Director, Football Academic Services

STDT ACAD SPEC 4 SV (005146)

UCPath Position ID: TBD_940814

Position Description History/Status

Approved Date:

1/8/2026 3:49:01 PM

Date Last Edited:

1/9/2026 6:00:29 PM

Last Action Effective Date:

Organization Details

Business Unit (Location):

LACMP

Organization Code:

6000O

Organization:

INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS

Division Code:

5501D

Division:

INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS

Department:

374500 - INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS

Position Details

UCPath Position Number:

TBD_940814

Position Description ID

250473

UC Payroll Title:

STDT ACAD SPEC 4 SV (005146)

Personnel Program

Professional and Support Staff (PSS)

Salary Grade:

STEPS

Job Code FLSA:

Exempt

Union Code (Collective Bargaining Unit):

SV: STDT SVS & ADV PROF (SSAP)

Employee Relations Code:

E: All Others - Not Confidential

Employee Class (Appt Type):

2 - Staff: Career

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)

1

SUPERVISION

UCPath Reports to Position Number:

40043747

Reports to Payroll Title:

STDT ACAD MGR 1

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

40713754

Department Head Payroll Title:

ATH MGR 4 BYA

GENERAL SUPERVISION - Indicates that the incumbent develops procedures for performance of variety of duties; or performs complex duties within established policy guidelines.

005145

STDT ACAD SPEC 3 SV

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting directly to the Associate Athletics Director, Academic Excellence, the Director of Football Academic Services serves as the senior academic leader for the UCLA Football program, providing vision, strategic direction and operational oversight for all academic support initiatives serving football student-athletes. This role is responsible for integrating academic excellence with competitive success by designing, implementing, and evaluating comprehensive academic services that promote eligibility, retention, graduation, and long-term educational outcomes within the context of a nationally prominent Division I football program.

The position functions as a key advisor and partner to the football coaching staff, athletics administration, and campus academic leadership, ensuring alignment between departmental priorities and UCLA's academic mission. The Director leads a multidisciplinary team of academic professionals, establishes high standards of accountability and student support, and navigates complex NCAA, conference, and institutional requirements with sound judgment and discretion. In a high-visibility, high-pressure environment, this role champions a student-centered culture that emphasizes integrity, academic identity, and holistic development while supporting the unique time demands and performance expectations of football student-athletes.

Strategic Leadership of Football Academic Services

 • Provide vision, leadership and operational oversight for all football academic support programs

 • Establish academic standards, policies and accountability measures aligned with UCLA and departmental priorities

 • Evaluate program effectiveness using academic outcomes, trends and best practices to drive continuous improvement

 • Serve as the senior academic voice for football within UCLA Athletics leadership

 • Develop data-driven solutions and problem-solving strategies regarding class and major selection and post graduate academic opportunities.

35%

Academic Oversight, Eligibility & Compliance

 • Monitor academic progress and degree completion for football student-athletes

 • Develop individualized academic plans addressing learning strategies, course selection, time management and academic risk mitigation

 • Oversee academic intervention strategies for at-risk students and lead early-alert and retention initiatives

 • Prepare academic reports, trend analyses and outcome assessments for coaching staff and senior administrators

 • Collaborate with the Eligibility Certification team to support initial and continuing eligibility certification, and partner to resolve complex eligibility and progress-toward-degree issues

35%

Academic Oversight, Eligibility & Compliance

 • Manage academic presentations and activities during football recruiting visitsTravel as needed with the team to provide academic support, including study hall supervision and exam proctoring

 • Assist with monitoring and supporting NCAA APR performance outcomes

 • Contribute to NCAA GSR tracking, reporting and analysis in coordination with campus and athletics partners

0%

Staff Management & Resource Coordination

 • In conjunction with the Associate Athletics Director, Academic Excellence, supervise, train and evaluate staff assigned to provide football academic support services (e.g., learning specialists, academic mentors)

 • Promote staff development, performance accountability and consistent service delivery

 • Coordinate peer learning, mentoring and learning support resources specific to football scheduling demands

 • Manage workflows and resource allocation to ensure efficient, student-centered academic support

15%

Collaboration, Advocacy & Student-Athlete Development

 • Serve as the primary academic liaison to football coaching staff, faculty and campus partners

 • Advocate for football student-athletes within institutional academic structures while maintaining integrity and compliance

 • Support holistic student-athlete development, including academic identity, leadership and post-graduation preparationAddress sensitive academic and personal matters with discretion, professionalism and sound judgment.

