Remote Athlete Support Specialist – Part‑Time Academic Coaching & Student‑Success Role for Hartwick College’s 350+ Student‑Athletes (Oneonta, NY)

Why Hartwick College?

Nestled in the picturesque Susquehanna River valley of Oneonta, New York, Hartwick College is a thriving, independent liberal‑arts institution that proudly embraces the teacher‑scholar model. With roughly 1,200 full‑time undergraduate students, we blend rigorous academic inquiry with experiential learning, cultivating leaders who can think critically, act responsibly, and engage creatively with the world. Our 425‑acre campus, set against the northern foothills of the Catskill Mountains, provides a vibrant backdrop for community, collaboration, and discovery. As a member of the Hartwick family you will join a diverse, inclusive workforce that values personal growth, celebrates achievement, and encourages every employee to make a tangible impact on the lives of our students.

Position Overview

We are seeking a dedicated, proactive, and empathetic Remote Athlete Support Specialist to join our Student Success Center for the 2023‑24 academic year. Working part‑time (up to 24 hours per week) and reporting directly to the Director of the Student Success Center, you will serve as an essential bridge between the athletics department and academic support services. Your mission will be to foster the academic excellence, retention, and graduation success of our more-than‑350 student‑athletes through individualized coaching, coordinated study‑hall programs, early‑alert interventions, and holistic transition support.

Core Responsibilities

Academic Coaching & Counseling

• Provide one‑on‑one academic counseling to student‑athletes, helping them map out degree plans, select courses, and monitor progress toward graduation.
• Deliver targeted study‑skills workshops addressing time management, note‑taking, test‑taking strategies, and stress reduction.
• Collaborate with faculty and tutoring centers to arrange supplemental instruction and peer tutoring for identified needs.

Team‑Based Support & Coordination

• Partner with athletic coaches to design and implement structured study‑hall schedules that align with practice and competition calendars.
• Facilitate team study sessions, fostering a culture of collective academic accountability and peer mentorship.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the Student Success Center and Hartwick Athletics, ensuring seamless communication and shared goals.

Early‑Alert & Intervention Management

• Monitor the college’s early‑alert system for academic or personal concerns affecting student‑athletes, and coordinate rapid response plans.
• Develop individualized intervention plans that may include tutoring, counseling referrals, or adjustments to study‑hall participation.
• Document all interventions and outcomes to inform continuous improvement of support services.

Transition Coaching

• Guide student‑athletes who are graduating, transferring, or ending their athletic eligibility through a structured post‑athletic transition program.
• Assist former athletes in reconnecting with academic advisors, career services, and campus resources to sustain their success beyond sports.
• Provide mentorship that emphasizes identity development beyond athletics, promoting lifelong learning and professional growth.

Outreach & Recruitment Support

• Lead informational sessions for prospective student‑athletes, showcasing Hartwick’s academic strengths, support infrastructure, and community values.
• Collaborate with admissions and athletics to create compelling presentations that highlight the synergy between sports and scholarship.
• Attend key campus events—Welcome Weekend, TrueBlue Weekend, and Commencement—to reinforce the college’s commitment to student‑athlete success.

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (any discipline) with a minimum of one year of professional experience in student services, academic advising, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience working with student‑athletes, understanding both the demands of rigorous sport schedules and the intricacies of college academics.
• Familiarity with NCAA eligibility rules and the ability to interpret and apply them in a counseling context.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel) and Google Workspace for data tracking, reporting, and collaborative planning.
• Clean driving record and a valid driver’s license (required for occasional in‑person campus engagements).
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule—including evenings and weekends (Wednesday through Sunday) to accommodate practice times, competitions, and study‑hall sessions.

Preferred (But Not Required) Qualifications

• Graduate coursework or a certification in higher‑education counseling, sport management, or student development.
• Previous experience in a collegiate athletics department or a similar high‑performing student‑support environment.
• Knowledge of data‑analysis tools for tracking academic progress and intervention outcomes.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through past initiatives or professional development.
• Experience facilitating large‑group workshops or leading peer‑mentor programs.

