Senior Program Officer for Sports and Athlete Services I

Main Duties and Responsibilities: I. Sports Program Management Assists the Director in reviewing and updating the integrated athletics programs and athlete support systems to ensure alignment with student-athlete needs and institutional strategic objectives Monitors the implementation of athletics programs and initiatives in coordination with the Coaches and Sports Program Heads to support their sustainability, consistency, and responsiveness to the evolving needs of student-athletes and the Schools, recommending operational improvements as needed Provides functional guidance to Coaches, Sports Program Heads, and administrative support staff in the implementation of athletics programs and student-athlete support initiatives II. Athlete Welfare and Development Plans and designs student-athlete safety and wellness initiatives, injury prevention programs, response protocols, safeguarding measures, and insurance-related requirements to promote athlete welfare and ensure compliance with established standards Oversees the implementation of athlete discipline and conduct across trainings, competitions, and related athletics activities to ensure compliance with established policies and protocols Plans and coordinates student-athlete academic development initiatives by collaborating with academic offices, faculty members, guidance counselors, Coaches, and other stakeholders to support academic performance and overall student experience Coordinates with varsity teams on academic concerns and tournament-related requirements, including coaching meetings, schedules, preparations, registrations, and orientations. Monitors the training activities by Coaches to ensure alignment with program standards, safety protocols, and athlete development objectives Reviews existing athletics policies and procedures and recommends revisions to improve operational effectiveness, compliance, and student-athlete experience III. Program Evaluation Develops and implements evaluation mechanisms for Office programs, including surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions Monitors and consolidates performance indicators, athlete welfare metrics, participation data, and program feedback to support program evaluation, evidence-based planning, and continuous improvement Prepares evaluation reports documenting program findings, insights, outcomes, and recommendations to support evidence-based decision-making and continuous program improvement IV. Representation and Stakeholder Relations Serves as the primary point of contact for communication among Coaches, athletes, parents, and other units/offices Represents the Director in University functions, meetings, and external events when required, including making decisions and presenting on behalf of the Director as needed Serves as a partner to the assigned school that requires the Office’s expertise and services Liaises with external stakeholders to disseminate official information and address inquiries regarding student-athletes and the athletic programs V. Office Management Support Assists in monitoring Office budget and expenditures, and recommends cost effective solutions for the Office Gathers and reviews the necessary documentation for budget preparation, purchase requests, liquidation reports, and cash advances for the needs of the student-athletes Conducts initial reviews of documents submitted to the Director, ensuring that all documents submitted are adequately supported, and provides necessary recommendations Drafts the necessary communications and guidelines and collaborates with stakeholders on behalf of the Director VI. Performs other duties as may be assigned by the immediate supervisor, or any authorized representative Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Sports Program Management: Understanding of athletic program operations, including competition scheduling and team logistics Data Analysis: Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data to generate actionable\ insights and support evidence-based decision-making Athletic Policies and Compliance: Familiarity with league rules, university athletic policies, and relevant regulations, with the ability to interpret and apply these requirements to support consistent and compliant implementation Facilitation: Ability to effectively facilitate meetings, discussions, and collaborative processes to achieve clear outcomes and foster stakeholder participation Crisis and Contingency Management: Demonstrates the ability to anticipate, manage, and respond effectively to emergencies, disruptions, and high-risk situations, ensuring safety, continuity of operations, and sound decision-making under pressure Safeguarding Standards: Understanding of national and institutional safeguarding policies and protection standards for student-athletes Technological Savvy: Ability to utilize information technology and computer and internet systems to accomplish tasks Communication Skills: Ability to communicate tactfully and sensitively with all types of personalities and predispositions, utilizing different media directed at different audiences/stakeholders Time Management Skills: Ability to use one’s time and resources efficiently and effectively Stakeholder Engagement: Ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders and effectively respond to their needs and concerns Coordination Skills: Ability to proactively coordinate, mediate, and manage actions in relation to others Records Management: Ability to systematically organize, store, update, and protect Office and Staff-related records throughout their life cycle, from the time of creation or receipt to their eventual disposition/turnover Education and Experience Requirements: Bachelor’s degree With at least three (3) years of experience in program coordination, student services, athletics operations, or event management Experience working in an academic institution, athletic program, or youth/student development environment is an advantage