Academic Advisor for Student Athletes

Academic Advisor for Student Athletes

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Academic Advisor for Student Athletes.

Location: Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001, United States

Division: Student Academic Enhancement Program

Position Type: Staff

Employment Status: Full Time

Salary Range: 40,000.00 - 40,000.00

Pay Grade: X06

Posting Close Date: July 1, 2026

Special Instructions to Applicants

To apply, submit a cover letter highlighting your qualifications and experience related to the specific job requirements, along with a current resume, to the USM job application portal by the closing of the position. Contact Kylie Amato Hall at View email address on click.appcast.io if you have any questions. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).

Job Summary

The Student Athlete Academic Services (SAAS) at the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) welcomes applications from enthusiastic candidates for the position of Athletic Academic Advisor. The athletic academic advisor serves as the primary point of contact for student-athletes in terms of monitoring their academic performance, encouraging their academic success, and ensuring that their academic plans and decisions are in line with NCAA policies and expectations. Academic advisors work individually with students to select classes, schedule tutoring, chart paths to graduation, and monitor NCAA Division I eligibility. Advisors also participate in some recruiting visits. Some travel and occasional weekend work may be required.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

1. Provide one-on-one individualized advisement for each student-athlete, creating an academic plan and class schedule each term that aligns with that student's needs and path to degree.
2. Continuously monitor the grades of student advisees and intervene as appropriate to refer to tutoring or other academic interventions.
3. Track all advisees' progress to degree, grades, and other metrics relevant to NCAA Division I eligibility and prepare weekly advisory reports for coaches, the Director, and other stakeholders regarding at-risk students.
4. Work collaboratively and collegially with other academic advisors and the Associate Athletics Director for Academic Support Services as a team to support the academic success of all student-athletes.
5. Assist student-athletes with change of major processes, working collaboratively with other campus advisors and determining impact to eligibility and time to graduation.
6. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work cooperatively with others
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with diverse individuals with varied backgrounds and experiences.
• Familiarity with principles and practice of diversity, equity, and inclusion to enhance student success
• Ability to multi-task and demonstrate strong organizational skills with attention to detail
• Ability to be proactive and problem solve with professionalism, ethics, and discretion
• Aptitude for learning and staying current with policies and procedures
• Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database software
• Knowledge of university degree programs and requirements
• Knowledge of NCAA Division I rules and regulations

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree from an accredited college or university. A degree or significant previous coursework completed in behavioral or social sciences, communication, sports management, or other related field. Experience in work that required critical-thinking, problem-solving, and initiative-taking. Experience in athletic or other academic advising. NCAA Division I athletic program experience.

The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success since our founding in 1910. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We're developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life.

The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.