Key Skills & Competencies for Success

• Empathy and Active Listening: Ability to understand the unique pressures faced by student‑athletes and respond with compassion.
• Organizational Acumen: Skill in juggling multiple calendars, deadlines, and stakeholder expectations without sacrificing quality.
• Problem‑Solving: Proactive identification of academic risk factors and development of creative, evidence‑based solutions.
• Collaboration: Strong teamwork orientation, fostering partnerships with coaches, faculty, and campus support units.
• Technology Fluency: Comfortable using learning‑management systems, student‑information portals, and virtual meeting platforms.
• Professionalism: Consistent representation of Hartwick’s values, both on‑ and off‑campus, with a commitment to confidentiality and ethical conduct.

Work Environment & Culture

Hartwick College prides itself on a supportive, inclusive, and collegial atmosphere. As a remote employee, you will enjoy flexibility while still feeling fully integrated into campus life through regular virtual team meetings, on‑site events, and community gatherings. The college’s culture emphasizes:

• Student‑Centric Focus: Every decision is made with the student’s learning and well‑being in mind.
• Team Collaboration: Cross‑departmental initiatives encourage sharing of ideas and resources.
• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Staff are empowered to pilot new programs, evaluate outcomes, and refine practices.
• Diversity and Inclusion: An explicit commitment to creating a campus where all identities are respected and celebrated.
• Work‑Life Balance: Flexible scheduling, remote work options, and generous paid‑time‑off policies support personal wellness.

Compensation, Perks & Benefits

The position offers a competitive hourly wage ranging from $21.29 to $28.28, commensurate with experience and qualifications. In addition to pay, Hartwick provides a robust benefits package that includes:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for employees and eligible domestic partners.
• Retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions.
• Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Professional‑development stipend for conferences, certifications, and continued education.
• Tuition assistance for eligible employees and dependents, supporting lifelong learning.
• Access to campus fitness facilities, cultural events, concerts, and exhibitions—often at reduced or complimentary rates.
• Flexible scheduling that respects the athletic calendar and personal commitments.

Hartwick maintains a strong COVID‑19 vaccination policy, encouraging all staff to be fully vaccinated with a booster dose to ensure a safe campus environment.

Career Growth & Development Opportunities

Hartwick College is committed to the professional advancement of its staff. As an Athlete Support Specialist, you will have opportunities to:

• Expand your expertise in academic counseling and student‑development theory through internal training programs.
• Take on leadership roles within the Student Success Center, such as project management of new academic‑support initiatives.
• Network with senior administrators, athletics leadership, and faculty across disciplines.
• Earn eligibility for full‑time positions within Student Services or Athletics based on performance and organizational needs.
• Engage in research or grant projects focused on student‑athlete outcomes, potentially contributing to publications and conference presentations.

Application Process

To be considered for this rewarding role, please submit the following materials through our online portal:

• A concise cover letter that highlights your passion for supporting student‑athletes and outlines how your background aligns with the responsibilities.
• An up‑to‑date resume that details relevant experience, certifications, and achievements.
• A Diversity Statement describing past contributions to inclusive practices or future plans to advance equity at Hartwick.
• Contact information for three professional references (including at least one current or former supervisor) with a brief annotation of each reference’s relationship to you.

All applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Successful candidates will undergo a thorough background check and must sign a release authorizing Hartwick College to verify employment history, education, and any other pertinent records.

Join Us – Make a Meaningful Impact

If you are a dynamic, student‑focused professional who thrives in a collaborative environment and is eager to champion the academic success of student‑athletes, we encourage you to apply today. At Hartwick College, your work directly influences the trajectory of future leaders—your mentorship, guidance, and advocacy become part of the lifelong story of each athlete you serve. Embrace the chance to grow your career while making a lasting difference in a community that values excellence, integrity, and inclusivity.

We Encourage You to Apply!

Even if you feel you don’t meet every single qualification, we still want to hear from you. Great people come in many shapes and experiences, and we are excited to discover how your unique perspective can enrich our team.