Director of Academics & Career

This leadership position within the University of Wisconsin's Academics & Career Team provides oversight of academic and career support services for football student-athletes. The role supervises a team of three advisors who each support football as well as an Olympic sport, while also maintaining an advising caseload. Success in this role requires strong communication and collaboration skills, as it involves close engagement with student-athletes, coaches, staff, and campus partners. A Master's degree and 5-7 years of experience in intercollegiate athletics academic support are preferred.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supervise three full-time academics and career advisors.

• Serve as the main liaison to football coaching/support staff and related units for academic operations and recruiting.

• Lead strategy and structure for the football academic support team.

• Collaborate with campus partners to foster a student-first culture that supports retention and graduation.

• Serve on the Academics & Career Leadership Team.

• Contribute to team vision, mentorship, and cross-unit initiatives, including Badger Built.

• Provide academic and career advising for a caseload of student-athletes.

• Monitor academic progress and NCAA eligibility.

• Participate in recruiting efforts with prospective student-athletes and families.

• Perform other responsibilities as assigned.

• Assists in the development of operating policies and procedures to comply with regulations, institutional policies, and unit objectives

• Reviews and makes recommendations for exceptions to academic policies, procedures, and requirements for students

• Exercises supervisory authority, including hiring, transferring, suspending, promoting, managing conduct and performance, discharging, assigning, rewarding, disciplining, and/or approving hours worked of at least 2.0 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees

• Maintains expertise with advised curriculum and may assist in developing and recommending exceptions for policy and curriculum

• Serves as a liaison to internal and external stakeholders to maintain campus partnerships

• Participates in the campus-wide advising community, providing input to leadership regarding the development of advising, recruitment, and co/curricular programs offered by the school/college

• Leads one or more major operations of the advising unit and plans and directs staff implementation of academic services, related programs, and other events

• Assists in the development of strategic planning initiatives to ensure appropriate use of financial, administrative, and staffing resources, and alignment with the strategic plan

Athletics, Academic & Career

The minimum salary is $75,000, depending on qualifications and experience

• Minimum 5 experience providing academic support in intercollegiate athletics, preferably at the Division I level

• Demonstrated leadership experience including the ability to lead strategic planning and foster collaboration across departments

• Familiarity with academic and career support specific to football student-athletes

• Ability to connect with and influence diverse groups of individuals

• Ability to work occasional nights and weekends as required by team or departmental needs

• Student-centered professional who builds strong, trusted relationships with student-athletes, coaches, and staff

• Collaborative and adaptable leader with a team-oriented mindset

• Commitment to serving and supporting students from diverse backgrounds

• Thorough knowledge of NCAA and Big Ten rules and regulations

• Highly organized with strong communication skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities

• Vision Champion: Drive the vision of Wisconsin Athletics and Badger Built by leading academic and career support efforts that prioritize holistic development and long-term success for football student-athletes.

• Leadership: Provide strategic oversight and daily leadership to a team of advisors supporting both football and Olympic sport student-athletes. Set clear expectations, foster accountability, and establish a shared identity for the team's work.

• Team Collaboration & Development: Promote a culture of connection, communication, and continuous growth. Collaborate with colleagues across academics, athletics, and campus, while mentoring and developing staff to maximize their impact and potential.

Bachelor's degree required

To ensure full consideration, please submit your completed application no later than 11:55 p.m. CST on the Apply By date. Your application should include:

1. A cover letter detailing how your qualifications and experiences align with the responsibilities of the position.

2. A comprehensive resume.

Please note that reference checks will be conducted for finalists. Applicants selected to proceed in the selection process will be notified directly. All applicants will receive notification once a final selection has been made and the search is complete.

Conditions of Appointment: This is a 100% Academic Staff appointment. Salary will be assigned within the appropriate range, commensurate with the candidate's qualifications and experience. An excellent benefits package is also included. Successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.

Tianwei Miller at tm6@athletics.wisc.edu or by phone at 608-265-4138. Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

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