Academic Advisor - Athletics

Overview

James Madison University, a member of NCAA Division I and the Sun Belt Conference, is recruiting a full-time Academic Advisor to support student-athletes in designated Olympic sports. This role resides within the Intercollegiate Athletics department, specifically the Student Athlete Services team at Harrisonburg, VA. The position status is full-time with a 12-month employment period and includes a competitive starting salary of $45,000 annually.

About the Institution

JMU is a public university known for its quality education and supportive campus environment, housing approximately 21,000 undergraduates and 1,800 graduate students. Located in the scenic Shenandoah Valley, Harrisonburg is a vibrant community roughly 120 miles from Washington, D.C. and Richmond.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver focused academic advising to assigned Olympic sports teams, ensuring guidance aligns with university and NCAA rules and collaboration with major advisors.
• Verify that student-athletes enroll in appropriate courses that fulfill major requirements and meet progress benchmarks.
• Track academic outcomes of assigned teams and report status regularly to Head Coaches and the Assistant Athletic Director for Academic Success.
• Make pertinent referrals to campus resources and assist with academic reporting to faculty and staff.
• Support at-risk student-athletes by developing and managing academic recovery strategies and coordinate team travel absence notifications.
• Assist recruitment efforts of prospective student-athletes alongside coaches and academic support staff.
• Monitor NCAA eligibility and degree completion standards, maintaining updated knowledge of all JMU academic programs.
• Ensure compliance with all institutional, conference, and NCAA regulations as well as privacy rules including FERPA.
• Contribute to summer orientation activities and supervise study halls as required.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Assistant Athletic Director for Academic Success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• A minimum of two years’ experience in academic advising or a related advisory capacity, preferably in higher education.
• Familiarity with NCAA eligibility regulations and academic progress requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as job demands.
• Master's degree is preferred.
• Experience working with at-risk students and in Division I athletic settings is desirable.

Additional Information

This role is subject to a successful criminal background check. Employment eligibility verification using E-Verify is required. JMU values diversity and inclusivity and encourages applications from candidates who support these principles. Reasonable accommodations are available for candidates with disabilities seeking application assistance.

Applicants may benefit from JMU’s Dual Career and Community Resources Program to support relocation needs.