Policy

Job Descriptions

Director of Athletics

Department: Office of the President

Supervisor: President of the University 

FLSA Status: Exempt


General Job Function

  • The Director of Athletics is responsible for the overall management of the Athletic Administration Department and relative operations of the University.

Standard Expectations

  • To possess the understanding of and the commitment to the University mission.

  • Responsible for the coordination and organization of the Athletic Department and operations, following the guidelines of the University and the visionary leadership of the University Administration.

  • To develop, execute, and implement policies, procedures and directives of the Athletic Depa1tment in accordance with federal and/or state athletic association rules and regulations.

  • To be responsible for a variety of professional tasks related to the planning, organizing, operation, and management of  the  marketing,  promotion  and  sports information  of the athletic programs.

  • To be responsible in ensuring that all athletic programs of the University meet athletic association rules and regulations.

  • To be responsible for the leadership in long-range planning, and strategies for the Athletic Department.

  • To be responsible for the development and implementation of the Athletic Department annual budget.

  • To be responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and recognizing potential donors to the Athletic Programs of the University.

  • To be responsible for leadership in promoting the athletic programs, operations, and individual athletes.

  • Perform other duties/tasks as may be assigned and/or requested by the President of the University.

  • To serve as a member and/or support of various committees, including, but not limited to, the Athletic Committee and Disciplinary Committee.

  • To participate in and complete a Performance Management Process, following the guidelines set forth by the University.


Decision Making and Management

  • On a regular and continuous basis exercises administrative judgement and assumes responsibility for decisions, consequences, and results having an impact on people, costs, and/or quality of service within the department/division.

  • Position directly supervises Head Coaches and indirectly supervises all other Assistant or Graduate Assistant Coaches.


Education and Experience

  • Required: Master’s Degree

  • Preferred: Master's Degree in Physical Education

  • Experience: 3-5 years of related experience required, at the collegiate level


Qualifications and Skills

  • Communication skills

  • Proven experience in athletic administration at the collegiate level.

  • Organizational skills and the ability to prioritize responsibilities. 

  • Multi-task oriented

  • Computer knowledge

  • Interpersonal and supervisory skills

Assistant Athletic Director

Department: Athletics

Supervisor: Director of Athletics


General Job Function

  • The Assistant Athletic Director is responsible for managing all aspects of eligibility compliance and academics, including education, monitoring and enforcing NAIA and Mid-South Conference Rules.


Standard Expectations

  • Consult with the Athletic Director, Faculty Athletic Representative, and University Registrars where student-athlete eligibility certification is concerned.

  • Maintain and compile eligibility certificates for all athletes and teams.

  • Conduct eligibility rules education seminars for all student-athletes and coaches.

  • Educate university faculty on issues relating to student-athletes and NAIA Eligibility. 

  • Coordinates and complete the EADA Report, NAIA Reports, Mid-South Conference Reports, Eligibility forms, student-athlete surveys, Athletic Department Attendance Policy, 24 week practice schedules

  • Serve as a liaison  between coaches and faculty

  • Ensure all required paperwork necessary for NAIA compliance are on file and in proper order

  • Monitor 24 week practice schedule

  • Work with Dr. Sheridan Henson and Academic Success Center

  • Academic Advising of student-athletes

  • Mentor and advise coaches and student athletes

  • Improve retention and graduation rate

  • Serve on Cumberland University Admission Committee

  • Serve on the Mid-South Conference Eligibility Committee

  • Monitor NAIA Countable Aid weekly with head coaches

  • Monitor weekly Cumberland University’s Athletic Department Attendance Policy

  • Serve as game administrator at athletic events

  • Serve on Student-Athlete Discipline Committee


This is a 12 month position reporting to the Director of Athletics.


He or she must have knowledge of NAIA rules and regulations, as well as excellent written and communication skills.


Education

  • A bachelor’s degree is required and a Master’s Degree is preferred.


Related Work Experience

  • 1-3 years’ experience in NAIA or NCAA athletics is preferred.


Working Conditions

  • Work in a high paced environment and handle conflicts. The ability to multi-task.



Graduate Assistant(s) to the Director of Athletics

Department: Athletics 

Supervisor: Director of Athletics 


General Job Function

  • The Graduate Assistant in the athletics department handles many responsibilities which include office work, answering telephones, word processing, copying, game-day setup, and greeting the public. He or she must have a commitment to the mission of the University, the community, and the student-athletes.


Standard Expectations

  • Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

    • Send, receive, and delivers faxed documents and FedEx packages

    • Support Game Day Management 

    • Create work schedules for student workers as well as supervise and train them for game day staff

    • Handle various duties for games and events

    • Be in attendance at home games

    • Manage the Gate and Concessions 

    • To be responsible for communication from the Athletic Department to the Coaching Staff

    • To be responsible for Coaches Meeting Minutes

    • To be responsible for the organization of resumes and applications as well as maintaining all files


Decision Making

  • This is a 20-hour-a-week position reporting to the Director of Athletics. The Graduate Assistant will manage the work study, student workers, and other support staff for the department.


