Athletics - Student Athlete Support Services Coordinator

About Sacred Heart University

As one of the nation’s largest Catholic universities and among the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. Nearly 10,000 students attend the University’s nine colleges and schools: College of Arts & Sciences; School of Communication, Media & the Arts; School of Social Work; School of Performing Arts; College of Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; School of Computer Science & Engineering and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart, a Laudato Si’ campus, stands out from other Catholic universities as it was established to be led by the laity. This contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts and, at the same time, cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 391 Colleges: 2026 Edition and Best Business Schools: 2025 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliate station, WSHU Public Radio; a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu

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To apply

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a completed application and résumé through the University's online application system. Applications submitted outside of the official Careers at SHU website will not be considered. Applicants should not apply through third-party or external job sites, as such postings may be fraudulent or may misrepresent opportunities that are no longer available at the University. A cover letter or statement of interest is preferred for all staff positions. 

Sacred Heart University complies with all federal and state employment laws and regulations. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for this position.

Position Summary

Intercollegiate Athletics has long been an integral part of Sacred Heart University life. The success of the athletics program links to the educational mission of the University, especially with regard to the academic and personal health wellness and development of student-athletes. The joining of academic experience with athletic performance is a guiding principle behind SHU’s participation in Division I athletics. SHU offers its student-athletes a comprehensive system of services and resources to accomplish this goal. A truly effective athletics program produces student-athletes who succeed in their academic work and their chosen sport and whose careers after graduation are a tribute to their university.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

In collaboration with the Associate Athletics Director for Academic Services, the individual will assist in developing, implementing, and monitoring all student-athletes progress in relation to all five prongs of the NCAA Life Skills Program (Academics, Athletics, Personal Development, Career Development, and Service). Key goals are to increase outreach and retain student-athletes in coordination with other support services campus-wide, such as the Learning Center, Academic Advisement, The Counseling Center, Campus Ministry, Residential Life, and Student Life.

Administration

• Working to assist student-athletes by referring and collaborating with established University-wide support services, faculty, staff, and departments.
• Participate in meetings with the Associate Athletics Director for Academic Services, the Deputy Athletic Director/SWA, the University Registrar, and the Faculty Athletic Representative to certify the academic eligibility of all student-athletes. 
• Update policy and procedures manual on an as-needed basis.
• Help prepare and report on semester and annual grade reports of team GPAs and general student-athlete academic progress and standings. 
• Collaborate with Athletic Training and serve as the primary liaison for H.E.A.R.T Club (Helping Every Athlete Return Together). Conduct a minimum of two (2) meetings per semester. 
• Act as a Supervisor for all SAAc ( Student-Athlete Advisory Committee)- related activities. This includes but is not limited to, working with the Executive Board, scheduling monthly meetings, MAAC Conference calls, Community Service Initiatives, the MAAC Building Communities Award, and the Pioneer Cup, and representing SHU during the yearly MAAC SAAC Conference and monthly conference calls. 
• Distribution of books for those student-athletes on athletic scholarship.

Academic Support 

• Support student-athletes in scheduling athletic and academic commitments, resulting in a successful time-management environment in collaboration with academic advisement. 
• Assist in organizing and administering student-athlete tutoring programs.
• Assist in evaluating the NCAA Life Skills Needs Assessments of individual teams and/or individual athletic cohorts to produce related programming addressing identified issues facing student-athletes.
• Report on coordinated community service projects to better the community at large and support the mission and goals of the University in collaboration with Service Learning.

Advising 

• Assist and monitor student-athlete's degree progress toward successful graduation. 
• Manage changes in registration, including registration holds, as well as priority registration.
• Help to advise student-athletes during registration for classes, and monitoring for compliance with NCAA, MAAC, and University requirements.
• Meet with coaching staff and team administrators to share information on student-athletes' academic progress when needed.
• Build relationships across campus to promote student-athlete welfare and community integration.
• Review and create action plans to identify and for student-athletes at risk, meeting with them one-on-one in coordination with other campus support services (i.e.: Executive Director of Student Success, JLC Academic Support Services, First-Year Experience, and Academic Advisement) and monitor/ report out on a continual basis to assure satisfactory academic progress.

Recruiting 

• Meet with prospective student-athletes and families to discuss the University’s philosophy in regards to student-athletes and the support programs offered at Sacred Heart University. 
• Conduct recruiting presentations as needed.

Other 

• Meet with coaches and key University staff/faculty on a continual basis to promote a collaborative environment to benefit all student-athletes potential successes outside of their sport.
• Attend NCAA and MAAC meetings for academic advisors, as required.
• Responsible for MACC Yearly Speakers and corresponding coordination of events.
• Help to prepare NCAA, MACC and Athletic Department reports as needed.
• When possible, attend athletic events to maintain maximum knowledge of each intercollegiate sport relevant to various assignments.
• Responsible for adherence to all Department and University policies and procedures, as well as the rules, regulations, bylaws, and interpretations of the NCAA and the MACC. 
• Other duties as assigned or required. 

Requirements:

Actively promote a collegial environment and consciously apply our mission and values to create a culture of inclusion and belonging, a safe space where all may thrive and succeed.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, & Other Attributes

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s Degree preferred.
• Previous NCAA experience preferred.
• A proven instinct for addressing the day-to-day academic and social issues affecting the lives of student-athletes and young people of college age in general.
• Previous experience in mentoring is preferred. 
• Ability to facilitate and constructively participate in group meetings.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong listening skills. 
• Must be able to work cooperatively with the Department’s administrative, coaching, and support staff as well as various entities and constituents on and off campus. 
• Able to adhere to confidentiality rules. 

Unusual Working Conditions

Some evening and weekend hours as needed.

This job posting provides an overview of the role's general nature and expected tasks. It is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all duties performed. The university reserves the right to modify or reassign job responsibilities at any time. This posting description does not constitute an employment contract, either explicit or implied.