Job Description

Position Overview

Reporting to the Sr. Associate Athletic Director/SWA, the Associate Athletic Director for Compliance is responsible for the oversight, supervision and coordination of all athletics compliance activities related to NCAA Division I, Conference, and Merrimack College bylaws, rules, and regulations. This position shall support a commitment to compliance and institutional control with all coaches, staff, student‑athletes, university personnel, alumni and donors, mitigating risk for the college and the athletic department.

Responsibilities

• Oversee a comprehensive NCAA Division I athletics compliance program with a focus on education, creation, enforcement and monitoring of all policies and procedures, including, but not limited to recruiting, amateurism, financial aid awards and benefits, and playing/practice seasons.
• Provide ongoing NCAA DI rules programming and consistently educate and interpret applicable rules for student‑athletes, coaches, and staff on various matters; ensure donors and fans are informed and educated on applicable rules.
• Assure the timely investigation, resolution and self‑reporting of NCAA rules violations and filing of waiver requests, as they may occur.
• Lead the research, writing and submission process for waiver requests.
• Compile required information and/or data to complete and submit required reports, including but not limited to Sports Sponsorship and Demographics, EADA, and various conference and NCAA reports and surveys.
• Ensure all current policies and procedures are updated in the department's compliance handbook.
• Coordinate with the office of financial aid to monitor the administration of athletic financial aid, including working with the financial aid office to offer, apply, and evaluate financial aid for all student athletes.
• Work collaboratively with the Associate AD for Student‑athlete support to certify that all student‑athletes meet all NCAA, conference and college requirements for initial and continuing eligibility for athletic participation, for both practice and intercollegiate competition, and financial aid.
• Oversee the Initial Athletic Aid Agreement process for incoming student‑athletes.
• Serve as primary administrator regarding online NCAA Applications, ARMS software, and any other apps/software related to rules compliance, or similar area.
• Work collaboratively with coaches, student‑athletes and athletic department staff; and provide proactive communication on eligibility issues.
• Foster and maintain a culture within the department of athletics and key campus offices that demonstrates a commitment to NCAA rules compliance.
• Represent the department on a variety of campus committees as deemed appropriate.
• Manage the NCAA CAPS system consistent with College Sports Commission policies and procedures.
• Willingness and ability to work nights/weekends, including non‑traditional hours and holidays and travel with teams when necessary.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of NCAA Applications and ARMS software, preferred.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to educate and communicate with a broad range of constituents about NCAA DI compliance.
• Ability to work in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment and manage stressful situations.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks at once and meet deadlines.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills.
• Exceptional leadership skills.

Application Materials Should Include

• Resume
• Cover letter stating motivation and interest in the position, citing experience relevant to the qualifications and including experience with, and commitment to, our Catholic Augustinian mission and our values.

This position is subject to the successful completion of a criminal background check.

Statement on Our Mission

Merrimack College is a Catholic Augustinian institution of higher education committed to building an accepting and respectful community. Our mission is to enlighten minds, engage hearts and empower lives and is inspired by our Catholic faith and the Augustinian tradition of seeking truth through inquiry and dialogue.

Merrimack College seeks candidates who understand, respect, and can contribute to Merrimack's Catholic and Augustinian mission. All candidates should describe in their application how they will foster a culture that supports our mission.

About Merrimack College

The only Catholic, Augustinian institution of higher education in New England, Merrimack College is a private, independent, coeducational institution with more than 4,100 undergraduate, 2,500 graduate students and 50 doctoral students from 48 states and 63 countries. The College features more than 160 career‑focused undergraduate, professional and graduate programs, all taught by exceptional faculty who are passionate about their subject and student success. The College has six schools: arts and sciences, engineering and computational sciences, nursing and health sciences, education and social policy, the Girard School of Business and the Graduate School of Counseling and Social Work. The College's suburban 220‑acre campus is just north of Boston in North Andover, Massachusetts. Merrimack is a Master’s Colleges and Universities/Larger Programs (M1) institution in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Merrimack is one of the fastest growing educational institutions in the country and has steadily climbed in the U.S. News & World Report's ranking of Best Colleges, ranking 38th in the Regional Universities North category in 2026. Merrimack is an NCAA Division I athletic institution.

Merrimack College is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Salary Range: $70,000-$75,000

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