10%

Rules Compliance

 • Comply with all Federal, State, University and Department requirements established pursuant to Title IX, including the mandatory reporting requirements for a “Responsible Employee.”

 • The DIA is governed by the NCAA, Big Ten Conference, Mountain Pacific Sports Federation and University of California System.  The incumbent is required to comply with the applicable rules, regulations and policies of those organizations.

    ◦ Review and retain all rules compliance disseminated by the DIA Compliance office.

    ◦ Report all NCAA and conference violations.

    ◦ Sign the annual NCAA Certification of Compliance form.

    ◦ Complete the Athletically-Related Income form annually.

    ◦ Comply with California State Child Abuse & Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA) Law and adhere to mandatory reporting guidelines.

5%

•

Performs other duties as assigned.

•

Complies with all policies and standards.

•

Complies with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Principles of Community.

•

This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree

Preferred

Master’s Degree in education, counseling, higher education or relevant field.

Preferred

Minimum 5–7 years of progressive experience in academic services for student-athletes, preferably at the NCAA Division I level

Required

Demonstrated leadership experience supervising full time academic support staff Strong knowledge of NCAA academic eligibility, APR, and progress-toward-degree requirements

Required

Demonstrated experience supporting football student-athletes within a highly competitive NCAA Division I environment

Required

Knowledge of learning assessments, learning differences, and the coordination of academic accommodations in collaboration with campus partners

Required

Ability to manage complex academic caseloads and competing priorities in a high-pressure, high-visibility setting

Required

Strong strategic leadership skills, including staff supervision, professional development, and program implementation

Required

Advanced academic coaching skills, including the design and execution of targeted academic interventions

Required

Proven ability to build effective relationships with coaches, senior administrators, faculty, academic advisors and campus stakeholders

Required

Experience using data and academic metrics to inform decision-making, monitor trends, and evaluate program effectiveness

Required

Demonstrated discretion, sound judgment, and commitment to ethical leadership and compliance

Required

Cultural competence and a student-centered approach that promotes equity, inclusion, and student-athlete advocacy

Required

Ability to comply with department, University, Conference, and NCAA rules and regulations

Required

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.

Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.

CANRA: The position is designated as a mandatory reporter under CANRA. The employee must sign the "Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse".

10%

Travel for position duties & tasks as needed.

Ability to work odd hours, including: nights, weekends and holidays as needed.

Required

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, MENTAL (PEM) REQUIREMENTS

Environment and Work Location Information

Environment Type:

Non-Clinical Setting

Location Setting:

Campus

Location:

Wasserman Football Facility, Los Angeles, CA 90095

Standing/Walking

X

X

Sitting

X

X

Bending/Stooping

X

X

Squatting/Kneeling

X

X

Climbing

X

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 0-25 lbs

X

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 26-50 lbs

X

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull over 50 lbs

X

X

Physical requirements other

X

Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes

X

Loud noise levels

X

X

Marked changes in humidity or temperature

X

X

Microwave/Radiation

X

Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment

X

Exposures other

X

Sustained attention and concentration

X

X

Complex problem solving/reasoning

X

X

Ability to organize & prioritize

X

X

Communication skills

X

X

Numerical skills

X

X

Mental demands other

X

X

Classification 3:  Position in which exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues is not part of the position description. The normal routine task involves no exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues and the employee can decline to perform tasks which involve a perceived risk without retribution.