The Senior Academic Counselor in Student-Athlete Support Services Office (SASSO) provides a supportive learning environment for Ohio State’s varsity student-athletes who are balancing the rigors of full-time academics with elite athletic training and competition. Assists students in planning their academic career and ensuring they meet NCAA, Big Ten, and OSU eligibility requirements. Collaborating seamlessly with college advisors, the University Registrar, and coaching personnel, the Senior Academic Counselor is instrumental in championing the scholastic and athletic aspirations of both current and prospective Ohio State student-athletes. This role provides personalized academic guidance, from degree progression and strategic course selection to compliance with NCAA, Big Ten, and institutional eligibility standards. Through consistent engagement and regular meetings with student-athletes, the counselor ensures vigilant oversight of their scholastic journey. Provide academic updates to assigned coaching staff, sport administers, and Senior Associate Athletic Director/ Executive Director of SASSO.
Possesses outstanding communication skills, both oral and written, including skill in writing memos, reports, and spreadsheets. Maintains knowledge and expertise in NCAA rules & regulations, their interpretation & application within the academic support realm. Works independently and prioritizes and completes ongoing tasks following established departmental, Ohio State University, Conference, and NCAA guidelines and university policies. Coordinate with academic support staff, athletic compliance, and learning specialists to execute individualized academic plans designed to foster academic growth and development for caseload.
Develops and maintains file resources related to NCAA eligibility. Responsible for compiling and reporting academic updates and/or grade reports to assigned sports team, sport administrator, and direct supervisor. Serves as an extension of the academic advising offices of the colleges during orientation and scheduling periods. Reviews degree audits and makes referrals when appropriate. Works with the colleges to clarify issues related to major and college changes and course progress information.
Compliance and confidentiality are of the utmost importance in this role. The Senior Academic Counselor conducts eligibility checks related to NCAA eligibility and has the privilege of working in a Power 4 athletic institution and must follow university and Big Ten Conference policies, NCAA guidelines, FERPA guidelines, ADA requirements and handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and sound judgment. Follows through on duties with minimal direction, counsels and advises students with professional, academic, and/or personal questions and concerns, interacts with individuals of various social, cultural, economic, and educational backgrounds, and interacts collaboratively and effectively with other staff, student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and the Ohio State University community.
Meets with prospective student-athletes and parents during recruitment process to discuss the importance of academic performances and progress toward degree. Aid with the admission process for potential student-athletes for assigned sports, including gathering of admission materials and collaborating with coaching staff and assigned compliance representative. Performs transfer evaluations for potential student-athletes to determine academic progress and eligibility status for coaching staff.
Possesses outstanding listening, analytical, and problem-solving skills in work with academic staff and student-athletes. Determines priority of information and communicates effectively to colleagues. Possesses a strong attention to detail. Works effectively in situations that may be time-sensitive or otherwise highly pressured, with a variety of individuals including students, coaches, SASSO staff, undergraduate education personnel, and athletic staff. Ability to execute in a fast-paced environment while independently representing both the University, Undergraduate Education, and Athletics. Understands and operates under SASSO best practices to ensure academic integrity, transparent communication, and student-athlete success. Serves as an informal resource and mentor to assistant academic counselors as requested. The Senior Academic Counselor typically works in-person, on campus during regular business hours. However, a flexible schedule including some evening and weekend work is required. Aids in SASSO goals and initiatives and performs other duties as assigned.
Hiring 2 positions - will work with Olympic sport programs
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
Four years of relevant experience
Familiarity with NCAA Rules, eligibility, academic advising, and Big Ten Conference Rules
Desired Qualifications:
Proven track record of success working with high support need students.
Previous experience with advising, admissions, NCAA certification, and academic systems.
Working knowledge of collegiate athletics and student-athlete demands
The pay range for this job profile is $59,000 - $62,000. The offer for this position will fall within this range based on internal equity, unit's available budget, and the candidate's qualifications.
The Ohio State University is an equal opportunity employer.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, national origin, race, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, protected veteran status, or any other basis under the law.
Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit the Equal Employment Identification form.