Job Summary
The Director of Player Development will serve as a mentor, advisor, and liaison to all players in the football program. The Director will work with department, campus and outside resources to assist student-athletes’ personal skill development (financial literacy, time management, etc.). The position will coordinate guest speakers to address issues and life skills outside of football; as well as develop a relationship with each football student-athlete. Collaboration with Student-Athlete Development of and oversight/tracking of all community service that the football team and/or football student athletes participate in will be central to the responsibilities of this position. This role will also develop, plan, and implement an orientation for incoming freshman and transfer football student-athletes.
What You'll Be Doing:
Mentor/Advisor
Serve as a mentor, advisor, and liaison to all players in the football program. Build relationships and trust with the student-athletes ensure they are comfortable with communicating concerns, issues and positive feedback regarding their Purdue experience. This includes managing the Profile Behavioral Assessment Results and meeting with student-athletes to learn their personality, goals, motivations, etc.
Student-Athlete Development
Work with the athletics department, campus and outside resources to assist student-athletes’ growth in personal skills (financial literacy, time management, etc.). The position will coordinate guest speakers to address issues and life skills outside of football. Responsible for ensuring football student-athletes participate in the opportunities offered by the Student-Athlete Development unit as applicable.
Freshman Onboarding
Develop, plan, and implement an orientation for incoming freshman and transfer football student-athletes. Provide guidance for student-athletes in the incoming class in critical areas including moving logistics, medical physicals, player parking, and immerse them into the football program. Serve as point of contact for all parents. Create a mentorship program pairing the incoming student-athletes with the upperclassmen. The head coach will rely on this person to advise him on all details regarding issues with incoming student-athlete transitions.
Community Service
Responsible for overseeing the community service of the program. Create and implement a summer, fall, and spring plan for the student-athletes and coaches to serve the Greater Lafayette community. The development of relationships and partnerships with external organizations, alumni, and donors is essential to this aspect of the role. Additionally, this position will identify events and opportunities for student-athletes to volunteer in the local community, such as visiting local elementary schools and hospitals, as well as attending events and speaking engagements. The community service hours performed by student-athletes will be tracked and logged by this position.
About Us:
Purdue Athletics is built on unrivaled pride, unlimited potential, and a sense of shared purpose that unites staff, student-athletes, and the broader community. As part of Purdue’s 150-year legacy, Athletics exemplifies a culture of collaboration, continuous growth, and excellence, where every member is encouraged to strive for success while fostering a positive and supportive environment. Joining Purdue Athletics means joining a team committed to building a better world together—where professional aspirations thrive, innovation is celebrated, and a lasting impact is made on campus and beyond. Read more: Purdue Boilermakers Athletics
What We're Looking For:
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master’s Degree Preferred
- Four (4) years of experience working with student-athletes and/or collegiate age individuals in a life skills and mentorship capacity
Skills needed:
- Knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations
- Knowledge of football fundamentals and rules of the game necessary
- Must be able to effectively communicate with student-athletes, coaches, administrators, faculty, staff, and parents
- Ability to plan and organize work to meet established deadlines necessary
- Ability to read, interpret, instruct, and effectively communicate complex rules, regulations, and guidelines
- Must be able to demonstrate problem-solving, analytical, and excellent communication skills (oral & written)
- Personal computer and related software skills (e.g., word processing, spreadsheets, database, internet)
- LIGHT PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: Lift and carry 10 to 25 lbs. frequently, and up to 40 lbs. occasionally
Who We Are:
Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.
Additional Information:
- Purdue’s benefits summary https://www.purdue.edu/hr/Benefits/
- Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
- A background check will be required for employment in this position
- FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible For Overtime)
- Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contribution Waiting Period
Career Stream
Compensation Information:
Professional 3
Pay Band S060
Job Code#20002135
Link to Purdue University's Compensation Guidelines: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/mngcareer/compguidelines/index.php
EOE
Purdue University is an EO/EA University