Ready to join a workforce UNLIKE any other?

Advertising Summary: Ready to empower the next generation of leaders? VCU Athletics is seeking an energetic, passionate, and collaborative Student-Athlete Development Coordinator to champion the holistic growth of our incredible student-athletes! In this dynamic role, you will design and deliver high-impact programming that helps student-athletes excel professionally, personally, and as community leaders. From leading fresh vocational assessments and impactful community service initiatives to advising the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and supporting the RAMS Leadership Academy, you will be at the heart of the VCU student-athlete experience. If you are a dedicated professional ready to collaborate with coaches, campus partners, and community organizations to build meaningful futures, apply today and join the VCU family!

Unit: Athletics MBU

Department: Athletics Office

Department Summary: VCU Athletics’ mission is to win conference and national championships, provide a first-class student-athlete experience, serve as a source of pride for the University and community and cultivate graduates who excel as leaders.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Under the guidance of the Associate AD for Student-Athlete Development, the Student-Athlete Development Coordinator supports the holistic development of student-athletes at VCU. The Student-Athlete Development Coordinator will design, coordinate, implement, and evaluate programming that prepares student-athletes to excel professionally, personally, and as leaders during their VCU experience.   The Coordinator will assist in the development and delivery of VCU athletics student-athlete development program, with a primary focus on community service initiatives and the freshmen vocational assessment program.  And will assist with the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) while providing programming related to student-athlete engagement and academic achievement. This position will serve as secondary support for various Student-Athlete Career and Networking events and the RAMS Leadership Academy.  This position will work collaboratively with student-athlete support services, coaches, athletics administrators, campus partners, and community organizations to create meaningful, high-impact experiences for VCU Student-Athletes. Additionally, the Student-Athlete Development Coordinator will have the opportunity to serve on a variety of department, conference, and campus committees.  This position requires evening and weekend hours.

Core Responsibilities

35%       Student-Athlete Career  Development

Essential

• Assists with the implementation, and facilitation of the freshmen vocational assessment program while collaborating with campus partners.
• Support individualized student-athlete career and professional development through meetings and referrals to appropriate campus resources related to professional development.
• Assist student-athletes with professional skills including resumes review, interview preparation, professional networking skills, LinkedIn development, and career exploration.
• Assist in the planning and execution of career fairs, networking events, career workshops, professional development experiences, and career-related programming.
• Assist in the operational and logistical support for the VCU Student-Athlete Development program including collaborating with SASS staff, athletic coaches, student-athletes, and vcu athletics staff.

35%       Community Service/Events Planning

                Essential

• Coordinates and promotes student-athlete community engagement and civic engagement opportunities.
• Develops relationships with campus and community organizations to create meaningful service opportunities.
• Coordinates travel to and from community service events as needed, which can include driving VCU vans to community service locations.
• Track, assess, and report student-athlete participation and community engagement outcomes to strengthen the impact of community service programming and initiatives through individual, team based, and athletic department wide opportunities..
• Assists in the coordination of the It’s on Us Campaign, Academic Achievement Celebrations, Student-Athlete Graduation, and other events as assigned.

 10%       Administrative Duties

Essential

• Assist in the coordination of VCU SASS Social Media platforms. Including creating, posting, and engagement to enhance the student-athlete development and support services programs and offerings.
• Observe FERPA policies without appearing unhelpful and refer student-athletes to appropriate resources in a way that encourages them to follow through.
• Coordinate NCAA, Conference, and other scholarship application processes.

10%       Academic

                Essential

• Teach at least one section of UNIV 1xx per year.

5%          Student-Athlete Advisory Committee

Essential

• Support SAAC programming, meetings, initiatives, and leadership development.
• Assist in all operations of VCU SAAC to include weekly meetings with board members, development of initiatives, and strategies for student-athlete engagement

5%          Other Duties as Assigned

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree, or education and relevant work experience equating to a bachelor’s degree is required.
• Experience working with student-athletes at a large, urban, NCAA Division I university.
• Must have knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to motivate student-athletes toward academic achievement.
• Excellent written, interpersonal, and oral communication skills.
• Must be able to work evening and/or weekend hours, as needed;
• Valid driver’s license;
• Demonstrated experience providing career development counseling and/or event coordination within a higher education or collegiate athletics environment;
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Master's degree in social work, counseling, higher education administration, sport leadership,  humanities, or related area or equivalent;
• Personal student-athlete collegiate experience.
• Experience working in a university student-athlete support services, student-athlete development, or other related support/ student affairs office.
• Experience teaching and/or leading workshops.  

Application Priority Deadline - November 2, 2026

Salary Range: $45,000 - $50,000

Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

Restricted Position: No

ORP Eligible: No

Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite

University Job Title: 35221N - Specialist SS 1

Contact Information:
Contact Name: Garrett Knudson
Contact Email: knudsongj@vcu.edu