Graduate Assistant

Summary and Purpose:

The Graduate Assistant – Athletic Administration at Aquinas College plays a critical support role within

the broader athletics department, gaining exposure to the operational, academic, and strategic aspects of

college athletics. This position has the capacity to assist with game day operations, compliance, strength

and conditioning, internal operations, athletic communications, and department-wide initiatives that

ensure a quality student-athlete experience. Working closely with athletics leadership and support staff,

the Graduate Assistant will develop essential skills in project management, and student services while

contributing meaningfully to the College’s mission of leadership and service. Enrollment in the Master of

Management (MM) program is required, and the successful candidate will be a proactive, detail-oriented

team player who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Responsibilities/Duties/Tasks/Essential Functions:

● Assist with game day operations, including event setup, supervision, and breakdown to ensure a

seamless experience for teams, officials, and spectators.

● Support internal athletic department operations, including inventory tracking, scheduling, and

administrative coordination.

● Work closely with the compliance officer to maintain up-to-date eligibility documentation and

ensure adherence to NAIA, WHAC, additional conference and institutional policies.

● Assist in athletic communications by contributing to website updates, social media content, and

student-athlete recognition efforts.

● Collaborate with academic support staff to monitor student-athlete academic performance and

provide resources for academic success.

● Contribute to department-wide projects such as strategic planning, policy development, and

annual reporting.

● Participate in planning and executing special events, including awards banquets, welcome events,

and leadership programming.

● Develop and refine skills in project management, data organization, and interdepartmental

collaboration.

● Represent the athletics department at campus and community functions as needed.

● Complete other duties as assigned by athletics leadership to support department goals and

student-athlete success.

Knowledge, Skills and Education Requirements

● Bachelor’s degree required.

● Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects.

● Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

● Proficiency with Microsoft Office and/or Google Workspace; experience with athletic software

preferred (e.g., compliance, statistics, CMS).

● Attention to detail and commitment to confidentiality, particularly in handling student records and

compliance matters.

● Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team and maintain professionalism in a fast-paced

environment.

● Availability to work evenings, weekends, and during athletic events.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

● Primary work in office and event settings; requires sitting, standing, and walking throughout the

day.

● Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to drive as needed.

● Occasional lifting and moving of equipment or event materials (up to 50 lbs).

● Use of standard office technology (computer, phone, printer).

● Regular evening and weekend hours for game day support and departmental events.

● May involve limited travel for conferences or professional development.

MISSION, VISION, VALUES:

Aquinas College, an inclusive educational community rooted in the Catholic and Dominican traditions,

provides a liberal arts education with a global perspective, emphasizes career preparation focused on

leadership and service to others, and fosters a commitment to lifelong learning dedicated to the pursuit

of truth and the common good.

Aquinas College is recognized as the exceptional Catholic liberal arts college that prepares individuals

for careers of leadership and service in developing a sustainable and just global community. Aquinas

College is recognized by its values: Faith, Service, Learning and Community.

Aquinas College prides itself as a leader in sustainability, and this requires the participation of every

member of the college community. In this regard, employees and their supervisors are expected to

engage in the process of “appreciative inquiry” to identify ways that each position can advance

sustainability in the employment experience.

In the performance of their respective tasks and duties, all employees are expected to conform to the

Aquinas College Service Statement:

The College serves our community with excellence and respect through an institutional commitment

to quality, accountability, cooperation, professionalism and responsiveness.

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Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Aquinas College is an equal opportunity employer and an inclusive educational community rooted in the

Catholic Dominican tradition. Aquinas College provides a liberal arts education with a global

perspective, emphasizes career preparation focused on leadership and service to others, and fosters a

commitment to lifelong learning dedicated to the pursuit of truth and the common good. Aquinas

College values: Faith, Learning, Service and Community.

Aquinas College offers an excellent benefits package that includes affordable medical, dental,

and vision plans, generous paid vacation each year, 16 paid holidays, paid sick time and

short-term disability, and college-paid life and AD&D insurance. Additionally, Aquinas

employees and their dependents are eligible for free tuition at Aquinas after one year of full-time

employment.