Director of Student Athlete Experience - Athletics

Here at GVSU Athletics we win…a little bit each day. We focus on the small things that make a big impact in the lives of our student athletes, and we want your efforts to help us in our quest towards lasting excellence.

Grand Valley State University, a liberal arts institution serving 22,000 students with a focus on preparing lifetime learners, seeks a Director of Student-Athlete Experience to be the lead agent in bringing the Athletics Department wholistic vision of developing champions for life into reality. This position will focus on key strategic priorities impacting the over 650 student-athletes across 22 varsity athletic teams as we look to widen the gap between us and our peer institutions in providing the best student-athlete experience.

The ideal candidate has a background in social work or other related field that focuses on enhancing human well-being and fostering positive change. This position will support the academic, social and emotional well-being of the GVSU student-athlete and is comfortable with innovation and impacting change on the mezzo- and macro- level. College athletics is an ever-evolving landscape and the ability to adapt to the changing needs of the student-athlete as they matriculate through their college career will be vitally important for this role.

Your resume should reflect experiences that demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, ability to develop and cultivate relationships with campus and community resources, and strong organizational and program development skills.

Position Summary

The Director of Student-Athlete Experience in collaboration with the Associate AD for Student-Athlete Engagement and Development will develop, implement, and monitor success of programming related to the college life cycle of student-athletes. This position serves as the Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) advisor, as well as Anchor Team Director (peer support mental health platform), University Counseling Center liaison, and other departments as designated.

Salary & Benefits:

Salary: $50,000 - $55,000 commensurate with experience

Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, life insurance, generous employer retirement contributions, wellness resources and tuition waiver effective on date of hire.

Supervision financial assistance provided for those pursuing licensure.

Primary Duties:

Develop programming including, but limited to mental wellness, character building, leadership, career preparation and exploration, and life after sports

Organize, plan, and execute student-athlete orientations

Coordinate Laker, Pride & Tradition Workshop (former Sea of Change)

Implement supplemental mental health resources through Onrise (Fall 2025)

Assist Associate AD for Student-Athlete Engagement & Development with all programming and initiatives as assigned

Assess overall student-athlete climate

Other duties as assigned

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Bachelor’s Degree

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences.

Outstanding organizational skills.

Ability to problem solve independently or with a collective team.

Cooperative team player with the ability to collaborate effectively at all levels of the institution.

A valid drivers license is a requirement and a MVR needs to be conducted upon hire.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Master’s Degree

Social Work or related degree

Relevant experience working in higher education and/or collegiate athletics

Experience developing and delivering programming, promotional materials and other content for outreach, education and advocacy,

Knowledge of issues and trends in collegiate athletics and/or higher education.

Demonstrated action to advance diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.

Working Conditions:

Normal office environment. Some travel may be required. Some nights and weekends will be required.

How to Apply: Attach your cover letter and resume. The system will allow you to attach these documents electronically. If you have questions about the position or the posting, please contact department contact Keri Becker . If you need technical assistance, please contact Human Resources at .

Application Deadline:

Application review begins May 9. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or (out of State).

Grand Valley State University is an Antidiscrimination/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for racial and ethnic minorities, women, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.

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