Student-Athlete Development Specialist I or II

Iowa State University • Ames, IA

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About The Position

The Iowa State University Athletics Department is seeking qualified candidates for a Student‑Athlete Development Specialist I or II. This position plays a key role in delivering programming and services aligned with our Student‑Athlete Development pillars: Connection, Character Enhancement, Civic Engagement, and Career Readiness. Our mission is to engage, transform, and empower student‑athletes - helping them grow as leaders, emerging professionals, and community members while preparing for life beyond college athletics. What you’ll do: Develop, deliver, and evaluate programming for student‑athletes in the areas of personal development, life skills, community service, and career exploration Establish and maintain relationships with stakeholders, including but not limited to student-athletes, coaches, campus, athletic alumni, donors, and local and national communities Foster an environment that supports student‑athlete well‑being, personal growth, and academic success while contributing to a memorable Cyclone student‑athlete experience Co-lead the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Co-teach University Studies courses and assist in the planning, organizing, and facilitating workshops Stay current on best practices, trends, and research in student development, athletics, and higher education to strengthen program offerings Adhere to all departmental, university, conference, and NCAA rules and regulations In addition to the duties above the Specialist II will provide oversight to student interns, help mentor the Associate, be assigned more challenging work, and serve as the lead on special projects. The ideal candidate is an engaging presenter and facilitator, a strong collaborator, and an effective communicator. You should be organized, adaptable, and skilled at building relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. This role requires flexibility, including occasional evening and weekend commitments. A demonstrated commitment to multiculturalism and the ability to support a diverse student‑athlete population is essential. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Requirements

• Specialist I -- Bachelor's Degree
• Specialist II -- Bachelor's Degree and 2 years of related experience
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Experience creating programming that supports the student-athlete transitions into and out of college (e.g., career coaching, life skills, civic responsibility, service learning).
• Experience working in NCAA Division I Athletics Student-Athlete Development.
• Experience teaching or facilitating classes, workshops, or group sessions.
• Experience using Canvas, Teamworks, and Canva for work projects.
• Direct understanding of the student-athlete experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop, deliver, and evaluate programming for student‑athletes in the areas of personal development, life skills, community service, and career exploration
• Establish and maintain relationships with stakeholders, including but not limited to student-athletes, coaches, campus, athletic alumni, donors, and local and national communities
• Foster an environment that supports student‑athlete well‑being, personal growth, and academic success while contributing to a memorable Cyclone student‑athlete experience
• Co-lead the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC)
• Co-teach University Studies courses and assist in the planning, organizing, and facilitating workshops
• Stay current on best practices, trends, and research in student development, athletics, and higher education to strengthen program offerings
• Adhere to all departmental, university, conference, and NCAA rules and regulations

Benefits

• Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental
• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees