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Audit Compliance Legal Policy Development Risk Management
Management Professional Supervisory Support
Penn State Job Catalog
Athletic Compliance Specialist – Intermediate Professional (PSU1798)
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:
- – Intermediate Professional
- Base Description:
- – Completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.
- Level Summary:
- – Demonstrates ability to perform intermediate tasks in defined skill areas. Demonstrates intermediate knowledge of internal procedures. Works under general supervision, performing assignments that may be varied and sometimes difficult. Supports team decisions and follows through with team responsibilities. Interprets and communicates information clearly and accurately. Demonstrates intermediate problem–solving skills.
- Supervisory Responsibilities:
-
– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers or volunteers
- Fiscal Responsibilities:
-
– May validate and pay invoices
- Problem Solving:
-
– Encounters generally routine problems; occasionally faces more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems
– Applies knowledge of larger unit goals, priorities, and related procedures in determining course of action
- Independence of Action:
-
– Work is generally monitored by supervisor
– Detailed instructions and procedures are generally provided
– Uses available guidelines to make appropriate adaptations to routine situations and refers other situations to supervisor
- Communication and Collaboration:
-
– Communicates internally within working unit and/or the University
– May communicate with external audiences
– Collaborates closely with team members
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly and accurately both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution
Salary Structure
- Comp Grade – 8
- Minimum – $51,000.00
- MidPoint – $62,500.00
- Maximum – $74,000.00
Critical Skills
- Audit planning
- Consulting
- Document management
- Negotiation
- Presentation Skills
- Regulatory compliance
- Report writing
- Research methods
FLSA Exemption Status
Exempt
Minimum Education
Bachelor's Degree
Minimum Experience
1+ years of relevant experience
Equivalency
An equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Job Profile last updated on 2025-11-20