NCAA Certification Specialist
NCAA Certification Specialist
About UMass Amherst
UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research
university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The
University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and
offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition,
the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College,
Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.
Job Summary
Working under the general supervision of the Assistant Registrar of Operations and Athletics, the
NCAA Certification Specialist assists in determining the athletic academic eligibility of student
athletes for competition in the NCAA in collaboration with the Department of Athletics,
academic advisors, and a broad set of campus stakeholders. The NCAA Certification Specialist
is critical to maintaining compliance with NCAA rules and regulations, and requires an in- depth
understanding of NCAA Division I rules and regulations, Atlantic 10 Conference, Colonial
Athletic Association, Hockey East and UMass academic regulations and policies. The incumbent
must maintain documentation of information used to make determinations in accordance with
institutional and NCAA requirements and develop procedures and reports related to the athletic
certification process. The NCAA Certification Specialist will also assist with the data collection
and reporting of annual NCAA reports (Academic Progress Rate, Graduation Success Rate).
Essential Functions
- Maintain thorough knowledge of policies, regulations, and practices with student records
services. Understand data processing principles and their applications in an educational
environment. Review and report violations of NCAA Division I eligibility requirements
and principles. - Apply knowledge of NCAA and University policies to a variety of individual
situations. Recommend procedures to ensure compliance in a diverse learning
community. Anticipate potential problem situations in the future. - Review and maintain student records (e.g., degree requirements, transfer credit) for
University athletes. Analyze impact of proposed curriculum and policy changes on
student athletes. Uphold current University policies, processes, and procedures and
Federal and Massachusetts laws pertaining to the privacy rights of students and access to
student information. Exhibit the highest levels of integrity. - Organize and prioritize work to meet deadlines. Budget time over long periods and plan
for cyclical periods of high volume work. - Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with campus departments. Work with
people from diverse cultures. Counsel, advise, educate staff and administration; make
referrals for students and staff over a wide range of subjects. - Continually assess processes and implement improvements utilizing strong problem
identification, critical thinking, and problem solving skills. Counsel and handle difficult
situations with sensitivity and responsiveness to student needs and knowing when to
make appropriate referrals if needed.
Other Functions
- Performs related duties as assigned.
- Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience,
Certifications, Licensure) - Bachelor’s Degree with 3 years of experience in higher education student administration.
- High level of proficiency with computer applications and software.
- Knowledge of data management and reporting practices.
- Experience with student information systems.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience,
Certifications, Licensure)
- Experience within a Registrar’s Office.
Physical Demands/Working Conditions
Typical office environment.
Work Schedule
Monday - Friday, 37.5 hrs/wk
Salary Information
PSU Level 26
PSU Salary Schedule
For more information and to apply, please click here.
UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color,
religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry,
disability, military status, or genetic information in employment, admission to and participation
in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase
opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with
disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of the UMass Amherst to comply with the
applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and
affirmative action.