Stanford’s Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation (“DAPER”) is the premier intercollegiate athletics program in the country. With an unparalleled record of 136 NCAA team championships, we are the proud Home of Champions. Our success isn’t just measured in trophies; it’s reflected in the passion of our nearly 900 student-athletes competing across 36 intercollegiate varsity teams. It resonates in our unwavering support for the university’s physical education, recreation, and wellness initiatives. At Stanford, we don’t just embrace excellence; we define it. We don’t just nurture champions; we create them. Our actions are guided by the core tenets of DAPER culture, “The DAPER Way,” which are: Embrace Scholar Athleticism, Pursue and Revere Excellence, Lead with Courage, and Work Cohesively.
The Opportunity
This newly created position reports to the Assistant Athletics Director of Student-Athlete Success & Well-Being, the Student-Athlete Career Preparedness & Alumni Mentorship Coach will be responsible for managing, executing, and evaluating all programming related to student-athlete career preparedness and alumni mentor engagement. This position is a member of the DASH team and will play a pivotal role in supporting the holistic development of Stanford student-athletes through programming, education, and leadership opportunities. The Student-Athlete Career Preparedness & Alumni Mentorship Coach will work alongside the The Director of Student-Athlete Success and Well-Being to develop and facilitate career focused programming in close collaboration with on and off campus partners.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Serve as the DAPER liaison with the Career Coaching and Education team in Stanford Career Education.
- Provide both in-person and virtual career coaching to student-athlete undergraduate, graduate, and recent alumni of all disciplinary backgrounds in one-on-one and team settings.
- Integrate student development models, coaching models, and career and identity development theories, consistent with Career Education best practices, into all coaching and program development.
- Incorporate knowledge and understanding of intersecting personal, professional, and social identities, including diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within the context of career exploration and preparation into career coaching interactions.
- Interpret and implement Stanford Athletics, Career Education, Stanford University, and NCAA best practices and policies as they relate to career education and coaching, as well as alumni mentor engagement.
- Serve as subject expert and point of contact for student-athletes, coaches, Stanford Athletics administrators, on and off-campus partners, alumni, and company recruiters on student-athlete career-related matters and alumni mentor engagement.
Program, Resource Development and Delivery:
- Develop and deliver best-in-class in-person and virtual career programming for the student-athlete community including individual teams and affinity groups.
- Collaborate and strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders on advising and programming, and content related to career exploration and development, including but not limited to Undergraduate Advising Directors, Altius, Stanford Alumni Association, the Stanford Athletics Board (SAB), Corporate Sponsorships, Career Education, the Life Design Lab, Centers for Equity, Community, & Leadership on program development.
- Create and curate relevant and accessible resources (e.g. presentations, videos, webinars, static and interactive learning materials) to effectively and efficiently meet the career exploration and development needs of current student-athletes and recent student-athlete graduates.
- Manage all aspects of implementation and digital platforms related to career development and alumni mentor engagement including but not limited to Stanford Alumni Mentoring (SAM), Handshake, Teamworks, ARMS, and more.
- Establish and manage all marketing and communication efforts related to student-athlete career exploration and development and alumni engagement.
- Establish metrics and analyze data to inform decisions about DASH priorities focused on career development and alumni mentor engagement.
- Create meaningful opportunities for Stanford student-athlete alumni to engage with current Stanford student-athletes.
- Identify opportunities for student-athletes to participate in micro-internships with premier companies and organizations.
- Work with Assistant Athletics Director to meet evolving career education needs of student-athlete community with regard to ACC transition.
Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of relevant experience, or combination of education and relevant experience.
In addition, preferred requirements include:
- Advanced degree.
- 3-5 years experience in student affairs at in a highly selective research university with a diverse population of students.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Understanding of key career issues, trends, and opportunities that students of all disciplines face.
- Experience utilizing key career services software, including Handshake and PeopleGrove.
- Familiarity, experience, or certification in providing career assessment tools, such as CliftonStrengths, MBTI, and the Strong Interest Inventory.
- Experience working with undergraduate student-athletes.
- Knowledge and familiarity with intercollegiate athletics, especially NCAA rules and regulations, is strongly desired.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; clearly and effectively communicate information to internal and external audiences including student-athletes, coaches, administration and University staff.
- Excellent interpersonal, organizational, time management, and customer service skills.
- Nuanced understanding of issues related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
- Basic computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, and Canva.
- Relevant computer systems/technology experience including a solid understanding of social media.
- Ability to learn and understand compliance with legal, financial, and university policies and external regulations.
Why Stanford is for You:
- Freedom to grow: We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or course auditing. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
- A caring culture: We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
- A healthier you: Climb our rock wall or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
- Discovery and fun: Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
- Enviable resources: Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!
