About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

Under the direct supervision of the Associate Athletic Director for Governance & Compliance, responsible for the day to day creating, maintaining, and monitoring of 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. Responsible for assisting coaches and student-athletes for 21 athletic programs and approximately 600 student-athletes in interfacing with University, Conference, and NCAA offices. Provide interpretations to coaches and staff regarding NCAA legislation, in particular, application of the rule. This position will have a primary focus on Eligibility and Monitoring in addition to other compliance responsibilities.

Essential Functions

• Responsible for the day to day creating, maintaining, and monitoring of 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:
  • Ensures the completion of all annual required NCAA student-athlete forms and provides practice eligibility clearance for student-athletes.
  • Maintains and administers a comprehensive NCAA rules education program, specifically creating and presenting monthly rules education to the coaching staffs.
  • Evaluates all incoming prospects to ensure prospects meet the applicable NCAA and Massachusetts Board of Higher Education academic and amateurism regulations; resolves issues related to fulfilling requirements.
  • Serves as the daily liaison with Undergraduate 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.
  • Produces and publishes compliance-related educational materials for coaches and student-athletes via rules education, email, Teamworks, and the compliance office’s social media accounts.
  • Prepares and submits NCAA and Atlantic 10 conference waivers and violations; resolves issues and requests for compliance interpretations with the NCAA or Atlantic 10 conference.
  • Maintains the transfer portal database and serves as liaison to input any student-athletes that submit a notification of transfer request to the compliance office.
  • Handles all NCAA compliance facets of recruiting pertaining to Bylaw 13 such as official visits, unofficial visits, recruiting activities, local sports clubs, camps and clinics, etc.
  • Submits Initial Eligibility Waivers and Medical Hardship Waivers as needed.
  • Initiates annual review of UMass compliance systems and updates assigned sections of manual as needed.
  • Previews initial eligibility status of prospects with coaches and provides recommendations.
  • Interprets rules and regulations to ensure adherence about recruiting, eligibility, and other topics.
  • Demonstrates capacity, skill, and willingness to engage student-athletes and coaches to contribute to the athletic department’s overall success.
  • Assists with investigations of possible infractions applicable to the NCAA, Conference and University.
  • Understands and contributes to implementation of departmental and institutional goals for achieving non-discrimination and creating a respectful, inclusive environment that is supportive of diversity, integrity, and collaboration.
• Attends conventions, conferences, meetings, training sessions as required.

Other Functions

Performs other duties as assigned.

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

• Bachelor’s Degree required from an accredited institution.
• Minimum 1-2 years of compliance experience at an NCAA Division I or II institution or Conference Office.
• Demonstrated computer skills to include Microsoft Office Suite
• Basic knowledge of the compliance day-to-day operations of an intercollegiate athletics department.
• Possess a high degree of integrity and confidentiality
• Ability to maintain effective working relations with student-athletes, coaches, staff, and various University constituencies.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (both oral and written).
• Ability to perform accurate, detail oriented work and manage multiple tasks.

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

• Master’s Degree from an accredited institution
• Demonstrated computer skills for NCAA Applications (RSRO, Compliance Assistant, Transfer Portal), PeopleSoft, Teamworks, INFLCR and ARMS Software.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Typical office environment activity.

Work Schedule

M-F 9am-5pm

Salary Information

Level 25

PSU Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

In addition to the application, please submit a resume, cover letter, and three (3) professional references.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or genetic information in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of the UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.