The Student Academic Enhancement Program welcomes applications from enthusiastic candidates for the position of Athletic Academic Counselor. The Athletic Academic Counselor serves as the primary point of contact for student-athletes in terms of monitoring their academic performance, encouraging their academic success, and ensuring that their academic plans and decisions are in line with NCAA policies and expectations. Academic Counselors work individually with students to select classes, schedule tutoring, chart paths to graduation, and monitor NCAA Division I eligibility. Counselors also participate in some recruiting visits. Some travel may be required, including overnight travel for study hall if the counselor is assigned to men’s and/or women’s basketball. Some night and weekend work will be expected for all Academic Counselors.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

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  Provide one-on-one individualized advisement for each student-athlete, creating an academic plan and class schedule each term that aligns with that student’s needs and path to degree
• Continuously monitor the grades of student advisees and intervene as appropriate to refer to tutoring or other academic interventions
• Track all advisees’ progress to degree, grades, and other metrics relevant to NCAA Division I. eligibility and prepare weekly advisory reports for coaches, the Director, and other stakeholders regarding at-risk students
• Work collaboratively with other Academic Counselors and the Associate AD for Academic Support Services as a team to support the academic success of all student-athletes
• Assist student-athletes with change of major processes, working collaboratively with other campus advisors and determining impact to eligibility and time to graduation
• Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

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  Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Excellent communication skills.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

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  Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
  
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work cooperatively with others
  
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with diverse individuals and groups.
  
• Familiarity with principles and practice of diversity, equity, and inclusion to enhance student success.
  
• Ability to multi-task and demonstrate strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
  
• Ability to be proactive and problem solve with professionalism, ethics, and discretion
  
• Aptitude for learning and staying current with policies and procedures
  
• Knowledge of university degree programs and requirements.
  
• Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database software.
  
• Knowledge of NCAA Division I rules and regulations.

Preferred Qualifications

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  Master’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• A degree or significant previous coursework completed in subjects such as counseling, education, sociology, psychology, public relations, marketing, sports management, or related field.
• Experience in work that required critical-thinking, problem-solving, and initiative-taking.
• Experience in athletic or other academic advising.
• NCAA Division I athletic program experience.

About The University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is a comprehensive public research institution delivering transformative programs on campuses in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. Founded in 1910, USM is one of only 131 universities in the nation to earn the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education's "R1: Doctoral Universities - Very high research activity" designation, and its robust research enterprise includes experts in ocean science and engineering, polymer science and engineering, and large event venue safety and security, among others. USM is also one of only 37 institutions in the nation accredited in theatre, art and design, dance and music. As an economic driver, USM generates an annual economic impact of more than $600 million across the state. USM welcomes a diverse student body of more than 14,000, representing 71 countries, all 50 states, and every county in Mississippi. USM students have collected four Truman Scholarships and 37 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships, while also leading Mississippi with 27 Goldwater Scholarships, an honor that recognizes the next generation of great research scientists. Home to the Golden Eagles, USM competes in 17 Division I sports sponsored by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). For more information, visit www.usm.edu.

As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.