Compensation

  • The successful candidate will receive full tuition and board, as well as meals in the cafeteria.


Qualifications

  • The applicant must have taken the GRE or GMAT and apply to Cumberland University's graduate program. Cumberland University offers graduate programs in Arts & Education, Business Administration, Science in Public Service Management, and Science in Sport & Exercise Science.




Faculty Athletics Representative

The intercollegiate athletics program at Cumberland University is committed to the health, safety, and welfare of its student-athletes, as well as to their intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development. It is appropriate, therefore, that the faculty of Cumberland University be represented in the oversight and administration of the University's intercollegiate athletics program. The Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) is appointed by the President of the University, and serves at the President's pleasure or until the FAR decides to relinquish his or her duties and responsibilities as the FAR. In his or her capacity, the FAR will report directly to the President of the University.


The FAR performs a strategic role in maintaining the University's academic integrity, ensuring institutional control of the intercollegiate athletics programs, and enhancing the experience of the student-athletes. The position of FAR requires strong academic values, accessibility, and sound judgement.


The FAR shall be a full-time member of the faculty. The FAR shall have access to pertinent information maintained in the offices of Admissions, Registrar, Business, and Financial Aid. This information shall include, but not be limited to, recruitment, admission, financial aid awards, and academic performance of all student-athletes. This information shall be available to the FAR as requested.


Duties of the Faculty Athletics Representative

  • Act as a liaison between the Cumberland University faculty and the athletic department.

  • Works collaboratively with the Director of Athletics and the President to provide leadership in the governance of the intercollegiate athletic program.

  • Be charged with the responsibility of ensuring that all participants in intercollegiate competition are eligible in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Association prior to their representing the institution in any manner.

  • Monitors the academic eligibility of the student-athletes along with the Compliance Coordinator.

  • Advises the Director of Athletics on all searches for Head Coaches.

  • Is involved in the process of requesting waivers and appeals.

  • Attends appropriate seminars, training programs, conventions, conference meetings, and coaches meetings.

  • Chairs the Athletic Committee.




Director of Athletic Training

Department:  School of Nursing and Health Professions/Athletic Department

Supervisor: Dean/Director of Athletics


General Job Function

  • To plan, organize, coordinate, execute, and assess the daily functions and requirements of the Athletic Training Program both academically and athletically.  To establish and maintain professional standards of conduct and scholarship to the highest standard in the field. Oversee the overall management of the athletic training department.


Standard Expectations

  • Communicate, support and execute the Mission of the University, the School and the Department.

  • To communicate, role model, and enforce University Policies as described and communicated in the Faculty/Staff Handbook and the Academic Catalog.

  • To build and sustain a professional and collegial climate among faculty/staff as is expected at an Institution of Higher Education.

  • To build and sustain a professional and collegial climate among students and Graduate Assistants as is expected at an Institution of Higher Education.

  • To role model the professional and academic skills graduates will require to excel in any professional environment they seek upon graduation.

  • To be responsible for the development of academic/athletic policies and procedures for athletic training, communicated and enforced through the Athletic Training Handbook.

  • To be responsible for the development and administration of guidelines for admission and involvement in the Athletic Training Program, communicated and enforced through the Athletic Training Handbook.

  • To be responsible for the development and coordination of curriculum for students in the Athletic Training Program, communicated and enforced through the Athletic Training Handbook.

  • To be responsible for instruction of the athletic training curriculum.

  • To be responsible for clinical instruction and supervision of athletic training students as needed.

  • To be responsible for the operation of the athletic training facilities.

  • To be responsible for the coordination of the athletic secondary accident insurance program.

  • To be responsible for the coordination of the substance abuse program.

  • To be responsible for maintaining program accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).

  • To assist the CEC with recruiting and providing an orientation workshop to Preceptors in an effort to provide quality clinical experiences for the athletic training student.

  • To perform other duties/tasks as may be assigned and/or requested by the Dean and/or Director of Athletics.


Decision Making and Management

  • On a regular and continuous basis exercises administrative judgment and assumes responsibility for decisions, consequences, and results having an impact on people, costs, and/or quality of service within the department/division.

  • Position directly supervises Clinical Education Coordinator, Head Athletic Trainer, Assistant Athletic Trainers/Instructors, Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainers, athletic training students and other faculty/staff members associated with Athletic Training.


Education and Experience

  • Required: Terminal Degree in Athletic Training or related field; BOC certification; Athletic Training Licensure by the State of Tennessee,

  • Preferred: CAATE and Administrator Experience.  

  • Experience: 3-5 years of related experience required, at the collegiate level.


Qualifications and Skills

  • Current CPR AED and First Aid certification;

  • Ability to conduct small- or large-scale research or assessment activities focused on contributions to the field, action research, or program improvement;

  • Effective oral and written communication skills;

  • Proven experience in Athletic Training at the collegiate level;

  • Organizational Skills and the ability to prioritize responsibilities;

  • Task oriented;

  • Knowledge of a range of software for assessment and data analysis and word processing; and

  • Collegial and Interpersonal Supervisory Skills.


