Graduate Assistant – Football Equipment Services 

Expected Start - July or August 2024

This is a part-time position, 1-year appointment that can extend to a total two-year program. Days and hours of work will vary based on the needs of the department and as job duties demand. Some evening and weekend work will be required.

All applicants should upload a cover letter, resume, and three professional references. 

Position Summary

The Graduate Assistant Football Equipment Manager will be responsible for assisting with the ordering, maintaining inventory records, embellishment, fitting, labeling, issuance, use, and maintenance of athletic equipment, apparel, footwear, and uniforms for the football program; assisting with coordination of operational activities, creating work schedules, and conductingtraining of part-time equipment staff.

Duties and Responsibilities of all Kansas Athletics Positions:

1. Adhere to University, Big 12, Kansas Athletics, and NCAA policies and procedures
2. Maintain knowledge of department activities, sports schedules, and procedures
3. Foster cooperative working relationships with fellow staff members within the department
4. Support the athletics department goals and philosophies as described by the Director of athletics and work to achieve and uphold the department’s mission statement and core values
5. Maintain a positive attitude toward performing job duties and in working with other staff
6. Exhibit professional decorum at all times while representing Kansas Athletics, including routine events and meetings that occur outside of the office and on the road
7. Maintain the confidentiality of all information obtained while an employee of Kansas Athletics including all private, confidential, or sensitive information and ensuring compliance with FERPA, HIPAA, and other applicable regulations

Duties and Responsibilities of Event & Facilities Graduate Assistant:

1. In consultation with the Head Football Equipment Manager & Assistant Football Equipment Manager, provide support for the ordering of all student-athlete, coaches, and support staff (athletic program) supplies such as uniforms, apparel, footwear, and equipment (athletic equipment supplies) for assigned athletic program;
2. Additional responsibilities include the receiving, fitting/sizing, labeling/numbering, and distribution of athletic equipment supplies to assigned athletic program in accordance with NOCSAE, NCAA, and Big 12 standards/policies; Ensure above items provided are sufficient in quality and quantity, as well as appropriate for weather conditions;
3. Maintain accurate and up-to-date accounting of all Kansas Athletics issued items to student-athletes and athletic program staff consistent with Kansas Athletics directives, Compliance Office directives, and NCAA Rules. Support adherence to policies and procedures for the issuance and retrieval of athletic equipment supplies for assigned athletic program. Includes tracking and maintaining an accurate inventory and taking a physical inventory on a periodic basis (or as necessary);
4. Assist with supervisory activities of sport specific student managers and interns, in terms of coordinating operational activities, creating work schedules, providing feedback to equipment leadership on coaching opportunities, and conduct training as necessary;
5. Assist with daily practice set up, including the movement of necessary practice equipment between venues. Assist with the transportation of athletic equipment to off-campus events, as necessary;
6. Provide support for assigned sport recruiting operations as necessary and appropriate. May include gear displays, apparel/footwear fittings, and speaking to recruits regarding student-athlete provisions;
7. Assist in the preparation of assigned athletic program’s athletic equipment supplies for home and away contests. Includes the preparation and packing for away contests; organization of equipment trailer; assist with preparation of visiting team and officials’ locker rooms for assigned sports’ practices and games;
8. Support the continuing inspection, care, maintenance and repair of athletic equipment supplies. Includes all appropriate alterations and manufacturer endorsed modifications;
9. Assist with laundry operations; promote adherence to the training of assigned staff in proper care of laundered goods and operation of laundry equipment; monitor laundry chemical rotations; promote adherence to OSHA policies and best practices;
10. Help organize storage areas; assist in determination of athletic equipment supplies as expendable or retained for future use. Adhere to departmental policies/best practices regarding the disposition of expendable inventory;
11. Adhere to Kansas Athletics Trademark/Licensing logo usage policies to insure compliance in the use of University marks;
12. Monitor any needs for Kansas Athletics football-assigned vehicles servicing and maintenance;
13. Assist with distribution and documentation of Varsity Letter Awards and Big 12 gifts;
14. In coordination with Football Facility Director, provide support in receiving of daily deliveries and contracted beverage provider product for the Football Complex
15. Seek knowledge of new innovations and technology as it relates to the athletic equipment industry. Actively participate in professional advancement opportunities; maintain AEMA Membership and Certification (once attained)
16. Perform other related duties as assigned by Director of Athletics, Assistant AD of Equipment Services, or Associate Director, Head Football Equipment Manager and Assistant Football Equipment Manager.

Required Qualifications of both Positions:

• Bachelor’s degree in Sport Management or closely related field;
• Admission to University of Kansas Graduate School pursuing a master’s degree in sports management, higher education degree, or an MBA;
• A desire to gain knowledge and develop professional skills;
• Positive and encouraging attitude;
• Outstanding communication, presentation, and leadership skills
• Demonstrated excellent organizational skills, and great attention to detail;
• Excellent interpersonal skills, especially with students;
• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed;
• Ability and willingness to work in a fast-paced environment both independently and/or collaboratively as a member of a team or committee.

Preferred Qualifications of both Positions:

• Previous internship or work experience in a collegiate athletics department;
• Previous work experience in football equipment services;
• Eligible for Athletic Equipment Managers Association (AEMA) Certification within one year

Compensation:gross monthly stipend Tuition, required course textbooks, and fees. 

Encouraged to apply: Kansas Athletics is committed to providing an equal opportunity for all qualified individuals to be considered for staff positions regardless of race, religion, color, sex, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, age, or status as a veteran. As a reflection of this commitment, Kansas Athletics strives to recruit and employ the most qualified applicants available, consistent with the requirements of the position and the long-range objectives of Kansas Athletics.

Work Environment

This job operates in both a professional office environment and outside at football-related events, including inclement weather. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as laptop computers and various digital devices, including, but not limited to: cell phone, printer, copy machine, and other related devices. This job requires flexibility and adaptability in schedule and the ability to perform job related duties on short notice.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to speak and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus. This position may require frequent bending, moving, lifting, and carrying material weighing up to 75 pounds; standing up to eight hours each day; and working in all weather conditions.

Travel

Occassional travel is expected for this position.

Hours of Work

This is a part-time position, extending a total two-year program. Days and hours of work will vary based on the needs of the department and as job duties demand. Consistent with Kansas Athletics Policy 601P: Graduate Assistants and Assistantships, you will be expected to work approximately 20 hours per week (on average) but no more than 40 hours per week unless alternative arrangements are made with your supervisor.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.