Strength and Conditioning Graduate Assistant

Aurora University (AU) is committed to the transformative power of learning by creating a student-centered environment and an equity of experience and opportunity, to ensure that students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel welcome and included. Our culture of collaboration, generosity, and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty, and staff.

AU is grounded in the transformative opportunity it provides to a diverse student body. As a private university with a public mission and a commitment to making a difference in peoples’ lives, AU has a long history of resilience and of providing access to an education that values innovation, focuses on continuous improvement, and has a positive impact on the communities we serve. We are proud of our service to and economic impact on the state of Illinois, where over 80% of our students stay to live and work, where 90% of our students come from, and where we foster strong community partnerships to develop the workforce in areas such as nursing, education, business, technology, and social work.

We are looking for passionate and purposeful individuals who represent the full diversity of Aurora and who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, ability, identity, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. When you join the team at AU, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative, and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice requiring broad collaboration among faculty, staff, students, and community partners.

At AU we believe that continuous learning is a fundamental part of working life, and our goal is for all colleagues on our campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support our community by providing all employees with opportunities to engage in professional development activities, as well as a range of tuition and employee benefits that can be found

Position Purpose

The Strength and Conditioning Graduate Assistant supports the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach in developing, implementing, and monitoring comprehensive training programs that enhance the athletic performance, strength, speed, and injury resilience of student-athletes. This role is responsible for assisting with daily weight room operations, supervising training sessions, maintaining a safe and motivating training environment, and promoting proper technique and training discipline. The position collaborates closely with sport coaches, athletic trainers, and other support staff to ensure programs are aligned with the overall goals of the athletic department and the individual needs of each team.

Core Competencies

• Represents Aurora University in the most positive manner with prospective, former and current students, clients, suppliers and the community we serve. Interacts effectively with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students and other customers of our service, learns and uses operating practices of the department and Aurora University.
• Upholds the Mission Statement: At Aurora University, our singular goal is to empower students to achieve lasting personal and professional success. We do this by being an inclusive community dedicated to the transformative power of learning. As a teaching-centered institution, we encourage undergraduate and graduate students to discover what it takes to build meaningful and purposeful lives.
• Handles all information with tact and discretion and recognizes the confidential nature of university business.
• Supports learning through performance of essential job functions and performing other duties and functions as necessary or as assigned, including voluntary participation in university committees, activities and events.
  
  

Essential Job Functions2. Athlete Supervision3. Instruction & Motivation4. Monitoring & Assessment5. Collaboration & Communication6. Facility & Equipment Management7. Record Keeping8. Professional Development9. Mentorship & Leadership10. Compliance & Risk Management

• Program Implementation
• Assist in the development and delivery of sport-specific strength and conditioning programs in coordination with the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach.
• Directly supervise training sessions to ensure proper technique, safety, and program adherence.
• Provide clear instruction and motivation to student-athletes in strength training, speed/agility development, flexibility, and recovery protocols
• Track athlete progress using performance metrics and modify programs based on assessment data, feedback, and training responses.
• Communicate effectively with sport coaches, athletic trainers, and medical staff to coordinate training with practice schedules, injuries, and return-to-play protocols.
• Maintain cleanliness, safety, and organization of the weight room and training equipment; report maintenance needs promptly
• Maintain detailed records of athlete attendance, testing results, and training modifications
• Stay current with trends in sports performance, strength and conditioning, and injury prevention through continuing education and certification upkeep.
• Serve as a positive role model for athletes and assist in mentoring interns or student workers involved in the strength and conditioning program.
• Ensure training practices align with institutional, conference, and national governing body guidelines, as well as health and safety standards.
  
  

Essential Job Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) required. Candidates must have completed or be on track to complete the NSCA CSCS certification prior to the start date.

Experience: Minimum of 1 semester internship of relevant experience.

Skills

• Knowledge of evidence-based strength, speed, and conditioning principles
• Ability to coach proper lifting techniques and movement mechanics
• Experience working with multiple sports and training needs
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent organization, time management, and attention to detail
• Ability to foster a positive, high-energy training environment
• Proficiency with training software and performance tracking tools
• Current CPR/AED certification
• Understanding NCAA Division III athletics\
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work with a computer for long periods of the day.
• Ability to attend off-campus meetings.
• Office setting, standing, walking, sitting.
  
  

Work Hours: This is a part-time, stipend-based position averaging approximately 20 hours per week during the academic year. Weekly hours may vary based on team coverage and seasonal needs. The position does not require work during institutional breaks or holidays.

Special Requirements

• A valid driver's license and driving record which meets institutional requirements is required.
• Requires travel between campus locations or to attend off-site meetings.
  
  

Compensation includes full tuition for the master's program and $5,000.00 stipend.

The pay range referenced in the job posting is the budgeted amount the university reasonably expects to pay for this position. The final pay rate will not be below the lowest pay rate listed herein.

Benefit-eligible positions offer excellent benefits including health, dental, life, vision, long term disability, a 403(b) retirement plan through TIAA, and tuition remission.

Aurora University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

This position is not eligible for benefits.

01

Do you have at least 1 year of relevant internship experience?

• Yes
• No
  
  

02

Do you have a valid driver's license and proof of vehicle insurance?

• Yes
• No
  
  

03

Have you completed or are you on track to complete the NSCA CSCS certification before August 1, 2026?

• Yes
• No
  
  

Required Question