Graduate Assistant, Athletic Administration

GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP OVERVIEW

Elmhurst University welcomes applications for a graduate assistantship in the 2026-2027 academic year, which is renewable for the 2027-2028 academic year. This is a student position. Interested applicants will need to submit an application for admission into a degree-granting graduate program at elmhurst.edu/graduatestudies and be accepted before becoming eligible for consideration for a graduate assistant position that correlates with their area of study.

Graduate assistants at Elmhurst University may be hired for a full tuition waiver based on 20 hours of service per week. Graduate assistants also receive a stipend while they are working, paid bi-weekly, in support of their continued education. Graduate assistants participate in their assistantships during the Fall and Spring terms at minimum, and may be required to participate during January and/or Summer terms.

Eligible Graduate Programs: Master of Business Administration, M.A. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology.

Weekly Hours: 20

Tuition Waiver: Full

Stipend: $5,625 per academic year ($625 per month between September and May).

Terms: Fall 2026, January 2027, and Spring 2027; renewable for the 2027-2028 academic year.

ASSISTANTSHIP SUMMARY

The Graduate Assistantship for Athletic Administration offers comprehensive, hands-on experience across athletic operations, NCAA Division III compliance, event management, leadership development, and strategic support functions. The Graduate Assistant works closely with athletic administration and campus partners to support the daily operations of the department while gaining meaningful exposure to best practices in Division III collegiate athletics administration.

Special Notations 

Offers for this position are conditional upon acceptance into one of the above noted graduate programs at Elmhurst University. Graduate students must maintain full-time enrollment in their graduate program in order to maintain a graduate assistantship.

Graduate assistants in the athletic department must possess a commitment and responsibility for adhering to all rules and regulations of Elmhurst University, the CCIW, and the NCAA. They must cooperate with and furnish the NCAA, the CCIW, and/or Elmhurst University with truthful and complete information concerning involvement in or knowledge of rules violations. Any person who is found in violation of NCAA regulations shall be subject to disciplinary or correction actions as set forth in the provisions of the NCAA enforcement procedures, including suspension without pay or termination for significant or repeated violations.

Responsibilities

Athletic Operations & Event Management

• Assists with the daily operations of the athletics department, including:
• Game day and event operations (setup, supervision, staffing, breakdown);
• Facility scheduling and space management coordination assistance;
• Support for conference and postseason event hosting and planning.
• Assists with scheduling logistics and event personnel management.
• Communications for visiting team game day information.
• Supports inventory management for concessions equipment & supplies and game day management uniform maintenance.
• Assists with departmental meetings, special events, and departmental initiatives.
• Supervises student workers in areas including ticketing and concessions, ensuring professionalism, accountability, and customer service standards.
• Assists with revenue reconciliation procedures, and event-related financial protocols.
• Serves as an on-site point of contact during assigned athletic events with predetermined schedule fall, winter and spring athletic contests.

Compliance

• Assists with monitoring and supporting adherence to NCAA Division III and conference rules and regulations.
• Supports compliance education efforts for coaches, staff, and student-athletes during specific points throughout the year.
• Monitors and reviews playing & practice season calendars for accuracy and reporting any potential issues to Compliance Officer through monitoring of compliance software, Teamworks Compliance and Recruiting.
• Reviews and monitors participation tracking in Teamworks Hub, alerting Compliance Officer of any issues.
• Assist with:
• Eligibility tracking and roster verification at the beginning of each semester;
• Playing and practice season documentation at the beginning of each semester;
• Gaining knowledge of recruiting documentation and compliance forms.
• Maintains organized and accurate compliance records and reports as directed by Compliance Officer at the beginning of each year.
• Assists with NCAA, conference, and institutional reporting under supervision of Compliance Officer.

Communications & Engagement Support

• Assists with social media and digital engagement efforts, including event promotion and departmental initiatives, as needed.
• Develops an understanding of athletic communications operations, including:
• Game day communication technology support and set up;
• Best practices for promoting events, results, and student-athlete achievements.
• Supports branding and fan engagement initiatives as directed by Director of Athletics and Assistant Director of Athletics/Senior Woman Administrator.
• Maintains mass communications/awareness for student-athletes of events in Teamworks Hub software.
• Serves as a Teamworks Liaison in order to develop relevant and appropriate professional development skills within the Teamworks platform.

Leadership & Professional Development

• Participates in Athletic Department Senior Leadership meetings and departmental planning discussions, including:
• Record keeping of notes and minutes during meetings.
• Gains exposure to decision-making processes and strategic planning within an athletics department.
• Engages in professional development opportunities and mentorship within NCAA Division III athletics as appropriate and available.

Other Responsibilities

• Other duties as assigned by the Assistant Director of Athletics or designee.
• Responsible for answering general athletics inquires through telecommunications and maintenance of Athletics general email inquiries.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to continuous improvement.
• Supports the University’s mission, vision, and values.
• Supports the Athletic Department and the University’s commitment to supporting students from all backgrounds.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and meet deadlines.
• Commitment to NCAA Division III philosophy and student-athlete well-being.

Preferred Qualifications

• Interest in athletic administration, compliance, or operations.
• Previous experience in collegiate athletics (student-athlete, intern, or staff).
• Willingness to learn NCAA Division III compliance processes.
• Experience with event operations, ticketing, or game management strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and/or athletics management systems.

Work Hours

20 hours per week with a schedule to be determined with supervisor. Must be able to work flexible hours including frequent evening, weekend and holidays, particularly during athletic events.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements

The essential functions of this position are primarily performed in a variety of indoor and outdoor facilities, with regular exposure to varying weather conditions, including extended periods of extreme heat and cold. Work requires frequent districtwide, statewide, and out-of-state travel for recruiting or attending athletic competitions. Required abilities include walking, navigating uneven or slippery surfaces, bending, kneeling, and standing for extended periods; may require lifting and transporting equipment in excess of 50 pounds frequently and up to 100 pounds occasionally; and using fine motor skills to operate and maneuver a range of athletic or training equipment. Qualified applicants who can perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodations will be considered.

Benefits

An overview of Elmhurst University benefits is available here.