Penn State Job Catalog

Additional levels that exist for this job profile can be seen below.

The defined natural career progression within or between job profiles.

Athletic Compliance

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:

– Advanced Professional

Base Description:

– Completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates proficient and comprehensive knowledge of defined skill areas/applications. Applies knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field to decision-making and problem–solving. Works under minimum supervision on varied and sometimes difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor or subject matter experts on unusual matters. May lead others or a team in completion of complex assignments. Interprets and communicates information clearly, accurately, and persuasively. Researches and tries new approaches when solving difficult or novel problems.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Indirect supervisor or mentor for other full–time employees
– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers, volunteers, or a full–time employee

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices
– May monitor/track budgets and funding

Problem Solving:

– Encounters generally routine problems with progressively more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems
– May apply specialized knowledge and skills to resolve complex and/or varied problems, with supervisor oversight
– Researches and tries new approaches when solving problems

Independence of Action:

– Works with minimal supervision on more difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor on unusual matters
– Follows precedents and procedures
– May set priorities and organize work within general guidelines established by supervisor

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally and externally within working unit and the University
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Promotes open communication in a manner that builds relationships among team members
– Applies appropriate strategies for managing conflict; negotiate reasonable compromises; propose and evaluate possible solutions
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution

• Comp Grade – 10
• Minimum – $61,800.00
• MidPoint – $75,700.00
• Maximum – $89,600.00

• Audit planning
• Consulting
• Document management
• Negotiation
• Presentation Skills
• Regulatory compliance
• Report writing
• Research methods