Title: Student-Athlete Support Specialist
Agency: Virginia Peninsula Community College
Location: Hampton - 650
FLSA: Nonexempt
Hiring Range: $49,000–$52,000
Full Time or Part Time: Full Time
Job Description:
Virginia Peninsula Community College is a two-year institution of higher education established as a part of a statewide system of community colleges. It primarily serves the residents of the cities of Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, and Williamsburg, and the counties of James City and York.
Student-Athlete Support Specialist serves as a key member of the Virginia Peninsula Community College (VPCC) Athletics Department. This position provides holistic support to student-athletes by fostering academic success, personal development, and overall well-being. Through proactive outreach, mentoring, and collaboration with faculty, staff, and coaches, the Student-Athlete Support Specialist advances the College’s mission, supports the Athletics “Culture of Care,” and promotes retention, persistence, and graduation of all VPCC student-athletes.
Academic Success & Advising
· Provide individualized academic coaching, mentoring, and success planning for all student athletes. · Monitor academic progress, class attendance, and eligibility in compliance with NJCAA/Region 10 standards. · Assist student-athletes with course selection, registration, and academic goal setting.
Student Development & Retention
· Serve as a primary resource for personal, social, and career development. · Facilitate workshops, study halls, and success initiatives (time management, study skills, resilience).
· Develop and implement programming aligned with VPCC’s Enrollment Management and Student Success Initiatives. · Provide support for Athletics-related academic interventions including study hall tracking, progress report collection, and eligibility appeals.
Collaboration & Communication
· Partner with faculty, advisors, and support services (Accessibility, TRiO, Single Stop, Career Services, etc.) to ensure wrap-around support. · Work closely with coaches to identify at-risk student-athletes and implement intervention strategies. · Serve as a liaison between Athletics and Academic Affairs to enhance the student-athlete experience. · Collaborate with Athletics administration on strategic initiatives to improve athlete retention, wellness, and transfer pathways. · Assist in coordinating student-athlete onboarding, orientation, and life-skills programming.
Compliance & Reporting
· Maintain accurate records of student-athlete academic progress and participation. · Track eligibility, retention, and graduation data for departmental assessment and reporting.
· Support the Director of Athletics in upholding NJCAA, Region 10, and institutional policies.
Community & Culture of Care
· Promote the Athletics Department’s core values of accountability, resilience, and teamwork.
· Encourage involvement in community service, leadership development, and campus engagement. · Contribute to a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment for all student-athletes.
*This is a full-time, restricted classified position. Continuation of employment is based on funding availability.
*This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority. All employees are responsible employees and mandatory reporters.
*Availability to work occasional evenings and weekends to support athletic events or student needs. Minimum Qualifications:
· Experience in advising and mentoring students with academic and career planning. · Relevant work-related experience. · Willingness to travel and work varied hours, including evenings and weekends · Valid Virginia driver’s license or able to obtain one within 60 days of hire.
Knowledge
· Comprehensive knowledge of student success, coaching and retention strategies · Comprehensive knowledge of career development theories and practices. · Comprehensive knowledge of college resources required for student success. · General knowledge of academic programs of study · Working knowledge of NCAA/ NJCAA/collegiate athletic eligibility requirements and compliance. · Understanding of FERPA and other student privacy regulations. · Familiarity with retention strategies and federal student support initiatives such as SNAP E&T 50/50, TRIO, or Single Stop.
Skills
· Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills. · Ability to work effectively with a diverse student population and foster an inclusive environment. · Strong presenter, organizer, and planning skills · Skilled in the operation of standard office equipment, including computers, laptops, and related software applications · Attention to detail with a focus on thoroughness and quality. · Strong problem-solving skills to address students' issues and support their success. · Data tracking and reporting skills to monitor student progress and outcomes.
Ability to
· Prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously. · Connect and maintain relationships with students. · Effectively coordinate with various departments across campuses and in the community. · Work independently or in a team environment. · Collect, analyze, and interpret data to track student progress and outcomes. · Identify barriers to student success and implement proactive interventions. · Handle confidential information judiciously. · Use student information systems (e.g., Navigate, SIS) for academic tracking and reporting. · Work at all campus locations.Additional Considerations:
Experience working with student-athletes or in an athletics department