Student-Athlete Mentor & Financial Educator

The Sokolov-Miller Family Financial and Life Skills Center seeks a Student-Athlete Mentor & Financial Educator to facilitate the Robinhood Money Drills program, a comprehensive financial literacy and career development initiative for Penn State Division 1 student-athletes. This position combines program management, financial coaching, and curriculum coordination to support student-athletes in developing essential financial skills and career pathways.

Primary Responsibilities-

Program Management and Coordination (40%)

• Manage day-to-day execution of the grant in collaboration with Program Manager and Director; maintain financial records and submit program evaluations to Robinhood

• Collaborate with the Morgan Academic Center to identify student-athlete needs, create course schedules, and recruit students

• Coordinate with on-campus partners including the Sokolov-Miller Family Financial and Life Skills Center, Career Services, Morgan Academic Center, and College of Education

• Develop course syllabi and participant manuals for financial literacy development courses and Student Athlete first year seminars through Health and Human Development and Morgan Academic Center

• Assist in scheduling courses including classroom locations, timing, registration, and materials procurement

• Recruit and coordinate faculty, guest speakers, and mentors

• Evaluate overall program effectiveness and integrate continuous feedback

• Maintain comprehensive program records and documentation

Career & Financial Planning & Coaching (40%)

• Collaborate on customizing the Career Planning and Life Design course (WFED 119) for Division 1 student-athletes

• Provide individual financial coaching and guidance to student-athletes at both undergraduate and graduate levels related to financial and career planning

• Assist student-athletes in developing career and financial roadmaps aligned with their professional aspirations

• Support students in preparing for successful transitions beyond their athletic careers

• Collaborate with athletic coaches, parents, and athletic department staff on financial planning and career development initiatives

Curriculum Development & Teaching (20%)

• Create and update curriculum content for career development courses at 100-level

• Teach career planning and financial literacy courses as needed to undergraduate and graduate student-athletes

• Coordinate with the Sokolov-Miller Center Director and College of Education on financial literacy curriculum development

• Ensure course content remains current and relevant to student-athlete needs at all levels

• Facilitate blended learning approaches accommodating athletic and academic schedules

Minimum Qualifications-

• Minimum 5 years of experience in academic advising, financial education, career counseling, student services or equivalent education and career experience

• Experience with project management, grant management and budgeting, or project coordination

• Demonstrated experience working with diverse student populations

Preferred Qualifications-

• Master's degree in counseling, workforce education, student affairs, higher education administration, or related field

• Meet Penn State Graduate School requirements for approval to teach graduate students (to serve graduate student-athletes in programs such as MPS/ODC)

• Experience working with student-athletes or understanding of NCAA Division 1 athletics

• Knowledge of financial literacy education and personal finance concepts

• Career counseling, financial counseling, or coaching certification (e.g., CCSP, CCC, NCDA, AFC, CFP, CPFE credentials)

• Experience with curriculum development and instructional design at both undergraduate and graduate levels

• Familiarity with Penn State systems (Workday, LionPath, Canvas) and procedures

• Grant management experience

• Prior experience teaching or advising graduate students

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities-

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with ability to build relationships across diverse stakeholder groups

• Excellent organizational and project management capabilities

• Administration of diverse career and financial assessment tools

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

• Proficiency with learning management systems and educational technology

• Strong problem-solving skills and adaptability

• Commitment to student success and development

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively

• Cultural competence and ability to work with diverse populations

Working Conditions-

• Part-time position with flexible scheduling to accommodate student-athlete availability

• Some evening and weekend work may be required

• Position may involve teaching in-person and online courses

• Occasional travel for conferences or professional development

Compensation-

Year 1 (2026): Up to $25,000 annually
Years 2-4 (2027-2029): Compensation may increase with performance evaluation and as duties are added per grant allocation

This is a part-time position based at University Park and does not include Penn State benefits. Position is renewable upon successful performance evaluation.