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Audit Compliance Legal Policy Development Risk Management
Management Professional Supervisory Support
Penn State Job Catalog
Athletic Compliance Specialist – Professional (PSU0097)
Job Summary and Representative Duties
The Athletic Compliance Specialist is responsible for monitoring, interpreting, and applying NCAA, Big Ten, and institutional rules, as well as other applicable regulations; provides education to coaches, student-athletes, families, and staff; assists with the development of systems and processes that ensure institutional control and adherence to all regulatory requirements; monitor activity, conduct audits and investigations, identify and report violations, and assist with remediation.
- Serve as a resource by answering rules questions and providing interpretive guidance; prepare written educational materials, updates, and compliance reminders
- Deliver rules education sessions to coaches, staff, student-athletes, families, boosters, and university partners
- Support monitoring processes related to recruiting, eligibility, amateurism, financial aid, housing, complimentary admissions, team activities, name/image/likeness (NIL), social media, and playing/practice seasons
- Identify, document, and report possible compliance violations; participate in fact-finding and follow-up processes for potential infractions
- Prepare administrators, coaches, and all relevant personnel for external compliance audits and inspections; conduct pre-audit/inspection interviews and record reviews; identify areas of concern and provide consultation
- Track and review recruiting activities, including unofficial/official visits, evaluations, contacts, and recruiting communications
- Ensure external community initiatives, such as donation requests and student-athlete promotional activities meet regulatory compliance
- Assist with CARA (Countable Athletically Related Activities) and Time Management Plan documentation
- Coordinate with campus partners, including admissions, the registrar, academic advising, and financial aid to ensure compliance with NCAA and conference regulations
- Identify academic eligibility concerns; manage initial and continuing eligibility certification; monitor progress-toward-degree requirements; ensure confidentiality of academic records in compliance with FERPA and institutional policies
- Track and report on academic progress rates, graduation success rates, and other key metrics
- Support onboarding processes for prospective and incoming student-athletes, including NCAA Eligibility Center procedures
- Maintain accurate data in compliance software systems; contribute to the enhancement of internal workflows and monitoring tools
- Conduct regular audits of compliance documentation and data systems
- Generate accurate compliance reports and dashboards for internal and external stakeholders
- Help prepare required conference and NCAA reports, waivers, and appeals
- Keep abreast of changing compliance rules, regulation, and guideline requirements
Level Matrix
- Level:
- – Professional
- Base Description:
- – Completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.
- Level Summary:
- – Demonstrates baseline working knowledge of routine work tasks. Follows the standard principles and practices. Acts under direct and frequent supervision using established procedures with detailed instructions. Participates as a team member and actively contributes to completion of team goals. Clearly communicates information.
- Supervisory Responsibilities:
-
– None
- Fiscal Responsibilities:
-
– Typically none
- Problem Solving:
-
– Encounters routine problems
– Follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems
- Independence of Action:
-
– Work is closely monitored by supervisor
– Detailed instructions and procedures are provided
– Applies standard operating procedures with limited guidelines for deviation
- Communication and Collaboration:
-
– Typically communicates internally within working unit
– Collaborates closely with team members
– Clearly communicates information, ideas, or instructions verbally and in writing
Salary Structure
- Comp Grade – 6
- Minimum – $42,100.00
- MidPoint – $51,600.00
- Maximum – $61,000.00
Critical Skills
- Audit planning
- Consulting
- Document management
- Negotiation
- Presentation Skills
- Regulatory compliance
- Report writing
- Research methods
FLSA Exemption Status
Non-Exempt
Minimum Education
Bachelor's Degree
Minimum Experience
No prior relevant work experience required
Equivalency
Previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education
Job Profile last updated on 2025-11-20