Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.

Job Summary

Under the direct supervision of the Associate Athletic Director for Governance & Compliance, the Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance is responsible for the day-to-day responsibilities of creating, maintaining, and monitoring a compliant environment that results in clear institutional control of all athletic programs relative to Conference and NCAA legislation as required by NCAA Division I membership. Further responsible for assisting coaches and student-athletes for 21 programs and approximately 600 student-athletes in interfacing with University, Conference, and NCAA offices. The Assistant Athletic Director is responsible for interpreting and providing interpretations to coaches and staff regarding NCAA legislation. This position will have a primary focus on transfer eligibility in addition to other compliance responsibilities.

Essential Functions

Responsible for the day-to-day responsibilities of creating, maintaining, and monitoring a compliant environment that results in clear institutional control of all athletic programs relative to Conference and NCAA legislation as required by NCAA Division I membership. These responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Serves as the primary liaison with Undergraduate Admissions and Transfer Admissions to assure agreed upon policies are adhered to by prospects and coaching staff; maintains files and admission status of all prospects and communicates to appropriate sports program.
• Coordinates a pro-active, comprehensive, and dynamic NCAA rules education program for the University faculty, staff, coaches, boosters, and student-athletes.
• Maintains and executes a comprehensive NCAA rules education program, specifically creating and presenting monthly rules education to all coaching staff.
• Prepares and submits NCAA and Atlantic 10 conference waivers and student athlete reinstatement requests; resolves issues and requests with the NCAA or Atlantic 10 conference.
• Serves as primary liaison to University Without Walls (UWW) admissions to ensure agreed-upon policies are adhered to by prospects and coaching staff.

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.

Job Summary

Under the direct supervision of the Associate Athletic Director for Governance & Compliance, the Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance is responsible for the day-to-day responsibilities of creating, maintaining, and monitoring a compliant environment that results in clear institutional control of all athletic programs relative to Conference and NCAA legislation as required by NCAA Division I membership. Further responsible for assisting coaches and student-athletes for 21 programs and approximately 600 student-athletes in interfacing with University, Conference, and NCAA offices. The Assistant Athletic Director is responsible for interpreting and providing interpretations to coaches and staff regarding NCAA legislation. This position will have a primary focus on transfer eligibility in addition to other compliance responsibilities.

Essential Functions

Responsible for the day-to-day responsibilities of creating, maintaining, and monitoring a compliant environment that results in clear institutional control of all athletic programs relative to Conference and NCAA legislation as required by NCAA Division I membership. These responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Serves as the primary liaison with Undergraduate Admissions and Transfer Admissions to assure agreed upon policies are adhered to by prospects and coaching staff; maintains files and admission status of all prospects and communicates to appropriate sports program.
• Coordinates a pro-active, comprehensive, and dynamic NCAA rules education program for the University faculty, staff, coaches, boosters, and student-athletes.
• Maintains and executes a comprehensive NCAA rules education program, specifically creating and presenting monthly rules education to all coaching staff.
• Prepares and submits NCAA and Atlantic 10 conference waivers and student athlete reinstatement requests; resolves issues and requests with the NCAA or Atlantic 10 conference.
• Serves as primary liaison to University Without Walls (UWW) admissions to ensure agreed-upon policies are adhered to by prospects and coaching staff.
• Provides oversight of compliance student cohort.
• Maintains the database of incoming student-athletes and team rosters for 21 sport programs and leads determination in conjunction with the registrar for student-athlete eligibility status.
• Maintains databases related to name, image and likeness legislation, Teamworks and INFLCR; monitors and educates staff, student-athletes, prospective student-athletes, and other members of the University community for compliance related to Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL).
• Evaluates all incoming students to ensure students meet the applicable NCAA and Massachusetts Board of Higher Education academic regulations; resolves issues related to fulfilling requirements.
• Works with the Assistant Registrar and Academic Success staff to maintain accurate academic database of approximately 600 student-athletes for purposes of certifying NCAA continuing eligibility.
• Prepares Extension of Eligibility Waivers as needed and requested.
• Works closely with IRS-certifying acceptance agents to tracks submission of necessary I-20 documents for incoming international student-athletes in conjunction with the Office of Global Affairs to assist international student-athletes with annual tax preparation and submission.
• Ensures adherence to NCAA rules within the camps and clinics for compliance; resolves discrepancies as they occur.
• Initiates annual review of UMass compliance systems and updates assigned sections of manual as needed.
• Assists coaches and approximately 600 student-athletes for 21 programs in interfacing with University, Conference, and NCAA offices.
• Previews initial eligibility status of prospects with coaches and make recommendations.
• Interprets rules and regulations to ensure adherence concerning recruiting, eligibility, and other miscellaneous topics.
• Provides interpretations to coaches and staff regarding NCAA legislation, in particular, application of the rule.
• Attends conventions, conferences, meetings, and training sessions as required.

Other Functions

• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
• Understands responsibilities with respect to Title IX, Clery Act and other compliance requirements.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• 3 years of compliance experience in the NCAA office, a Conference Office, and/or in intercollegiate athletics.
• Working knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations governing intercollegiate athletics.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to foster and maintain working relationships with coaches, staff and members of the University community.
• Ability to interpret complex oral and written concepts.
• Ability to work some nights and weekends.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Master's Degree.
• 3 years of compliance experience in Division I Intercollegiate Athletics.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Typical office environment

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Salary Information

Salary Level 27

PSU Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Upload your cover letter and resume, along with your completed application. Our team will check references at the final stage of the interview process. Please be prepared to provide contact information for at least three (3) professional references. This position will remain open until filled or the advertised closing date, whichever occurs first. Early submissions are recommended.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.

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