Head Coach

Department: Athletics

Supervisor: Director of Athletics


Job Statement/Summary

The Head Coach is responsible for managing all aspects of his/her team. The Head Coach must recruit players each season in accordance with NAIA rules and regulations. Head Coaches must make prospective student-athletes aware of all policies and procedures in the University Regulations and the Athletic Handbook.


Essential Functions and Responsibilities

  • Evaluate any assistant coaches.

  • Ensure that injured players receive appropriate care.

  • Schedule games and practices to minimize scheduling conflicts as much as practical and to maximize fan participation to the extent possible.

  • Attending all practices, and having a clear and organized practice plan.

  • Transportation the team to away contests, by either driving or having a driver arranged.

  • Managing the team budget.

  • Managing team fundraising efforts.

  • Attend all coaches meetings.

  • Handle all aspects of camps and clinics offered.

  • Consistently communicate with the Athletic Director regarding matters related to the program.

  • Consistently communicate with the Faculty Athletics Representative and Athletic Director   regarding all eligibility and scholarship offers.

  • Manage all recruiting, practice, and travel forms.

  • Manage game day operations.

  • Adhere to the Athletic Department’s regulations.

  • Adhere to and promote the University and the Athletic Department mission, philosophy, and objectives. 

  • Adhere to and promote University policy in all respects.

  • General maintenance of the fields, weight rooms, and gyms.


Job Requirements and Preferred Qualifications Skills Abilities, Knowledge

  • This is a twelve-month position reporting to the Athletic Director. The Head Coach must have a strong commitment to Athletics and exceptional independent judgement, problem solving and planning skills, and the ability to effectively motivate student-athletes. The Head Coach must have the knowledge to teach the sport and the ability to recruit.


Education

  • Bachelor's degree is required; Master's degree is preferred.


Related Work Experience

  • 1-2 years of college coaching experience preferred.


Working Conditions

  • Work is conducted in a high-paced and ve1y stressful environment. Head Coaches are generally in high-profile positions.




Sports Information Director 

Department: Athletics 

Supervisor: Director of Athletics 


Job Statement/Summary

  • This position is responsible for a variety of professional tasks related to the planning, organization, operations, and management of the marketing, promotion, and sports information/media relations of the athletic department.


Essential Functions and Responsibilities of the Position

  • Under the general supervision of the Director of Athletics, plan, organize, coordinate, and manage the media relations and sports information programs for athletics. This shall include, but not be limited to:

    • Coordination of player, team, and game statistics and results.

    • Development and cultivation of productive relationships with the local, regional, and national media.

    • Development and implementation of successful print and electronic media programs.

    • Assist in the development and implementation of successful marketing and promotional programs to businesses and the general public.

    • Assist through involvement in athletic fundraising, and corporate sponsorship programs.

    • Development and coordination of internship programs, and work sh1dy students in sports information/media   relations.

    • Formal and informal instruction in the area of sports information/media relations will also be required.

    • Other duties as assigned by the Director of Athletics.

    • Participate in and complete a performance management process, following the guidelines set forth by Cumberland University.

    • Attend coaches meetings, department meetings, and conference meetings.

    • Manage game day press box and staff.

    • Manage athletic webpage.


Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree required/Master's degree preferred

  • Demonstrate experience in sports information, media relations, communications, athletic administration, marketing, and/or promotions at the collegiate level preferred

  • College football experience highly recommended



Strength and Conditioning and Weight Room Supervisor

Department: Athletics 

Supervisor: Director of Athletics 


Job Description

  • The Strength and Conditioning Coach provides expertise, guidance, and training in the area of strength training and physical conditioning for all student-athletes and sports teams at Cumberland University. He or she must have a commitment to the mission of the University, the community, and the student-athletes.


Essential Responsibilities

  • Schedule strength and conditioning workouts in cooperation with the Head Coach of each specific sport.

  • Set up the schedule of strength and conditioning workouts for each team at the new weight room (individual training sessions).

  • Provide expertise in the area of strength (weight) training and physical conditioning as requested by the Head Coaches in all sports on campus.

  • Provide athletes with guidance and proper training    techniques for free weights and other equipment  in the weight room

  • Maintain up-to-date records on the strength program of each team and specific individual workouts of every student-athlete.

  • Return all phones calls and emails lo Head Coaches and administrative staff promptly.

  • Update the Athletic Director on equipment needs and/or upgrades recommended providing Cumberland University athletes the best possible strength training equipment available.

  • Maintain the weight room (office hours, opening and closing of the building).

  • Maintain the weight room schedule and post the weight room schedule on the athletics website.

  • Attend all Athletic Department meetings.


Decision Making

  • This is a 40-hour-a-week position reporting to the Director of Athletics. The Strength and Conditioning and Weight Room Supervisor will manage any work study and any other staff.


Education/Experience

  • A Bachelor's degree in strength training or related field is required. He or she should have strength training experience at the high school or collegiate level. The Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) Certification is required.