The Role

The Elite Athlete Development Adviser supports Performance Squad scholars and students on the Elite Athlete Tailored Offer to successfully balance the demands of high-performance sport and academic study. Acting as the primary link between student-athletes, academic staff, and coaches, the role monitors progression, coordinates tailored support, and helps students access academic, wellbeing, and development opportunities to achieve success in a dual-career environment. The postholder also leads on safeguarding within the Performance Team, promoting a culture that prioritizes wellbeing and supports the implementation of a ‘No Win at All Costs’ approach.

What will you be doing?

• Monitor the academic engagement, progression, and wellbeing of students admitted through the Elite Athlete Tailored Offer programme.
• Act as the central point of contact for academic staff, coaches, and student-athletes regarding the management of academic and sporting commitments.
• Support the development, implementation, and review of individual student development plans that integrate academic, sporting, and personal goals.
• Identify students at risk of academic underperformance and coordinate appropriate interventions and support pathways.
• Act as Safeguarding Lead for the Performance Team, promoting a positive culture, managing concerns in line with university policy, and supporting implementation of the University's 'No Win at All Costs' approach.
• Facilitate communication between students, academic departments, coaches, and support services to ensure timely and effective support.
• Work collaboratively with Faculty Heads of Education and academic colleagues to understand and apply relevant University regulations, policies, and procedures affecting student-athletes.
• Support the planning of academic workloads alongside competition schedules, training demands, and performance commitments.
• Provide guidance to coaching staff regarding academic structures, assessment periods, and the student experience within higher education.
• Gather, monitor, and evaluate feedback from student-athletes and academic stakeholders to inform continuous improvement of the Elite Athlete Tailored Offer.
• Maintain accurate records, reports, and performance data relating to student engagement, progression, and outcomes.
• Contribute to the development and promotion of the University's student-athlete support provision.