Position Summary:
Adams State University is seeking a Senior Associate Athletic Director for Compliance/Internal Affairs to be a member of the Athletics Department leadership team. As a direct report to the Director of Athletics this is a full time 12 month at-will position that will direct and oversee all aspects of the compliance and eligibility department as well as overseeing all aspects related to student/athlete’s academic success. The position supervises and evaluates a compliance assistant, and three auxiliary staff members. The position requires extensive working experience in NCAA rules and regulations, particularly at the NCAA D2 level.Implement ongoing comprehensive rules education program for the institution's student/athletes, coaches, faculty and alumni/donor groups to ensure compliance with NCAA, RMAC and institution rules and regulation at all times.
Ensure the Athletic Department operates with the highest level of integrity and ensures compliance with all NCAA, RMAC and institutional rules and regulations as well as federal and state laws.
Provide NCAA, RMAC and University rules interpretations for coaches, staff, student/athletes and parents, alumni, donors, prospective student/athletes and parents, campus and University personnel, community groups and all other inquiries and requests.
Prepare and submit various NCAA and RMAC waivers where necessary.
Oversee the management of initiatives that promote the institutional and departmental culture of integrity and compliance as it relates to intercollegiate athletics.
In collaboration with the Compliance Assistant and FAR, determine term by term eligibility for aid, practice and competition for all student/athletes in accordance with NCAA, RMAC and university rules.
Maintain athletics compliance office records, including interpretations, compliance actions, investigations, eligibility related documents, participation reports, financial aid and other data.
Complete and submit NCAA annual reports including, but not limited to NCAA Demographics and Sports Sponsorship report.
Where appropriate, work with entities on campus to complete EADA report, Federal Graduation rate report and any other required reporting.
Serve as the department’s liaison to the NCAA and RMAC for matters dealing with NCAA Compliance.
Attend and participate in NCAA and RMAC rules education, monthly meetings and conferences.
Conduct monthly coaching staff rules education training.
Provide leadership and supervise the full time Compliance/Eligibility assistant, establishing goals and priorities, conducting annual evaluation of direct reports and recommending/implementing necessary changes.
Main point of contact and responsible for ARMS and ensuring forms are up to date and completed (including CARA, recruiting, roster management, financial aid agreements, etc.)
Oversee the success of the department’s student/athletes, including their academics, health, safety and welfare.
Assists in maintaining an athletic department that is committed to the University’s mission and strategic priorities
Serve as the primary liaison with the financial aid, registrar, admissions and student affairs department.
Represent the athletic department in committees across campus, including Care Team and President’s cabinet
Direct oversight of auxiliary staff and departments which include Sports Medicine, Strength and Conditioning, and Sports Information.
Sport oversight duties as assigned by the AD
Conduct annual evaluations of the aforementioned personnel.
Work closely and counsel with the AD in key decisions pertaining to the athletic department.
Be the lead in writing policies for the department including updates to the Student/athlete Handbook and Department Handbook.
With the assistance of the AD as needed, handle all student/related issues and concerns that may arise
Serve as the primary contact for any/all student related questions, concerns and issues.
Bachelor’s degree required, Master of Arts or related degree preferred
Minimum of 3 years NCAA Compliance related experience required
Ability to work with a variety of personalities and excellent communication skills required.
A commitment to a strict adherence to NCAA, RMAC, university and department rules and regulations as well as a solid commitment to student achievement in academics. The successful candidate will be a person of high ethical standards and show initiative and integrity to make important independent decisions
Demonstrated knowledge and ability to work effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies in a global environment
Ability to treat others with respect, civility, and courtesy and to work honestly, effectively, and collegiality with employees, students, and the community. This includes the ability to use appropriate conflict management skills to effectively manage any disagreement that might arise or to bring the disagreement to management for assistance in productive resolution when the situation requires.
An understanding of Adams State University’s vision and mission
Salary and Benefits:
The salary range for this position is $61,860-$70,368. In addition to salary, Adams State University offers a competitive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, and retirement savings plans. For detailed benefits information please visit our Human Resources Benefits Page.
How to Apply:
All interested candidates must submit application materials electronically through Adams State University’s Workday application portal.
No other format of application material will be accepted.
Completed applications include the following:
letter of intent (cover letter)Cover letter
current resume or CV
Unofficial transcripts (official transcripts will be necessary at the time of appointment)
Three professional references, including phone number and email for each
For full consideration, applications should be received by 11/26/2025. Review of applications will begin immediately after this date.
The position will remain open until filled. Applications received after the priority deadline may be reviewed at the discretion of the search committee.
Questions about the position may be directed to Sky Higens at
Adams State University is committed to building and expanding the talent of its professional staff and actively seeks qualified applicants who bring unique perspectives, experiences, skills, and attributes that can augment the perspectives of our current faculty and staff and can contribute to serving and preparing our students to engage and thrive in their learning, leadership, and service.
We strive to create a more representative workforce that mirrors the people who study, work, and lead our institution and welcome applications from candidates from all walks of life, especially members of communities who fall within state and federally protected classes such as: women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities.
We value qualified candidates, with varied language skills, who have a record of successful experience with varied communities and student populations, and who have a deep understanding of and commitment to the unique geographical and historical characteristics of the place we are situated in and the intersecting perspectives that define our university being a low-income, first-generation, and Hispanic-serving, rural anchor university. Therefore, we seek individuals committed to intentionally supporting students and colleagues who possess these characteristics through their teaching, service, and scholarship.
The successful candidate will join a campus that is dedicated to inclusive excellence and acknowledges Adams State’s purpose to foster the educational goals of its students and the well-being of the surrounding community.
Additional information about the university and the academic mission may be found at www.adams.edu/academics/
Disclosures:
In compliance with the Immigration Control Act of 1968 candidates for positions must provide proof of eligibility to work before an offer of employment can be made final.
Adams State University is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for its students, faculty, staff and visitors, and to protecting its funds, property and other assets. Well-informed hiring decisions contribute to this effort. Therefore, Adams State University has adopted a policy on background screening for its prospective, continuing, and returning employees as well as students in certain circumstances. Offers of employment will be contingent upon the completion of an acceptable background check. The information received in response to a background check will be treated as confidential to the extent provided for by law.
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Part 106 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, including in admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and CFR 106 to Adams State University (ASU) may be directed to ASU's Office of Equal Opportunity, Director Ana Guevara, and/or to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights of the Department of Education. Support resources for sexual misconduct, ASU's sexual misconduct policies, contact information for the Adams State University's Office of Equal Opportunity & Title IX, as well as a detailed procedure for filing a grievance due to discrimination on the basis of sex may be found online at https://www.adams.edu/administration/oeo/reporting-sexual-harassment/. These procedures also describe the University's response to reports and/or complaints of sex discrimination or sexual harassment.
Adams State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Applications are sought from all qualified persons regardless of race, color, sex, disability, and, as covered by law, veteran status. In addition, University policies prohibit discrimination on the basis of religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation including transgender status and gender expression, marital status, and parental status.