Director of Student-Athlete Development

The athletic program at Appalachian State University operates on the premise that intercollegiate athletics is an integral part of the institution’s overall program of education. Priority is given to high standards of both academic and athletic quality — the goal being the complete development of the student-athlete.

The Director of Student-Athlete Development is responsible for representing Mountaineer athletics in various on and off-campus roles. The Director of Student-Athlete Development will directly oversee the development and implementation of a variety of programs designed to enhance the academic, athletic, social, and personal development of Appalachian student-athletes.

Duties and Responsibilities include:

• Develop and facilitate best practices to foster the holistic development of student-athletes in these areas:

  • Academic Integrity

  • Competitive Excellence

  • Social Responsibility

  • Career Development

  • Community Service

  • Leadership Development

  • Personal Growth

• Develop and expand mentoring program for student-athletes, to include support for student-athletes from underrepresented populations. Serve as a mentor and advocate for student-athletes.

• Coordinate educational workshops for student-athletes on topics, which align with the athletics department’s core values

• Serve as liaison with Student Affairs personnel on issues relating to student-athletes.

• Develop a strong collaborative network of resources on campus and in the community to enhance the holistic development of student-athletes.

• Coordinate with resources to develop and deliver professional development opportunities for Department of Athletics staff and coaches on topics related to student-athlete development.

• Disseminate information to Department of Athletics staff and student-athletes about campus resources and programming.

• Maintain positive working relationships with faculty, coaches, and administrators, and provide leadership in advocating for student-athletes.

• Facilitate Career Development Programming for student-athletes, develop Career Development network, and coordinate with Academic Affairs’ Career Development Center in providing programs for student-athletes.

• Develop and promote community service opportunities for student-athletes and the athletics department.

• Serve as advisor to the Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC). Facilitate the group’s mission and goals, provide leadership skill development and supervise planned activities and programming.

• Solicit funding through the NCAA (Student-Athlete Development Grant, CHOICES Grant, etc.) and other sources to enhance personal development opportunities for student-athletes. Oversee administration of external funding.

• Coordinate student-athlete nomination and attendance for regional and national conferences.

• Coordinate the NCAA Degree Completion Award process.

• Coordinate student-athlete postgraduate opportunities, including scholarship process.

• Coordinate annual special events for student-athletes, such as the Welcome Back session, Awards Banquet, Scholar Ring Recognition, etc.

• Oversee Student-Athlete Development budget.

• Coordinate Name Image and Likeness (NIL) Education for student-athletes. Collaborate with campus and external partners to plan and deliver educational sessions on a variety of topics related to NIL: Entrepreneurship, Brand Development, Personal Finance, Contracts & Negotiations, Licensing, etc.

• Demonstrate commitment to and compliance with the University’s and Department of Athletics’ policies and procedures as well as Sun Belt Conference and NCAA constitutions, bylaws, legislation and regulations.

• Facilitate all Academic Orientation Sessions for Student Athletes.

• Serve as a liaison for all community service activities. Help all sports teams find ways to give back to the community.

• Assist with data collection for reports.

• Serve on University committees, as assigned.

• Seek professional development opportunities to enhance skills and contribute to the effectiveness of The Student-Athlete Development program.

• Secondary Sport Administrator for the Men’s and Women’s Track & Field and Cross Country programs.

• Player development liaison for Football.

• Increased the student-athlete development program/staff – directly oversee two Grad Assistant positions.

• Other duties, as assigned.