situation requires.

• An understanding of Adams State University’s vision and mission

Salary and Benefits:

The salary range for this position is $61,860-$70,368.  In addition to salary, Adams State University offers a competitive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, and retirement savings plans. For detailed benefits information please visit our Human Resources Benefits Page. 

How to Apply: 

All interested candidates must submit application materials electronically through Adams State University’s Workday application portal.

No other format of application material will be accepted.

Completed applications include the following:

• letter of intent (cover letter)Cover letter

• current resume or CV

• Unofficial transcripts (official transcripts will be necessary at the time of appointment)

• Three professional references, including phone number and email for each

For full consideration, applications should be received by 11/26/2025. Review of applications will begin immediately after this date.

The position will remain open until filled. Applications received after the priority deadline may be reviewed at the discretion of the search committee.

Questions about the position may be directed to Sky Higens at

higenssr@adams.edu

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Part 106 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, including in admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and CFR 106 to Adams State University (ASU) may be directed to ASU's Office of Equal Opportunity, Director Ana Guevara, and/or to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights of the Department of Education. Support resources for sexual misconduct, ASU's  sexual misconduct policies, contact information for the Adams State University's Office of Equal Opportunity & Title IX, as well as a detailed  procedure for filing a grievance due to discrimination on the basis of sex may be found online at  https://www.adams.edu/administration/oeo/reporting-sexual-harassment/.  These  procedures also describe the University's response to reports and/or complaints of sex discrimination or sexual harassment.  

Adams State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Applications are sought from all qualified persons regardless of race, color, sex, disability, and, as covered by law, veteran status. In addition, University policies prohibit discrimination on the basis of religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation including transgender status and gender expression, marital status, and parental status.

Adams State University is dedicated to fostering Inclusive Excellence and especially encourages applications from women, people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and other historically underrepresented populations. Given the university’s mission and student body composition, the institution is committed to increasing the diversity of its professional staff and is actively seeking qualified applicants who have experiences, skills, and/or personal attributes that augment the perspectives of our current faculty and staff; we will give particular consideration to qualified applicants with experience in ethnically diverse settings or who possess varied language skills and have a record of successful experience in engaging diverse communities and student populations. Additional information about the university and the academic mission may be found at www.adams.edu/academics/