Stanford’s Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation (“DAPER”) is the premier intercollegiate athletics program in the country. With an unparalleled record of 136 NCAA team championships, we are the proud Home of Champions. Our success isn’t just measured in trophies; it’s reflected in the passion of our nearly 900 student-athletes competing across 36 intercollegiate varsity teams. It resonates in our unwavering support for the university’s physical education, recreation, and wellness initiatives. At Stanford, we don’t just embrace excellence; we define it. We don’t just nurture champions; we create them. Our actions are guided by the core tenets of DAPER culture, “The DAPER Way,” which are: Embrace Scholar Athleticism, Pursue and Revere Excellence, Lead with Courage, and Work Cohesively.
The Opportunity
This newly created position reports to the Assistant Athletics Director of Student-Athlete Success & Well-Being, the Student-Athlete Career Preparedness & Alumni Mentorship Coach will be responsible for managing, executing, and evaluating all programming related to student-athlete career preparedness and alumni mentor engagement. This position is a member of the DASH team and will play a pivotal role in supporting the holistic development of Stanford student-athletes through programming, education, and leadership opportunities. The Student-Athlete Career Preparedness & Alumni Mentorship Coach will work alongside the The Director of Student-Athlete Success and Well-Being to develop and facilitate career focused programming in close collaboration with on and off campus partners.
At DAPER, we firmly believe that diverse teams make better decisions, foster innovation, and drive success for everyone involved. We celebrate differences in abilities, backgrounds, and perspectives, recognizing the rich tapestry that fuels our excellence. We are committed to fostering an environment of belonging where every voice is heard, valued, and respected. Your unique perspective is not just welcomed; it’s essential to our continued growth and success. So, if you think you have what it takes, but don't necessarily meet every single point on the job description, please still get in touch. We'd love to have a chat and see if you could be a great add to our team.
Primary Responsibilities:
Career Coaching:
- Serve as the DAPER liaison with the Career Coaching and Education team in Stanford Career Education.
- Provide both in-person and virtual career coaching to student-athlete undergraduate, graduate, and recent alumni of all disciplinary backgrounds in one-on-one and team settings.
- Integrate student development models, coaching models, and career and identity development theories, consistent with Career Education best practices, into all coaching and program development.
- Incorporate knowledge and understanding of intersecting personal, professional, and social identities, including diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within the context of career exploration and preparation into career coaching interactions.
- Interpret and implement Stanford Athletics, Career Education, Stanford University, and NCAA best practices and policies as they relate to career education and coaching, as well as alumni mentor engagement.
- Serve as subject expert and point of contact for student-athletes, coaches, Stanford Athletics administrators, on and off-campus partners, alumni, and company recruiters on student-athlete career-related matters and alumni mentor engagement.
Program, Resource Development and Delivery:
- Develop and deliver best-in-class in-person and virtual career programming for the student-athlete community including individual teams and affinity groups.
- Collaborate and strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders on advising and programming, and content related to career exploration and development, including but not limited to Undergraduate Advising Directors, Altius, Stanford Alumni Association, the Stanford Athletics Board (SAB), Corporate Sponsorships, Career Education, the Life Design Lab, Centers for Equity, Community, & Leadership on program development.
- Create and curate relevant and accessible resources (e.g. presentations, videos, webinars, static and interactive learning materials) to effectively and efficiently meet the career exploration and development needs of current student-athletes and recent student-athlete graduates.
- Manage all aspects of implementation and digital platforms related to career development and alumni mentor engagement including but not limited to Stanford Alumni Mentoring (SAM), Handshake, Teamworks, ARMS, and more.
- Establish and manage all marketing and communication efforts related to student-athlete career exploration and development and alumni engagement.
- Establish metrics and analyze data to inform decisions about DASH priorities focused on career development and alumni mentor engagement.
- Create meaningful opportunities for Stanford student-athlete alumni to engage with current Stanford student-athletes.
- Identify opportunities for student-athletes to participate in micro-internships with premier companies and organizations.
- Work with Assistant Athletics Director to meet evolving career education needs of student-athlete community with regard to ACC transition.
Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of relevant experience, or combination of education and relevant experience
In addition, preferred requirements include:
- Advanced degree
- 3-5 years experience in student affairs at in a highly selective research university with a diverse population of students
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Understanding of key career issues, trends, and opportunities that students of all disciplines face
- Experience utilizing key career services software, including Handshake and PeopleGrove.
- Familiarity, experience, or certification in providing career assessment tools, such as CliftonStrengths, MBTI, and the Strong Interest Inventory
- Experience working with undergraduate student-athletes
- Knowledge and familiarity with intercollegiate athletics, especially NCAA rules and regulations, is strongly desired
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; clearly and effectively communicate information to internal and external audiences including student-athletes, coaches, administration and University staff
- Excellent interpersonal, organizational, time management, and customer service skills
- Nuanced understanding of issues related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
- Basic computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, and Canva
- Relevant computer systems/technology experience including a solid understanding of social media
- Ability to learn and understand compliance with legal, financial, and university policies and external regulations.
Working Conditions:
- Estimated travel: 5%
- This position is based on the Stanford main campus
- This is a hybrid position requiring at least three days of onsite work per week and more as needed to meet student and departmental needs.
- Able to work on evenings and weekends, as needed
DAPER’s Integrity:
This position, along with all DAPER coaches and staff, is responsible for the integrity of Stanford’s intercollegiate athletics program, recreation and wellness department, and for the reputation of Stanford University. This position is responsible for ensuring that your involvement with DAPER activities maintains the integrity of the University’s reputation and does not negatively impact the relationship between the University and its faculty, staff, students, and alumni. Additionally, this position must comply with University policies and procedures, NCAA, and conference rules and regulations.
Pay Range:
The expected pay range for this position is $66,560 to $70,000 annum.
Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.
At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards ) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.
Why Stanford is for You
Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:
- Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or course auditing. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
- A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
- A healthier you. Climb our rock wall or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
- Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
- Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources at stanfordelr@stanford.edu. For all other inquiries, please submit a contact form.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.